Course description

The DELE ( Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera ) is issued by Spain 's Ministry of Education, and offers official accreditation to an individual’s mastery of the Spanish language for citizens of countries where Spanish is not the official language. The examination is offered at three levels that test ability to read, write, speak and understand Spanish.
The "Certificado Inicial de Español" indicates that candidates have a sufficient knowledge of Spanish, and are able to handle situations which require elementary use of Spanish. The exam is composed of the following parts:
Part 1: Reading Comprehension (40 minutes)
Two kinds of exercises:
a. Candidates must answer several multiple choice questions based on provided texts.
b. Candidates must answer open-ended questions based on a provided text.
Part 2: Written Expression (50 minutes)
Candidates must be able to write simple and practical things such as notes, notices, postcards, etc.
Part 3: Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)
Candidates must answer questions after listening to a simple conversation or recorded information.
Part 4: Grammar and vocabulary (40 minutes)
Three kinds of exercises:
a. Candidates must relate several sentences to corresponding situations.
b. Candidates must choose the words or expressions that are not appropriate in the context.
c. Candidates must complete text by answering multiple choice questions.
The "Diploma Básico de Español" indicates that a student has the necessary knowledge of the Spanish language to communicate in everyday situations. To obtain this diploma, an individual must take an exam that is comprised of the following parts:
Part 1: Reading Comprehension (60 minutes)
Candidates must answer 12 multiple choice questions based on four texts. Each text is no longer than 450 words.
Part 2: Written Expression (60 minutes)
Candidates must write both a letter and an essay, both of which must be between 150 and 200 words.
Part 3: Listening Comprehension (30 minutes)
Candidates will answer twelve multiple choice questions corresponding to four recordings.
Part 4: Grammar and Vocabulary (60 minutes)
Two kinds of exercises:
a. Candidates must fill in the blank answers after reading and reviewing given texts.
b. Candidates must complete sentences, which test knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
Part 5: Oral Expression (10 minutes)
Candidates must discuss picture or photograph for ten minutes with an examiner.