6.1 Tarea 1: Matching Candidate Profiles to Short Notices

DELE B1 — Spanish Language Diploma Intermediate

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1 Chapter 1: Exam Structure, Logistics, & Scoring System

1.1 DELE B1 Qualification & CEFR Standards 1.2 Four Pruebas Format, Timing, & Administration 1.3 Scoring System: Two Groups & the 30/50 Threshold Rule

2 Chapter 2: Essential B1 Grammar — Past Tenses & Narrative Control

2.1 Pretérito Indefinido vs. Pretérito Imperfecto 2.2 Pretérito Perfecto & Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto 2.3 Habitual Actions, Time Markers, & Duration Structures

3 Chapter 3: Essential B1 Grammar — The Subjunctive Mood

3.1 Present Subjunctive Formation & Irregular Stems 3.2 Subjunctive with Wishes, Influence, & Emotions 3.3 Impersonal Expressions & Future Temporal Clauses

4 Chapter 4: B1 Sentence Structure, Connectors, & Syntax

4.1 Discourse Connectors & Textual Cohesion 4.2 Direct & Indirect Object Pronouns & Combination 4.3 Ser vs. Estar, Por vs. Para, & Verbal Periphrases

5 Chapter 5: B1 Thematic Lexicon & Sociolinguistic Domains

5.1 Daily Life, Housing, & Neighborhood Services 5.2 Work, Education, & Professional Communication 5.3 Travel, Leisure, Health, & Environmental Awareness

6 Chapter 6: Prueba 1 — Reading Comprehension: Matching & Text Analysis

6.1 Tarea 1: Matching Candidate Profiles to Short Notices 6.2 Tarea 2: Extended Informative Text Multiple-Choice 6.3 Tarea 3: Locating Specific Information Across Three Texts

7 Chapter 7: Prueba 1 — Reading Comprehension: Cloze & Linguistic Precision

7.1 Tarea 4: Gapped Text Fragment Insertion 7.2 Tarea 5: Grammar & Vocabulary Cloze 7.3 Reading Time Management & Distractor Traps

8 Chapter 8: Prueba 2 — Listening Comprehension: Announcements & Monologues

8.1 Tarea 1: Short Announcements & Advertisements 8.2 Tarea 2: Extended Personal Monologue 8.3 Tarea 3: Radio News Bulletins & Specific Facts

9 Chapter 9: Prueba 2 — Listening Comprehension: Conversations & Multiple Speakers

9.1 Tarea 4: Multiple Speaker Matching on a Common Theme 9.2 Tarea 5: Informal Everyday Dialogue 9.3 Active Listening Techniques & Double-Listen Protocol

10 Chapter 10: Prueba 3 — Written Expression: Interaction & Correspondence

10.1 Tarea 1: Letters, Emails, & Forum Responses 10.2 Register, Salutations, & Sign-Off Formulas 10.3 Word Count Management (100–120 Words) & Error Prevention

11 Chapter 11: Prueba 3 — Written Expression: Narrative & Opinion Composition

11.1 Tarea 2: Choosing a Prompt and Following Its Genre 11.2 Structuring a 130–150 Word Narrative or Opinion Essay 11.3 Analytic Scoring Rubric for Written Expression

12 Chapter 12: Prueba 4 — Oral Expression: Monologue & Follow-Up Discussion

12.1 The 15-Minute Preparation Period & Note-Taking Strategy 12.2 Tarea 1: 2–3 Minute Prepared Monologue 12.3 Tarea 2: Interactive Discussion with the Examiner

13 Chapter 13: Prueba 4 — Oral Expression: Photo Description & Role-Play

13.1 Tarea 3: Photograph Description & Guided Follow-Up 13.2 Tarea 4: Spontaneous Everyday Role-Play Simulation 13.3 Oral Evaluation Rubric (Holistic vs. Analytic) & Fluency

6.1 Tarea 1: Matching Candidate Profiles to Short Notices

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

Reading Tarea 1 matches six scored statements to nine notices (A–I); follow the booklet instructions for any worked example and unused options.

Success requires breaking down each candidate profile into 3 to 4 non-negotiable constraints, including budget caps, scheduling restrictions, geographical boundaries, and pet or equipment rules.

Distractor texts systematically exploit lexical mirroring, using verbatim vocabulary from a profile while secretly violating an essential constraint such as schedule, pricing, or prerequisite requirements.

A profile-first workflow is the most efficient test strategy: annotate constraints in the profile first before skimming the notices, eliminating partial matches methodically.

Candidates should allocate 12 to 14 minutes to Tarea 1, avoiding prolonged deliberation over a single item by using process of elimination across all notices.

Last updated: October 2026

6.1 Tarea 1: Matching Candidate Profiles to Short Notices

Tarea 1 of Prueba 1: Comprensión de lectura assesses your ability to extract specific, targeted information from short practical texts and match them to the needs, preferences, or personal circumstances of different individuals. In everyday life across the Spanish-speaking world, this communicative skill mirrors scanning apartment listings, evaluating job or volunteer postings, selecting recreational workshops, or reviewing community bulletin boards.

While Tarea 1 is often perceived as the most approachable section of Prueba 1, it contains engineered distractor traps designed to penalize superficial reading. To achieve a perfect score of 6/6 on this task, candidates must approach each item with an analytical, constraint-driven reading strategy.

Official Task Architecture & Format

The structure of Tarea 1 is rigorously standardized across all DELE B1 examination sessions:

Candidate Profiles (Items 1–6) : Six brief descriptions of individuals seeking a specific service, product, accommodation, educational course, or leisure activity. Each profile contains 20–30 words highlighting personal interests, logistical parameters, and non-negotiable limitations.

Stimulus Texts (Notices A–I) : Nine short, authentic or adapted texts (advertisements, classified ads, catalog entries, institutional notices, or promotional flyers). Each notice is approximately 40–60 words in length.

Unused Options and Examples : The official specifications describe six scored statements matched to nine notices. Some model booklets also give a worked example. Follow its instructions about the example and unused texts; do not assume every notice must be selected. Match each scored statement to one notice.

Scoring Value : 6 objective items out of the 30 total items in Prueba 1 (accounting for 20% of your reading score).

Recommended Time Allocation : 12–14 minutes out of the 70 minutes allotted for Prueba 1.

• Examination Element Parameter Strategic Significance
• Items 6 candidate profiles Read and deconstruct these before reading the notices
• Options 9 notices (A–I) The pool contains unused options; check the example instructions
• Reusability Strict 1-to-1 matching Once a notice is confirmed, eliminate it from subsequent searches
• Pacing ~2 minutes per match Requires rapid scanning rather than word-by-word translation

Note

Because the option pool includes unused notices, you cannot simply guess by process of elimination at the end. An unselected notice might be an unused distractor rather than the answer to your final remaining candidate profile.

The Constraint Decomposition Method ( El Método de Restricciones Obligatorias )

Most candidates who lose points on Tarea 1 fall victim to thematic skimming : they spot a notice about photography, remember that candidate 2 likes photography, and instantly choose that notice. However, examination authors intentionally write multiple notices covering the same general topic.

To avoid this trap, you must apply the Constraint Decomposition Method . Every candidate profile contains two distinct types of information:

The Core Topic ( El tema central ) : The broad subject matter (e.g., learning guitar, renting an apartment, taking a weekend trip).

The Mandatory Constraints ( Las restricciones innegociables ) : Specific conditions that restrict the candidate's options. A notice is valid only if it satisfies 100% of these constraints .

The Five Classic Constraint Dimensions on DELE B1

Across official DELE B1 administrations, mandatory constraints consistently fall into five categories:

Financial Limits ( Presupuesto y costes ) :

Maximum spending limits ( como máximo 200 euros , no quiere gastar más de 30 € por sesión ).

Inclusions vs. extra fees ( con gastos de electricidad incluidos , material didáctico sin coste adicional ).

Complete affordability ( busca una actividad gratuita , sin cuota de matrícula ).

Temporal & Scheduling Parameters ( Horarios y disponibilidad ) :

Days of the week ( únicamente los fines de semana , de lunes a jueves ).

Time of day ( en horario de tarde , solo por las mañanas , a partir de las 20:00 h ).

Duration and seasonality ( curso intensivo en verano , durante el mes de julio , talleres de corta duración ).

Geographical & Environmental Context ( Ubicación y entorno ) :

Proximity to transport ( cerca de una boca de metro , con fácil acceso a la estación de tren ).

Urban vs. rural setting ( en el centro histórico , en plena naturaleza , lejos del ruido de la ciudad ).

Physical venue ( al aire libre , en instalaciones cubiertas ).

Personal Characteristics & Prerequisites ( Requisitos del participante ) :

Prior experience level ( para principiantes absolutos , sin conocimientos previos , se requiere nivel intermedio acreditado ).

Age or social group ( para mayores de 30 años , actividades familiares con niños , para estudiantes universitarios ).

Group dynamics ( prefiere clases individuales , en grupos muy reducidos de máximo 5 personas ).

Special Logistics & Policies ( Condiciones especiales ) :

Pet policies ( debe admitir animales de compañía / mascotas ).

Equipment provision ( que proporcione todo el equipo necesario , sin necesidad de comprar material propio ).

Accessibility and certificates ( con certificado oficial de asistencia , instalaciones adaptadas ).

Important

A candidate profile typically carries one thematic preference and two to three mandatory constraints . If a notice satisfies the theme and two constraints but contradicts the third, it is an engineered distractor. Reject it immediately.

Distractor Trap Mechanics ( Las Trampas de Distracción Léxica )

Test developers calibrate distractors using predictable linguistic patterns. Recognizing these trap architectures allows you to neutralize them instantaneously during the examination: Candidate Profile: [Theme X] + [Constraint A] + [Constraint B] + [Constraint C]

• Notice 1 (Distractor): [Theme X] + [Constraint A] + [VIOLATION of B] <-- The Lexical Mirror Trap
• Notice 2 (Distractor): [Theme X] + [Constraint B] + [VIOLATION of C] <-- The Budget / Schedule Trap
• Notice 3 (Correct): [Synonym of X] + [Paraphrase of A, B, and C] <-- The Authentic Match
• Trap 1: The Lexical Mirror ( El señuelo léxico )

The distractor repeats exact words from the candidate profile ( senderismo , fotografía digital , cocina tradicional ), leading candidates who rely on keyword matching straight into an error. In reality, the correct text frequently uses synonyms or conceptual paraphrases rather than verbatim repetition.

Trap 2: The Over-Specification Trap ( El exceso de condiciones )

The notice offers the desired service but imposes a strict prerequisite that the candidate cannot fulfill, such as requiring prior membership, an advanced degree, or personal ownership of specialized gear.

Trap 3: The Pricing and Hidden Fee Trap ( Los costes adicionales )

The notice advertises an attractive base rate that seems to fit the candidate's modest budget, but notes in fine print that registration, workshop materials, or exam certification incur significant supplementary charges ( gastos de gestión no incluidos , alquiler de material aparte ).

Step-by-Step Worked Demonstration

To illustrate the Constraint Decomposition Method in practice, examine the following candidate profile alongside three competing notices:

Candidate Profile

Elena (34 años) : Desea practicar yoga o pilates para reducir el estrés laboral. Necesita que las sesiones sean después de las 19:30 h entre semana y prefiere un centro que facilite todo el material deportivo . Dispone de un presupuesto mensual de máximo 60 euros .

Constraint Checklist for Elena:

Activity : Yoga or pilates.

Time : Weekday evenings strictly after 19:30 h.

Equipment : Center must supply all athletic materials (mats, blocks, straps).

Budget : Maximum €60/month.

Competing Notices

Notice C: Espacio Zen «¿Sientes tensión por el ritmo diario? Ven a nuestras clases de yoga integral. Contamos con sesiones los martes y jueves a las 20:00 h en pleno centro. Disponemos de colchonetas y accesorios para todos los alumnos sin coste adicional. Tarifa plana mensual: 75 € con acceso ilimitado a las instalaciones.»

Notice F: Centro Equilibrio y Salud «Talleres dinámicos de pilates y estiramientos posturales. Clases grupales de lunes a viernes en dos turnos: mañanas a las 10:00 h y tardes a las 18:30 h. Trae tu propia esterilla y ropa cómoda. Cuota reducida de tan solo 45 € al mes para nuevos inscritos.»

Notice H: Estudio Bienestar Vital «Mejora tu flexibilidad y desconecta de la rutina laboral con nuestras sesiones nocturnas de pilates. Horario especial de lunes a jueves a partir de las 20:15 h. Ponemos a tu entera disposición esterillas, toallas y bloques en cada clase. Cuota mensual de 55 €, todo incluido.»

Evaluation & Elimination Matrix

• Constraint Dimension Notice C ( Espacio Zen ) Notice F ( Centro Equilibrio ) Notice H ( Estudio Bienestar )
• 1. Activity Yoga (Satisfied) Pilates (Satisfied) Pilates (Satisfied)
• 2. Schedule 20:00 h (Satisfied) 18:30 h ( Violated : before 19:30 h) 20:15 h (Satisfied)
• 3. Equipment Free equipment (Satisfied) Trae tu propia esterilla ( Violated ) Equipment provided (Satisfied)
• 4. Budget (≤ 60 €) 75 €/month ( Violated : exceeds budget) 45 €/month (Satisfied) 55 €/month (Satisfied)
• Verdict REJECTED (Budget) REJECTED (Time & Gear) CORRECT MATCH

Notice H meets 100% of Elena's parameters. Notice C failed on budget despite matching schedule and equipment. Notice F failed on both schedule and equipment despite advertising an enticing price.

Tip

In your test booklet, draw a quick 3-point bulleted list next to each candidate profile. As you evaluate notices, check off each constraint. Only transfer the letter to your answer sheet when all three checkmarks are confirmed.

Practical Exam-Day Execution Protocol & Pacing

To complete Tarea 1 within the target window of 12–14 minutes, execute the following four-stage protocol:

Phase 1: Profile Dissection (3 minutes)

Read Candidate 1. Underline the activity and circle the 2–3 non-negotiable constraints (numbers, days, locations, conditions).

Repeat for Candidates 2 through 6. Do not look at the notices yet.

Phase 2: First-Pass Notice Scanning (5 minutes)

Skim the 9 notices. Identify obvious thematic candidates for each profile.

When a notice clearly matches all constraints of a profile, write its letter next to the candidate and lightly cross out that notice to narrow the pool.

Phase 3: Resolving Complex Distractors (4 minutes)

Return to any unmatched candidates. You will typically have 2–3 unresolved candidates and 4–5 remaining notices (including the genuine distractors).

Compare the competing notices side-by-side using the elimination matrix technique to detect the hidden violation.

Phase 4: Optical Sheet Verification (1 minute)

Ensure you have marked six unique letters on your answer sheet ( Hoja de Respuestas 1 ). Verify that no letter has been duplicated.