Duolingo English Test: All Question Types Explained

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a computer-adaptive English proficiency test that assesses your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Unlike traditional English tests, the DET is convenient, affordable, and can be taken online from anywhere in the world. Understanding the different question types is crucial for achieving a good score. Let's dive into each question type you'll encounter on the Duolingo English Test.

1. Read and Complete

Read and Complete questions are designed to evaluate your vocabulary and grammar skills. In this section, you'll see a passage with missing words. Your task is to fill in the blanks with the correct words from a dropdown menu. This tests your ability to understand context and choose the right word to fit grammatically and semantically. To ace this section, you should focus on expanding your vocabulary and understanding English grammar rules. Pay close attention to the surrounding words and the overall meaning of the passage. Practice reading a variety of texts, such as articles, stories, and essays, to familiarize yourself with different writing styles and vocabulary. Also, review common grammatical structures and rules, such as verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of prepositions and conjunctions. When attempting the questions, read the entire passage first to get a general understanding of the content. Then, carefully consider each blank and the surrounding words to determine the most appropriate word choice. If you're unsure of the answer, try eliminating the options that you know are incorrect. Remember, context is key, and the correct word should fit seamlessly into the passage, both grammatically and semantically. Consistent practice and a strong foundation in vocabulary and grammar will significantly improve your performance on this question type.

2. Read and Select

The Read and Select question type tests your ability to identify real English words. You will be presented with a list of words, some of which are real English words and others that are not. Your task is to select only the words that are actual English words. This section primarily evaluates your vocabulary knowledge and your ability to recognize correctly spelled words. A strong vocabulary is essential for success in this section. The more words you know, the easier it will be to distinguish between real and fake words. To improve your vocabulary, make a habit of reading regularly and looking up unfamiliar words. Use flashcards or vocabulary apps to help you memorize new words and their meanings. Pay attention to the spelling of words as well, as this is a key aspect of this question type. Practice identifying real and fake words by using online resources or creating your own lists. When attempting the questions, take your time and carefully examine each word. If you're unsure whether a word is real, try to think of whether you've encountered it before in your reading or conversations. You can also try to pronounce the word to see if it sounds familiar. If you're still unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and not select the word. Remember, only select the words that you are certain are real English words. Regular practice and a focus on vocabulary building will help you excel in this section of the Duolingo English Test.

3. Listen and Select

Listen and Select questions test your listening comprehension and vocabulary skills. You will hear a series of words, and your task is to identify the real English words from the list. This is similar to the "Read and Select" question type, but instead of reading the words, you will be listening to them. This section assesses your ability to understand spoken English and recognize correctly pronounced words. To prepare for this question type, practice listening to English audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and conversations. Pay attention to the pronunciation of words and try to distinguish between similar-sounding words. You can also use online resources or apps that provide listening exercises and vocabulary practice. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and improving your listening comprehension skills. When attempting the questions, listen carefully to each word and try to identify whether it is a real English word. If you're unsure, try to think of whether you've heard the word before in your listening practice. You can also try to visualize the word to see if it looks familiar. If you're still unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and not select the word. Remember, only select the words that you are certain are real English words. Regular practice and a focus on listening comprehension will help you succeed in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Improving your ability to discern subtle differences in pronunciation is key here.

4. Listen and Type

The Listen and Type question requires you to listen to a sentence and then type it exactly as you hear it. This section assesses your listening comprehension, spelling, and typing skills. Accuracy is crucial in this question type, as even a small mistake can result in a lower score. To prepare for this section, practice listening to English audio materials and transcribing what you hear. Focus on improving your listening comprehension and your ability to accurately type what you hear. Pay attention to the pronunciation of words, as well as the spelling and grammar of sentences. You can use online resources or apps that provide dictation exercises and typing practice. When attempting the questions, listen carefully to the sentence and try to type it as accurately as possible. If you miss a word or are unsure of the spelling, you can listen to the sentence again. Take your time and double-check your work to ensure that it is accurate. Remember, accuracy is key in this question type, so focus on typing the sentence exactly as you hear it. Consistent practice and attention to detail will help you excel in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Try focusing on the rhythm and intonation of the speaker too!

5. Speak About the Photo

In the Speak About the Photo question, you will be shown a photo and asked to speak about it for 30 seconds. This section assesses your speaking fluency, vocabulary, and grammar skills. Your response should be clear, coherent, and well-organized. To prepare for this question type, practice describing photos in English. Focus on using a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to express your ideas. You can use online resources or apps that provide photo prompts and speaking practice. Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, and try to speak clearly and confidently. When attempting the questions, take a few seconds to look at the photo and plan your response. Then, speak clearly and fluently, describing the people, objects, and activities in the photo. Try to use descriptive language and provide details to make your response more interesting. Remember, you only have 30 seconds, so make the most of your time and try to say as much as possible. Regular practice and a focus on speaking fluency will help you succeed in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Imagine you're explaining the photo to someone who can't see it.

6. Read Aloud

The Read Aloud question requires you to read a sentence aloud clearly and accurately. This section assesses your pronunciation, fluency, and intonation. Your pronunciation should be clear and understandable, and your fluency should be smooth and natural. To prepare for this question type, practice reading English texts aloud. Focus on improving your pronunciation and fluency, and pay attention to your intonation. You can use online resources or apps that provide reading passages and pronunciation practice. Record yourself reading and listen back to identify areas for improvement. When attempting the questions, read the sentence carefully and try to pronounce each word correctly. Speak clearly and fluently, and pay attention to your intonation. Remember, the goal is to read the sentence as naturally as possible. Regular practice and a focus on pronunciation will help you excel in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Try mimicking native speakers to improve your accent.

7. Write About the Photo

In the Write About the Photo question, you will be shown a photo and asked to write a short description of it. This section assesses your writing skills, including your vocabulary, grammar, and organization. Your description should be clear, concise, and well-organized. To prepare for this question type, practice writing descriptions of photos in English. Focus on using a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to express your ideas. You can use online resources or apps that provide photo prompts and writing practice. Pay attention to your spelling and grammar, and try to write clearly and concisely. When attempting the questions, take a few seconds to look at the photo and plan your response. Then, write a short description of the people, objects, and activities in the photo. Try to use descriptive language and provide details to make your response more interesting. Remember, your description should be clear, concise, and well-organized. Regular practice and a focus on writing skills will help you succeed in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Think of it as telling a story about what you see.

8. Speak About the Topic

The Speak About the Topic question requires you to speak about a given topic for one to three minutes. This section assesses your speaking fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and coherence. Your response should be well-organized, detailed, and relevant to the topic. To prepare for this question type, practice speaking about a variety of topics in English. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and improving your grammar skills. You can use online resources or apps that provide topic prompts and speaking practice. Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, and try to speak clearly and confidently. When attempting the questions, take a few seconds to think about the topic and plan your response. Then, speak clearly and fluently, providing details and examples to support your ideas. Try to use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to make your response more interesting. Remember, you have one to three minutes, so make the most of your time and try to say as much as possible. Regular practice and a focus on speaking fluency will help you excel in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Don't be afraid to use personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.

9. Write About the Topic

In the Write About the Topic question, you will be given a topic and asked to write a short essay about it. This section assesses your writing skills, including your vocabulary, grammar, organization, and coherence. Your essay should be well-organized, detailed, and relevant to the topic. To prepare for this question type, practice writing essays about a variety of topics in English. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and improving your grammar skills. You can use online resources or apps that provide topic prompts and writing practice. Pay attention to your spelling and grammar, and try to write clearly and concisely. When attempting the questions, take a few minutes to think about the topic and plan your essay. Then, write a well-organized essay, providing details and examples to support your ideas. Try to use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to make your essay more interesting. Remember, your essay should be clear, concise, and well-organized. Regular practice and a focus on writing skills will help you succeed in this section of the Duolingo English Test. Practice different essay structures to improve your writing skills.

By understanding each question type and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your score on the Duolingo English Test. Good luck, guys!