Je peux parler, écouter, écrire, et lire.

I can now add this blurb to my list of identities:

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) B2
A B2 user has a degree of independence that allows her to construct arguments to defend her opinion, explain her viewpoint and negotiate. At this level, the candidate has a degree of fluency and spontaneity in regular interactions and is capable of correcting her own mistakes.

In order to earn this, I fought this battle today:

Type of tests: B2	Duration	Mark out of
Listening Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three recordings: - interview, news bulletin etc (played once) - presentation, lecture, speech, documentary, radio or television programme (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings: 8 mins	Approximately 30 minutes	/ 25
Reading Comprehension questionnaires dealing with two written documents: - text of an informational nature regarding France or the French-speaking world - text of an argumentative nature	1 h	/ 25
Writing Taking a personal stand (contributing to a debate, formal letter, review of a film/book)	1 h	/ 25
Speaking Stating and defending an opinion based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction.	Approximately 20 minutes preparation: 0 h 30	/ 25

Total duration of all tests: 2 h 30
* Total mark out of 100.
* Overall pass mark: 50/100
* Pass mark per test: 5/25

J’ai réussi. I passed. I got an 80/100. My lowest sore was 18.5/25. I am all that is woman.

This exam was supposed to be well beyond my level, and I am notorious for being a bad test taker. But oh, HAI! Look! Ecce! LOOK AT WHAT I DID! I took this exam and NAILED it to the wall like it was some innocent piece of felt waiting for me, owner of nail gun, to secure it to un mur. So I am happy to replace this with the identities of “bad test taker” and “non-risk taker” and “monolingual.”

I feel amazing. I am so proud of myself. This is a real TANGIBLE accomplishment. It always feels good to take a risk, work hard for something, and succeed. We need reminders that this formula works. Donc alors voilà – IT WORKED.

This risk-taking, test-taking magician BILINGUIST has a big month ahead of her. Stay tuned. It’s off to a formidable start.

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