Beginning April 2, 2024, the Duolingo English Test is adding a new Interactive Writing component to help improve the assessment of your writing proficiency. Interactive Writing expands upon the pre-existing Read, Then Write questions by encouraging you to elaborate on your ideas.

In this blog post, we explore the changes in Interactive Writing before and after the update, along with effective strategies and tips for approaching the new question types, to help candidates achieve better scores.

You can click on the video below to watch the ultimate guide to Interactive Writing.

Changes in DET question types after the update

Before:

Now:

First, you will read a prompt and write about it for 5 minutes. Next, you will read a follow-up prompt related to the original one, then write about that new prompt for 3 minutes.

Interactive Writing will contribute to the overall Duolingo English Test score. It will contribute to the Literacy and Production subscores.

Tips for the "Interactive Writing" question type in Duolingo English Test

1. While you're drafting your answer, you'll always have the current question displayed on your screen. This makes it easy to refer back to the prompt and ensures that your response is relevant and focused.

2. As you begin writing the second part of your answer, you'll be able to review the content you submitted in the previous step. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining consistency and coherence, allowing you to build on your earlier points.

3. Please avoid clicking the NEXT button impulsively. Take your time to complete your answer and carefully review it before moving on. If you click NEXT too soon, you'll advance to the next section and won't be able to return to make any changes. Always ensure you're satisfied with your response before proceeding.

Strategies for answering the DET "Interactive Writing" questions

l Make the most of your time. During the allotted timeframe for the exam, it’s crucial for candidates to maximize their writing output. This means not only focusing on quantity but also ensuring the content is relevant and well-structured. Planning your responses beforehand can help you stay organized and make efficient use of the time available.

l Utilize complex grammar and vocabulary. In the "Interactive Writing" section of the Duolingo English Test, one of the key criteria for scoring is the use of grammar and vocabulary. Candidates are encouraged to incorporate a variety of sentence structures and sophisticated words to demonstrate their language proficiency. This not only enhances the quality of their responses but also significantly boosts their scores. Therefore, practicing advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical constructions can give candidates a competitive edge.

l Manage your time wisely. Candidates must complete the writing tasks for two prompts within eight minutes. This can be particularly challenging for first-time test takers, so practicing time management ahead of time is essential.

l Practice frequently. Given that "Interactive Writing" is considered one of the more difficult question types, regular practice is essential for success. Candidates should take advantage of the practice exercises available on the official Duolingo English Test website and the DET Practice site. These resources provide valuable insights into the question format and the types of topics that may be covered. By familiarizing themselves with these elements, candidates can reduce anxiety and approach the exam with a calm and prepared mindset. Additionally, engaging in regular writing practice outside of the exam context can further enhance their skills and confidence.

Further Reading:

DET Prep Course: Interactive Writing

(A comprehensive course and exercises on the "Interactive Writing" question type.)

Duolingo English Test Question Type Intro 7："Interactive Writing"