Duolingo English Test 2025 Express Guide

Tired of overcomplicated prep guides? This 2025 post distills everything you need to know into clear, actionable tips. From time-saving hacks to scoring strategies, this is your shortcut to smashing the Duolingo English Test with ease.

Writing Sample

Task Title: Writing Sample

Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: 3–5 minutes
Frequency: One question per test session
Task Requirements: The writing sample requires you to "Write about the topic below for 5 minutes."

The writing sample is a crucial part of the Duolingo English Test. You’ll be tasked with writing a short essay based on a given prompt. This task occurs once in every test session and provides you an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to construct a coherent, well-structured response.

Scoring Criteria:

• Content: Assesses the relevance, appropriateness, and completeness of your response. For example, whether you use formal vocabulary and complex grammar, include details and examples, and how impactful your writing is for the audience.
• Coherence: Evaluates the overall organization of your response, the clarity of your ideas, and the completeness of the structure. This includes the presence of a clear introduction and conclusion, appropriate use of paragraphs, and proper formatting.
• Grammar: Examines the variety of sentence structures, including simple and complex sentences, active and passive voice, and tenses. It also considers grammatical accuracy and proper use of punctuation.
• Vocabulary: Assesses the diversity and appropriateness of vocabulary used to support your ideas. Avoid repetitive or overly common words, and ensure word choices are natural and accurate, with correct spelling.

Strategies for Success:

1. Ensure Relevance to the Prompt: Staying on topic is essential. Make sure your essay directly addresses the prompt without deviating into unrelated areas.
2. Write as Much as Possible: The more you write, the better you can showcase your ability to develop ideas, use varied vocabulary, and demonstrate grammatical complexity. However, maintain consistent writing quality.
3. Check for Spelling and Grammar Accuracy: Errors in spelling and grammar can significantly impact your score. Carefully review your work to minimize mistakes.
4. Enhance Vocabulary and Expression: Use a range of vocabulary and expressions to improve the complexity and variety of your word choices.
5. Pay Attention to Punctuation: Proper punctuation is key to clarity and coherence. Misplaced commas or periods can change the meaning of your sentences and confuse the reader.

Sample Prompt:
Do you believe that self-driving vehicles are safer or less safe than human-operated vehicles?

 

Sample Answer:
I firmly believe that self-driving vehicles have the potential to outperform human-operated vehicles in terms of safety. Autonomous technology is designed to eliminate human errors, which account for the majority of traffic accidents, such as distractions, fatigue, and impaired reaction times. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI algorithms, these vehicles can make rapid, precise decisions and consistently follow traffic regulations. However, like any emerging technology, the development of self-driving vehicles depends on addressing challenges like system malfunctions and programming ethical responses to unpredictable scenarios. With continued advancements and rigorous testing, self-driving vehicles hold the promise of significantly improving road safety.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Writing Sample Prep Course

Interactive Writing

Task Title: Interactive Writing
Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: Step 1: 3–5 minutes; Step 2: 1–3 minutes
Frequency: One question per test session

Task Requirements:
Interactive writing consists of two steps:

1. Write about the topic below for 5 minutes.
2. Write a follow-up response for 3 minutes.

In the first step, you’ll have up to 5 minutes to write a short essay. After submitting your response, you’ll proceed to the second step, where you will have up to 3 minutes to answer a follow-up question. This question is randomly generated by AI based on the initial prompt and your response.

Scoring Criteria

• Content: Evaluates the relevance, appropriateness, and completeness of your response. Factors include the use of formal vocabulary, complex grammar, detailed examples, and the impact of your writing on the audience.
• Coherence: Assesses how well your ideas are connected, how effectively you express your thoughts, and the completeness of your overall structure. It also examines whether your essay has a clear introduction and conclusion, proper paragraph usage, and appropriate formatting.
• Grammar: Focuses on the variety of sentence structures, including simple and complex sentences, active and passive voice, and verb tenses. It also evaluates grammatical accuracy and the proper use of punctuation.
• Vocabulary: Reviews the diversity and accuracy of vocabulary used to support your ideas. Avoid repetition and overuse of common words. Ensure that your word choices are natural, precise, and correctly spelled.

Answering Strategies

1. Understand the Keywords in the Prompt: Begin by accurately identifying the key elements of the topic to ensure your response is targeted and relevant. If you’re unsure about the topic, practice brainstorming related ideas and accumulating a range of perspectives and examples. This will help you analyze and structure your response quickly during the test.
2. Maintain Logical Structure: Ensure that your ideas are well-organized and logically connected. Expand on your points with detailed reasoning and examples.
3. Showcase Variety in Sentence Structures and Vocabulary: Use diverse sentence types and alternate expressions to enhance your writing style and demonstrate language proficiency.
4. Proofread Your Response: Before submission, check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors to ensure your writing is both accurate and polished.
5. Type Quickly and Efficiently: Fast typing allows you to allocate more time for planning and refining your ideas, which is critical under time constraints.

Sample Prompt and Answers

Step 1 Prompt:
Some think that people are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or different. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give specific reasons for your answer.

Sample Answer:
While some might argue that people are constantly dissatisfied and seeking more, I believe that contentment is achievable and many individuals are satisfied with what they have. This is mainly due to the fact that true happiness often stems from non-material aspects of life, such as meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. When people focus on these elements, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and appreciative of what they already possess. A notable example is the story of the philosopher Diogenes, who lived a simple life in a barrel and found contentment in his pursuit of wisdom and self-sufficiency. Despite having few material possessions, he was known for his happiness and satisfaction with life. In conclusion, despite the notion that people are never satisfied, I believe that contentment is possible when individuals prioritize the non-material aspects of life that bring them true fulfillment. By focusing on personal growth, relationships, and purpose, people can find satisfaction in what they already have.

Step 2 Prompt:
How do personal achievements affect the desire to want more? Discuss whether you think that accomplishments can lead to satisfaction or further desire.

 

Sample Answer:
I firmly believe that personal achievements can lead to both satisfaction and further desire for success. One primary reason for this is that accomplishments often provide a sense of fulfillment and boost self-confidence, which can motivate individuals to strive for even greater goals. For instance, an athlete who wins a championship may feel a strong sense of satisfaction, but this success might also ignite a desire to win more titles and break records. Therefore, personal achievements can serve as a double-edged sword, bringing both contentment and a renewed hunger for further success.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Interactive Writing Prep Course

Read, Then Speak

Task Title: Read, Then Speak
Preparation Time: 20 seconds
Response Time: Minimum 30 seconds, maximum 90 seconds
Frequency: One question per test session

Task Requirements:
The "Read, Then Speak" task requires you to “Speak about the topic below for 90 seconds.” In this task, you’ll need to deliver an oral response based on the prompt text for at least 30 seconds.

The timer begins only after 20 seconds of preparation time.

Scoring Criteria

• Content: This evaluates the relevance, appropriateness, and completeness of your response. It also considers the structure, progression of ideas, the emotional impact on the listener, and the inclusion of specific details and examples.
• Fluency: This assesses your speaking speed, natural pauses, frequency of filler words, and degree of repetition or hesitancy.
• Pronunciation: This evaluates clarity of speech, syllable articulation, word stress, sentence stress, and intonation.
• Grammar: This measures your ability to use a mix of simple and complex sentences, active and passive voice, and different verb tenses. Grammatical accuracy is also considered.
• Vocabulary: This examines the diversity and appropriateness of your vocabulary, avoiding word repetition, and ensuring natural and precise word choices.

Answering Strategies

1. Stick to the Topic: Ensure your spoken response is tightly related to the given topic. Avoid straying off-topic and focus your discussion on the core question.
2. Express Fully: Provide as much detail as possible to articulate your thoughts clearly. This helps demonstrate your ability to develop ideas, use varied vocabulary, and employ complex grammar structures. Ensure your response is well-organized and coherent.
3. Ensure Grammar and Vocabulary Accuracy: Errors in grammar or vocabulary misuse can negatively impact your score. Strive for grammatical correctness and appropriate word choices.
4. Diversity in Vocabulary and Expression: Use a range of vocabulary and alternative expressions to enhance the complexity and variety of your response.
5. Focus on Fluency and Pronunciation: Speaking fluently and pronouncing words clearly are critical for success. Avoid excessive pauses, repetition, or filler words, and ensure accurate pronunciation.

Sample Prompt and Answer

Prompt:
Do you think that social media has a positive or negative impact on people’s mental health?

Sample Answer:
Well, for this topic, I would like to explore the impact of social media on mental health. There’s no denying that social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and its influence on mental health is a topic of significant debate.

On one hand, social media offers a platform for connection and communication that can be incredibly beneficial. It allows individuals to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of geographical distance and can provide a sense of community and belonging.

However, the flip side of this coin is that social media can also take a toll on mental health. The constant comparison with others’ carefully curated highlights can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Additionally, the pressure to present a perfect life online can be a source of stress and anxiety.

 

In my opinion, the impact of social media on mental health is multifaceted. It’s crucial to use social media mindfully, setting boundaries on time spent online and seeking balance with offline interactions.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Read, then Speak Prep Course

Listen, Then Speak

Task Title: Listen, Then Speak
Preparation Time: 20 seconds
Response Time: Minimum 30 seconds, maximum 90 seconds
Frequency: Two questions per test session

Task Requirements:
In the "Listen, Then Speak" task, you are required to “Speak about the topic for 90 seconds.” In this task, you first listen to the question and then provide a spoken response.

Note that the recording will start only after 20 seconds of preparation time. During this time, you can replay the question.

Scoring Criteria

• Content: Evaluates the relevance, appropriateness, and completeness of your response, along with your ability to present ideas in a structured and engaging manner. This includes the progression of ideas, the emotional impact on the listener, and the inclusion of specific details and examples.
• Fluency: Assesses your speaking speed, natural pauses, frequency of filler words, and degree of repetition or hesitation.
• Pronunciation: Focuses on the clarity of your speech, syllable articulation, word stress, sentence stress, and intonation.
• Grammar: Measures your ability to use a mix of simple and complex sentences, active and passive voice, and different verb tenses accurately.
• Vocabulary: Evaluates the diversity and accuracy of your vocabulary. Avoid repetition, and ensure word choices are natural and precise.

Answering Strategies

1. Listen Carefully: Begin by carefully listening to the question or prompt. Understanding the key points of the audio is essential to formulating an accurate and relevant response.
2. Ensure Relevance: Make sure your response directly addresses the question and remains focused on the topic throughout.
3. Grammar and Vocabulary Accuracy: Grammatical errors and incorrect word usage can negatively affect your score. Ensure your response is grammatically correct and your vocabulary is appropriately used.
4. Diversity in Vocabulary and Expression: Use varied vocabulary and alternative expressions to enhance the complexity and richness of your response.
5. Focus on Fluency and Pronunciation: Fluent speech and clear pronunciation are critical. Avoid excessive pauses, repetition, and filler words, and ensure your pronunciation is accurate.

Sample Prompt and Answer

Prompt:
Some people think celebrities are not good role models for teenagers. Do you agree or disagree? And why?

Sample Answer:
Well, for this topic, I’d like to talk about celebrities. Some people think they are not good role models for teenagers. I agree with that. When it comes to celebrities being good role models for teenagers, there are several points to consider. One perspective is that celebrities can be good role models for teenagers. This is based on the idea that some celebrities serve as mental health advocates and activists for critical issues, using their platform to create awareness, foster acceptance, and encourage action. They can inspire teenagers to get involved in important causes and make a positive impact on the world.

However, another viewpoint is that celebrities can also provide unhealthy examples. This perspective is supported by the fact that celebrity influence on body image and substance use is often detrimental to teen mental health. Their actions and behavior can promote unrealistic standards and unhealthy habits.

 

Personally, I lean more toward the idea that celebrities are not always good role models for teenagers because their lifestyles and choices may not always align with healthy values and behaviors.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Listen, then Speak Prep Course

Speaking Sample

Task Title: Speaking Sample
Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: Minimum 1 minute, maximum 3 minutes
Frequency: One question per test session

Task Requirements:
In this task, you will “Speak about the topic below for 3 minutes.” Read the provided topic and elaborate on it through a spoken response.

Scoring Criteria

• Content: Evaluates the relevance, appropriateness, and completeness of your response, including your expression style, idea progression, emotional impact on the listener, and whether your response includes specific details and examples.
• Fluency: Assesses your speaking speed, natural pauses, the frequency of filler words, and the extent of repetition or hesitation.
• Pronunciation: Focuses on speech clarity, syllable articulation, word stress, sentence stress, and intonation.
• Grammar: Measures your ability to use a variety of sentence structures, including simple and complex sentences, active and passive voice, and different verb tenses accurately.
• Vocabulary: Reviews the diversity and precision of your vocabulary, ensuring no repetition or misuse of words, and that your choices feel natural and accurate.

Answering Strategies

1. Stick to the Topic: While preparing your response, ensure that your content is closely tied to the topic. Avoid straying off-topic, and focus on discussing the core of the question.
2. Express Clearly and Naturally: Answer with a clear and natural conversational tone, as if you were speaking to a friend. Avoid forcing complex vocabulary or sentence structures that feel unnatural. Prioritize clarity and confidence in conveying your ideas.
3. Use Varied Vocabulary and Sentence Structures: Demonstrate your language skills by incorporating a variety of vocabulary and sentence types. Mix short and long sentences, as well as simple and complex structures. For example, combine statements and questions or use conditional sentences when appropriate.
4. Maintain Fluency: Strive for smooth, stable language delivery without excessive pauses or hesitation. However, avoid sacrificing accuracy for speed. Brief pauses to organize your thoughts are fine but aim for a natural flow. Improve your overall fluency and ability to think in English by practicing speaking on various topics.
5. Focus on Pronunciation and Intonation: Ensure your pronunciation is clear, especially for sounds that may be challenging due to your native language. Additionally, use appropriate intonation to convey meaning and emotion. For example, use rising intonation for questions and falling intonation for statements to make your speech more natural and comprehensible.
6. Make Use of Preparation Time: Before answering, you’ll have 30 seconds to prepare. Use this time to organize your thoughts and decide on key points and examples to include in your response.
7. Speak Confidently: In the actual test, express your ideas confidently. Even if you face challenges expressing complex ideas, maintain a calm and composed demeanor.

Sample Prompt and Answer

Prompt:
Is it important to show kindness to others in society? What are some ways to show your kindness? Explain your answer using reasons or examples.

Sample Answer:
Well, for this topic, I would like to discuss the importance of showing kindness to others in society. I firmly believe that kindness is not just important, but it's a vital component of a harmonious and supportive community. There are several reasons why I hold this view.

Firstly, kindness fosters a sense of unity and understanding among people. For instance, when we offer a helping hand to someone in need, regardless of their background, we create a bond that promotes empathy and compassion. This resonates with me because I’ve witnessed how small acts of kindness, like helping an elderly neighbor with groceries or giving up my seat on public transit, can make a significant difference in someone’s day and create a ripple effect of goodwill.

Furthermore, kindness can also be a catalyst for positive change. When we are kind to others, it encourages them to pay it forward, creating a chain reaction. For example, a simple compliment or a listening ear can brighten someone’s day and motivate them to spread kindness to others.

 

In conclusion, showing kindness to others in society is incredibly important as it builds connections, improves mental well-being, and inspires positive change. We can show kindness in many ways, such as through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply by being there for someone when they need it. By incorporating kindness into our daily interactions, we contribute to a more compassionate and supportive society.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Speaking Sample Prep Course

Read and Complete

Task Title: Read and Complete
Response Time: 3 minutes
Frequency: 3–6 questions per test session

Task Requirements:
The "Read and Complete" task asks you to “Type the missing letters to complete the text below.” In this task, you need to fill in the blanks to complete the words in a passage. Successfully completing this task requires a combination of strategies, including comprehensive text analysis, contextual understanding, and grammar knowledge.

Answering Strategies

1. Understand the Whole Passage: Quickly read through the entire passage before starting. Understanding the main idea and structure helps you determine the type of word needed for each blank and its approximate content.
2. Use Contextual Clues to Fill in Blanks: Use clues from the surrounding text, such as the meaning of preceding and following sentences, grammatical structure, and logical connections, to deduce the missing words. Pay attention to noun singular/plural forms, verb tense, and voice.
3. Apply Vocabulary and Grammar Accurately: Ensure that the words you fill in are grammatically correct and spelled properly.
4. Review the Completed Passage: After filling in all the blanks, read through the entire passage again to confirm that the inserted words make the passage coherent and logically clear. Ensure that each word fits seamlessly within the context.
5. Manage Your Time Effectively: Since the "Read and Complete" task is timed, it’s crucial to allocate your time wisely. Work quickly but accurately on each question to leave time for reviewing your answers.

Sample Exercise and Answer

 

Exercise:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer Example:
Ibai knew he wanted to live in New York City someday, but he couldn't afford that yet, so he rented an affordable apartment in a different city across the river. Ibai worked long hours and saved most of his earnings, hoping to one day be able to afford a place in New York. His roommate and best friend Marti had very similar goals, so he also worked long hours at his own job. Together, Ibai and Marti were eventually able to save up enough money to afford an apartment in New York.

Analysis:

• The title “Ibai and Marti’s New York Dream” hints that the story is about Ibai and Marti achieving their dream of living in New York.
• The first sentence introduces Ibai’s aspiration to live in New York, explaining that he rented a more affordable apartment in another city due to financial constraints.
• The conclusion reveals the happy ending where Ibai and Marti save enough money to afford an apartment in New York.
• During the task, common word pairings are observed, such as “worked long hours” and “saved most of his earnings.”
• Phrases like “hoping to one day be able to afford a place in New York” highlight fixed expressions like “hoping to” and “be able to,” which convey hope and capability.
• The sentence “His roommate and best friend Marti had very similar goals” uses noun pairings like “roommate” and “best friend.”
• Phrases like “so he also worked long hours at his own job” show the use of adverbs like “so” and “also” to indicate the result and similarity.
• The entire passage uses the past tense, evident in verbs like “had” and “were.”

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Read and Complete Prep Course

Write About the Photo

Task Title: Write About the Photo
Response Time: 1 minute
Frequency: Three consecutive questions per test session

Task Requirements:
The "Write About the Photo" task asks you to “Write a description of the image below for 1 minute.”

In this task, you need to write a description based on the image displayed on the screen. The prompt will appear simultaneously when the timer starts.

• Use your imagination to narrate what might be happening in the image.
• While the instruction specifies writing at least one complete sentence, it’s better to write more to fully showcase your abilities.

Scoring Criteria: Relevance, coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and length.

Answering Strategies

1. Identify the Focus and Theme of the Image: Determine the main subject of the photo—who is involved, where they are, and what they are doing. Look for any background details or context that can enrich your description.
2. Pay Attention to Vocabulary and Grammar Complexity and Accuracy: Use diverse and descriptive vocabulary to enhance your response. Aim for grammatically correct sentences with a mix of simple and complex structures.
3. Practice Common Themes: Familiarize yourself with commonly tested image types, such as people, animals, landscapes, and objects. Practice describing these scenarios and expand your vocabulary and phrases related to them.
4. Elevate Vocabulary and Sentence Structures: Use richer vocabulary and more complex sentence patterns to demonstrate your proficiency. For instance, incorporate relative clauses, adverbial phrases, and advanced grammar structures when appropriate.

Sample Photos and Answer

 

Photo 1:

Example Answer:
Carrying a backpack, the solitary hiker is traversing a mountain blanketed with lush green vegetation and knee-high weeds, which poses a challenge for him as he plans to set up camp using his own tent.

Advanced Techniques Demonstrated:

1. Starting with an adverbial clause: “Carrying a backpack...”
2. Using an advanced sentence structure: A non-restrictive relative clause introduced by "which."
3. Expressing inferred reasoning with “for” + clause: “for he plans to camp here...”

Enrich Vocabulary and Sentence Complexity:

 

Photo 2:

• Basic Description: People are talking and smiling.
• Upgraded Description: The group is engaged in an animated discussion, their jubilant expressions and enthusiastic gestures reflecting the excitement of their exchange.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Write About the Photo Prep Course

Interactive Listening

Task Title: Interactive Listening

Response Time: 4 minutes for Part 1, 75 seconds for Part 2

Frequency: Appears twice per test session

Task Requirements:

The Interactive Listening task consists of two parts:

1. Listen and Respond: Answer 5-6 multiple-choice questions

2. Summarize the Conversation: Write a summary of the dialogue

In this task, you will:

- Participate in conversations as one of the speakers

- Listen to audio that plays only once

- Select appropriate responses from multiple choices

- Write a summary of the entire conversation

Scoring Criteria: Comprehension, response appropriateness, summary accuracy, and writing quality

Answering Strategies:

1. Before Listening:

- Carefully read the scenario introduction

- Note your role in the conversation

- Identify the context and speakers

- Pay attention to the main topic or problem

2. During Listen and Respond:

- Focus on key details in the audio

- Compare answer choices with scenario context

- Eliminate obviously incorrect options

- Consider conversation flow and natural responses

- Use the remaining time to mentally note the main points for the summary

3. For Summary Writing:

- Begin with the main topic/purpose

- Include your role and the other speaker

- Mention the key problem or question discussed

- Include important suggestions or solutions

- End with the conversation outcome

- Use proper grammar and varied vocabulary

Advanced Techniques:

1. Scenario Analysis:

- Use scenario details to predict conversation content

- Reference scenario information when selecting answers

- Keep the scenario visible during Part 1 for reference

2. Response Selection:

- Eliminate options with unmentioned topics

- Avoid answers with ambiguous references

- Choose responses that maintain the conversation flow

- Select answers matching your assigned role

3. Summary Organization:

- Structure summary logically

- Include conversation context

- Highlight key points discussed

- Mention final resolution

- Use appropriate linking words

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Interactive Listening Prep Course

Interactive Reading

Task Title: Interactive Reading

Response Time: 7-8 minutes total for six sub-questions

Frequency: Appears twice per test session

Task Requirements:

The Interactive Reading task consists of five types of questions with six sub-questions total:

1. Complete the Sentences (1 question)

2. Complete the Passage (1 question)

3. Highlight the Answer (2 questions)

4. Identify the Idea (1 question)

5. Title the Passage (1 question)

Each set requires understanding and analyzing passages, with questions appearing in decreasing order of difficulty.

Scoring Criteria: Comprehension, accuracy, detail identification, and logical analysis

Answering Strategies:

1. Complete the Sentences (2-3 minutes):

- Read entire passage first

- Consider context and grammar

- Check for fixed collocations

- Pay attention to verb tenses

- Look for synonym distinctions

2. Complete the Passage (1 minute):

- Analyze paragraph relationships

- Check tense consistency

- Look for logical connections

- Consider transitional phrases

- Verify coherence of ideas

3. Highlight the Answer (2 minutes):

- Focus on question keywords

- Locate relevant text sections

- Ensure complete answers

- Look for synonym relationships

- Verify the accuracy of the selection

4. Identify the Idea (1 minute):

- Use elimination method

- Look for text support

- Avoid unsupported options

- Check for contradictions

- Focus on main concepts

5. Title the Passage (1 minute):

- Identify core topic

- Consider the main theme

- Eliminate irrelevant options

- Look for keyword connections

- Verify comprehensive fit

Advanced Techniques:

1. Time Management:

- Allocate time-based on question difficulty

- Complete harder questions first

- Leave time for review

- Monitor progress regularly

- Adjust pace as needed

2. Reading Efficiency:

- Skim for main ideas

- Scan for specific details

- Note paragraph structure

- Identify key transitions

- Track logical progression

3. Answer Selection:

- Use a process of elimination

- Check grammatical consistency

- Verify contextual fit

- Consider semantic relationships

- Review before proceeding

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Interactive Reading Prep Course

Fill in the Blanks

Task Title: Fill in the Blanks
Response Time: 20 seconds per question
Frequency: 6–9 questions per test session, appearing consecutively

Task Requirements:
The "Fill in the Blanks" task requires you to “Complete the sentence with the correct word.” In this task, you need to fill in a missing word within a sentence to complete it. The prompt will appear on the screen as the timer begins.

Instructions:

1. First, read the entire sentence to understand its context.
2. Then, focus on the missing word and use contextual clues to determine the correct answer.

Answering Strategies

1. Understand the Overall Context: Carefully read the entire sentence before attempting to fill in the blank. Ensure you grasp the meaning and context of the sentence as a whole.
2. Pay Attention to Keywords and Phrases: Focus on the keywords in the sentence, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. These often provide hints about the missing word.
3. Apply Logical Reasoning and Common Sense: Use logic and general knowledge to deduce the most appropriate word for the blank.
4. Analyze Grammar: Evaluate the grammatical structure of the sentence to determine the type of word required, such as a noun, verb, or adjective.
5. Leverage Knowledge of Word Roots and Affixes: Use your understanding of prefixes, suffixes, and word roots to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.
6. Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly practice and expand your vocabulary to improve your ability to complete sentences accurately.
7. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with similar questions will enhance your ability to quickly and accurately fill in blanks.

Example Question 1:

Understanding Context: Before attempting to fill in the blank, carefully read the entire sentence to ensure you understand its context.

Sentence Interpretation:
“The impact of something that destroys social cohesion is offset by acts of kindness.”

Analysis:
The blank should be filled with a word representing a negative quality, as it contrasts with kindness. The word “wickedness” fits this context, meaning “evil,” and completes the sentence coherently.

Answer:
“As a force that destroys social cohesion, the impact of wickedness is offset by acts of kindness.”

Example Question 2:

Focus on Keywords: Identify content words in the sentence, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, as they often hint at the missing word.

Sentence Interpretation:
“When one candidate’s votes do something to the votes of other candidates, the election winner is determined.”

Analysis:
Keywords like “votes” and “winner” imply that the winning candidate has more votes than others. The word “outnumber” meaning “to exceed in number” fits the context.

Answer:
“When one candidate’s votes outnumber the votes of other candidates, the election winner is determined.”

By understanding the test’s requirements, applying these strategies, and practicing regularly, you can enhance your ability to solve these questions effectively. Additionally, expanding your vocabulary and paying attention to spelling are critical for long-term improvement.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Fill in the Blanks Prep Course

Read and Select

Task Title: Read and Select
Response Time: 5 seconds per question
Frequency: 15–18 questions per test session, appearing consecutively

Task Requirements:
The "Read and Select" task requires you to determine, “Is this a real English word?”

You need to decide for each word displayed whether it is a real English word or not. Once you make your choice by clicking "Yes" or "No," the screen will immediately show the next question. You cannot change your answer after selection, as it is automatically submitted.

Instructions:

1. Make a Choice for Each Word: Ensure you click either "Yes" or "No." Skipping a word will count as an incorrect answer.
2. Don’t Worry About Word Distribution: The number of real words presented in this section can vary, so focus on each word individually without concern for balancing between "Yes" and "No."
3. Pay Close Attention to Details: Some words may appear real but have slight differences that make them incorrect.

Answering Strategies

1. Examine Each Word Carefully: Look closely at each word to spot subtle differences that could indicate it is not real. For instance, small changes in spelling can make a word incorrect.
2. Learn Word Construction: Familiarize yourself with common roots, prefixes, and suffixes in English to better understand how words are formed.
3. Master Spelling Rules: Understanding typical English spelling patterns will help you identify errors in seemingly real words.
4. Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly practice and build your vocabulary to recognize real words more easily.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Spelling Variations:

Some errors involve changing, adding, or omitting letters in real words. Always read and mentally spell out the word to check if any letters have been modified.

• Incorrect Word Forms:

Watch for incorrect combinations of roots and affixes. Ensure the word structure follows logical and grammatical rules. Some words may combine elements of multiple valid words but form a non-existent word.

• Morphological Errors:
  Verify that word forms adhere to proper rules of conjugation or derivation. Words with improper morphological variations should be identified as incorrect.

Additional Tips for Improvement

• Use spare moments throughout your day to repeatedly review and memorize words, focusing specifically on spelling.
• Vocabulary building is a gradual process. Dedicate time to learning new words and reviewing old ones to enhance your ability to identify real words.

With consistent practice and a growing vocabulary, you’ll improve your accuracy and achieve great results in the "Read and Select" task!

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Read and Select Prep Course

Speak About the Photo

Task Title: Speak About the Photo
Preparation Time: 20 seconds
Response Time: 30–90 seconds
Frequency: One question per test session

Task Requirements:
This task requires you to “Speak about the image below for 90 seconds.”

You will have 20 seconds to observe the square-shaped photo on the screen. The image typically features real people, animals, or scenery. After the 20 seconds, the recording will start automatically, though you may choose to start manually. Note that you only have one chance to record.

Scoring Criteria

• Relevance of Content
• Coherence
• Grammar
• Fluency
• Vocabulary
• Pronunciation

Answering Strategies

1. Maximize the 20-Second Preparation Time:
   Use these 20 seconds wisely to observe the image and prepare your response. Identify the focus and main theme of the picture: Who is the subject? Where are they? What are they doing? Quickly think of relevant vocabulary and mentally practice pronunciation. If time permits, note other significant details or background elements in the image.
2. Begin with a General Description:
   Start your response by broadly describing the main subject of the photo, such as what kind of person, animal, or scene is depicted and what action is taking place.
3. Add Specific Details:
   Follow up with detailed descriptions. For example, mention the subject’s clothing colors, the surrounding environment, and other noticeable features. Imagine you’re describing the picture to someone who cannot see it. This approach ensures clarity and richness in your response.
4. Include Logical Inferences:
   After describing the observable details, use clues from the photo to make logical assumptions. For instance, if the subject is wearing sunglasses and a summer dress, you might infer that the photo was taken on a sunny day.
5. Add Imaginative Elements if Time Allows:
   If you have extra time, speculate about what might have happened before or after the moment captured in the image. This adds depth to your response and utilizes the remaining time effectively.
6. Focus on Clarity and Continuity:
   Remember, there are no "right" or "wrong" answers for subjective questions. If you encounter difficulty finding words, use simple vocabulary or rephrase ideas to maintain fluency. Avoid long pauses or hesitations.

 

Example Photo and Response

Answer Example:

Alright, so there's this guy who's really into his fitness routine. He's outside, probably at a park or somewhere with a lot of greenery around. The background has this old brick wall with vines crawling up it, giving off a rustic vibe. He's wearing a bright red jacket, which makes him stand out against the natural surroundings. Underneath, he's got a black shirt going on. He's got short hair, neatly trimmed, and he's wearing a pair of headphones around his neck. I bet he's got some motivational tunes queued up for his workout session. He's holding an orange resistance band, stretching it out to the sides.

It looks like it could be early morning or late afternoon. The lighting suggests it's not too harsh, perfect for an outdoor workout without getting overheated. Considering his attire and equipment, it's clear he's serious about maintaining his physical health. Maybe he's training for a marathon or simply wants to stay in top shape. By exercising outdoors, he seems to be connecting with nature and finding peace amidst his rigorous workouts. It’s inspiring to see someone prioritize self-care in such a holistic manner.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Speak About the Photo Prep Course

Read Aloud

Task Title: Read Aloud
Preparation + Response Time: 20 seconds total
Frequency: 3–6 sentences per test session

Task Requirements:
This task involves recording yourself reading the given sentence aloud. The structure is simple: you are provided with an English sentence and asked to read it within the allotted time. It is recommended to first read the sentence silently to understand its structure and meaning, and then to pronounce it aloud, ensuring fluency and proper intonation.

Answering Strategies

1. Master Pronunciation:
   Correct pronunciation of each word is the first key step. Pay special attention to vowels, clarity of articulation, and the stress on multi-syllabic words. Ensure that the stress is placed correctly, especially for words like “important,” “participate,” and “especially.”
• Example Sentence:
  It’s important to participate in campus events, especially for new students.
• Phonetic Transcription:
  /ɪts ɪmˈpɔːrtənt tuː pɑːrˈtɪsɪpeɪt ɪn ˈkæmpəs ɪˈvents, ɛsˈpɛʃəli fɔːr nuː ˈstjuːdənts./
2. Emphasize Key Words:
   Focus on stressing the content words that carry meaning, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Function words like prepositions and articles should be pronounced but not emphasized.
• Example:
  Recently, universities have been organizing more campus activities, as more students want to be involved in their campus communities.

3. Avoid Hesitations and Unnatural Pauses:
Read the sentence smoothly and avoid unnecessary breaks or stumbles. However, avoid rushing through the sentence, as reading too quickly or in one breath can reduce clarity. Take appropriate pauses at natural breaks in the sentence.

• Example with Pause Markers:
  Mathematical and computer models are produced, | and field research is done to test the models.
3. Use Appropriate Intonation and Rhythm:
   Adjust your pitch and tone to match the meaning and emphasis of the sentence. Use falling intonation for statements and rising intonation for questions. Maintain a natural rhythm that reflects the sentence structure.
• Example Intonation Pattern:
  ↘ ↗ ↗ ↘

I will have gone to the movies by the time you decide what you want to do.

 

By mastering pronunciation, emphasizing keywords, maintaining fluency, and using natural intonation, you can effectively perform the "Read Aloud" task. Practice consistently to improve your performance and confidence.

Further reading:

Duolingo English Test Read Aloud Prep Course

Listen and Type Tips

Task Title: Listen and Type
Preparation + Response Time: 1 minute total
Frequency: 6–9 sentences per test session

Task Requirements:
Within the given one-minute time limit, type the sentence you hear into the answer box as accurately and completely as possible. The audio will play automatically once, followed by two additional plays that you can control manually (three plays total). Spelling words correctly, using proper punctuation, and paying attention to capitalization and contractions are recommended. Before the test, familiarize yourself with the interface and audio playback operations to improve your typing speed and listening accuracy. Make efficient use of the three plays to provide a response as close to the correct answer as possible.

Answering Strategies

1. Understand the Sentence Clearly:
   The first step to success is accurately understanding the sentence being played. This can be challenging due to unfamiliar pronunciations or accents. Focus on expanding your vocabulary, as it is a critical factor in achieving a high score.
• Example:
  This sentence is linguistically correct, but that is not how we say it.
• The word “linguistically” may be difficult to spell correctly, even if you recognize it aurally, which can impact your performance.
2. Master Pronunciation Variations:
   Sometimes the pronunciation you hear may differ from your expectations, making it harder to transcribe the sentence accurately. Pay attention to connected speech patterns like linking, assimilation, reduction, and elision, as they are common in spoken English.
• Example:
  The arrow flew straight toward the target.
• In “straight toward,” the final /t/ in “straight” and the /d/ in “toward” are often not pronounced, which can make the sentence harder to recognize if you are unfamiliar with such patterns.
• Visit: https://www.detpractice.com/ for more information.
3. Efficient Use of the Three Plays:
   With longer sentences, focus on capturing the content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) during the first play. Use the second and third plays to fill in function words (prepositions, articles, conjunctions). Rely on your grammar and syntax knowledge to infer missing parts and complete the sentence.
4. Pay Attention to Details:
   Be mindful of specific elements such as numbers, abbreviations, hyphens, punctuation, and capitalization. These details are often overlooked but can significantly affect your score.

Key Points to Practice:

• Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly practice listening to and spelling complex words, especially if you are targeting scores above 120.
• Familiarize Yourself with Connected Speech: Learn common reductions and elisions in English to improve your ability to recognize linked words.
• Practice Typing Speed and Accuracy: Efficient typing is critical in managing the one-minute time limit effectively.
• Review Grammar and Syntax Rules: Use contextual clues and grammatical knowledge to complete sentences accurately when certain words are unclear.

By consistently practicing these strategies and paying attention to listening and transcription details, you can significantly improve your performance in the "Listen and Type" task.

*Essential Resources for DET Success:

Comprehensive DET Question Bank: Master 18,000+ practice questions with our regularly updated database

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