Duolingo Write About the Photo Task: The Fastest Way to Boost Your Writing Score

The Write About the Photo task on the Duolingo English Test (DET) looks simple: you see a picture, and you have 60 seconds to write at least one sentence. But the real challenge is showing grammatical variety and descriptive depth in a very short time.

In this guide, we’ll explore why sentence structure matters more than vocabulary, how to use a three‑step framework to organize your response, and which advanced sentence patterns work best for different categories of photos.

Why Grammar Variety Beats Rare Vocabulary in DET Writing

DET doesn’t reward obscure words—it rewards clarity and range.

A sentence like:

The man, who appears to be in his mid‑thirties, is standing near the entrance with a thoughtful expression.

…scores higher than three short, choppy sentences like:

There is a man. He looks serious. He is standing by a door.

The difference? The first uses a relative clause to add detail and flow. That’s the kind of sophistication DET values.

The Three‑Step Framework for Duolingo Write About the Photo Task

Think of your response as a mini‑paragraph:

1. Opening Sentence – Identify the subject
   In the photo, there is a young woman who is reading a book by the window.
2. Detail Sentence – Add context or action
   On the left side of the picture stands a tall tree covered with snow.
3. Closing Sentence – Summarize or infer
   The whole scene looks peaceful, with the sunlight shining gently on the woman’s face.

This structure ensures you cover the basics (what, where, how) while showcasing advanced grammar.

Advanced Sentence Patterns to Keep in Your Toolkit

Which Sentence Structures Fit Which Photo Categories?

Different photos call for different grammar tricks. Here’s a quick guide:

1. People

• Relative clauses: The woman, who seems to be waiting for someone, is checking her phone.
• Participial phrases: Two men, laughing loudly, are walking together.
• Compound sentences: He is holding a coffee, and he looks ready for work.

👉 Best for describing appearance, actions, and emotions.

2. Animals

• Cleft sentences: It is in the middle of the picture that a dog is lying on the grass.
• Inversion: On the branch of the tree sits a colorful bird.
• Absolute constructions: Its eyes half‑closed, the cat looks completely relaxed.

👉 Best for highlighting movement, position, and atmosphere.

3. Scenery

• Participial + descriptive clause: The sun setting behind the mountains, the sky glows orange and purple.
• Compound‑complex sentences: There is a river flowing across the valley, and small houses can be seen along its banks.
• Subjunctive mood: If one were standing there, one would feel a sense of peace.

👉 Best for capturing foreground, background, and mood.

4. Objects

• Relative clauses: On the table lies a laptop, which looks slightly old but still functional.
• Cleft sentences: It is the bright red color that makes the bicycle stand out.
• Inversion: Next to the chair is placed a small bag.

👉 Best for describing features, position, and function.

Practical Tips for Test Day

• Aim for 2–3 sentences: One strong complex sentence is the minimum, but two or three give you room to show range.
• Cover foreground, background, and mood: This makes your description feel complete.
• Practice with a timer: Train yourself to think in sentence patterns, not individual words.
• Keep vocabulary simple, grammar advanced: That’s the winning formula.

Final Thoughts

The Write About the Photo task is your chance to prove you can handle English grammar flexibly under time pressure. By combining a three‑step framework with category‑specific sentence structures, you can turn even the simplest snapshot into a polished, high‑scoring response.

Every photo is an opportunity—not just to describe what you see, but to demonstrate how skillfully you can express it.

Prep Resources

- Duolingo English Test Official Website: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/

- Duolingo English Test Practice Platform

- DET Write About the Photo Full Course