DET Official Guide For Test Takers (EN) 2023-02-23

OFFICIAL GUIDE
for Test Takers

Table of contents | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Table of contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Get ready for the test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Test structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Understand the test questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Prepare your environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Test security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Understand your scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Share your results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Practice questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

2
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Introduction
• • About
Aboutthe
thetest
test
• • How
Howititworks
works
• • Who
Whoaccepts
acceptsthe
thetest
test
Get ready for the test
Test structure
Understand the test questions
Prepare your environment
Test security
Understand your scores
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

3
Introduction | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
OVERVIEW
Welcome to the Duolingo English Test Official Guide for Test Takers! In this section,
you will learn what the Duolingo English Test is, some advantages of taking the test,
and how institutions use the test.
ABOUT THE TEST How it works

The Duolingo English Test is an English test designed The Duolingo English Test uses the latest technology
for you—convenient, fast, affordable, and trusted around to make the test accessible, accurate, and secure. The
the world. The test is brought to you by Duolingo, the test was developed by language testing experts using
most popular way to learn a language online. Duolingo’s artificial intelligence (AI) to offer a modern testing
mission is to develop the best education in the world and experience built on research.
make it universally available.
Accessible
In addition to being available online, on demand, the
The Duolingo English Test is:
test is a computer adaptive test. This means that
Convenient the difficulty of the test questions changes based on
Take the test online from your computer at any time, each test taker’s performance. You can receive an
anywhere in the world. accurate score in under 1 hour of test taking.
Fast Accurate
Complete the test in under 1 hour and receive your Scores are calculated by the grading engine, which
results in 2 days. is trained to understand language ability the same
way that expert human raters do.
Affordable
A fraction of the cost of other tests. Send your Secure
scores to an unlimited number of institutions for With the help of AI, multiple human proctors detect
free! instances of rule breaking.
Trusted
Accepted by thousands of top institutions around Results are available in 2 days and include your overall
the world. score, subscores, and writing and speaking sample. You
can share this with an unlimited number of institutions
for no additional cost.
Who accepts the test

The Duolingo English Test is used as proof of English
proficiency by institutions and employers around the
world. It is recognized by thousands of universities
in over 50 countries, and it is commonly accepted for
admissions, placement, progress, or exit requirements.
To see where the test is accepted,
visit englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions.
Always check a university’s website to understand
their English proficiency requirements.

4
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction

• About test readiness
• How to learn about the test
• How to practice english
• How to test your best
• How to pace yourself
Test structure
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

5
Get ready for the test | OFFICIAL GUIDE

OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn about test preparation and readiness for the Duolingo
English Test. You will read about ways to get to know the test, tips for practicing your
English, and suggestions for planning your test taking experience.
ABOUT TEST READINESS

Duolingo is a language learning company with a mission
to lower barriers to education for everyone. For that
reason, “test prep” for the Duolingo English Test may be
a little different than what you’re used to.
When people think about test preparation, they
picture long hours studying, expensive resources, and
memorization. These practices create a lot of pressure
to perform well, which can lead to testing anxiety and an
overall negative experience. That kind of test preparation
isn’t necessary for the Duolingo English Test. Instead of
test preparation, think more about the process of getting
ready to take the test, or “test readiness.”
Minimizing stress
This is a test that’s designed for you. Take it any time,
anywhere, when you’re ready. Hopefully the flexible
schedule, low cost, and lack of traveling to a test center
will help minimize stress, so you can stay focused on
doing your best on the test. HOW TO LEARN ABOUT THE TEST
There are many ways that you can experience what it’s
Learn English, not an English test like to take the Duolingo English Test before you begin
You do not need special preparation in order to do well your certified test.
on the Duolingo English Test. No need for memorization,
rehearsal, or expensive classes. The Duolingo English Try the following resources:
Test is designed to show your real proficiency level in • Read this guide and complete the practice questions
English. Intense studying right before the test will not included at the end.
change your score. Your score will improve as your • Take the free Duolingo English Practice Test
proficiency improves. as many times as you want by going to
englishtest.duolingo.com/quick. (Keep in mind that
FREE TEST READINESS RESOURCES the practice version is shorter and is not proctored.
Your reported score range on the practice test is an
No matter how convenient and affordable the test is, estimate and not as accurate as the real test.)
there will always be some stress associated with testing.
That’s why there are many trustworthy resources to help • Watch the test walkthrough video to see a
test taker complete the entire experience at
you become comfortable with the test in advance.
go.duolingo.com/walkthrough.
All the information you need is online,
• Watch YouTube videos from the Duolingo English Test
for free at englishtest.duolingo.com
channel and playlists.

6
HOW TO PRACTICE ENGLISH

The best way to prepare for the test is to immerse yourself in English as much as you can. There are many ways you can
practice English language skills leading up to the test and to prepare for studying or working in an English-speaking
environment.
When teaching or learning a foreign language, many people focus on Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills.
Here are some of our favorite tips for practicing those skills, shared from the Duolingo blog (blog.duolingo.com).
Speaking Reading
• Take advantage of time alone or at home to talk • Read blogs, follow social media accounts, and join
to yourself in English. Narrate what you’re doing, groups with posts in English.
think out loud about plans, or challenge yourself to
• Read articles and news in English. You’ll often be
describe favorite traditions or childhood memories!
able to rely on your general knowledge of current
A big component of speaking is retrieving words
events to help you understand.
from memory, and you can do this kind of practice on
your own from anywhere. • Read books or ebooks in English, maybe starting
with topics you’re already familiar with. You can even
• When you watch movies or videos in English on
reread your favorite books in the English translation.
your own, repeat what you hear to give your tongue
and brain some practice with the new sounds. Write
down or record especially funny lines or catch Listening
phrases to incorporate into your around-the-house • Listen to music in English. Music is catchy, has a lot
speaking practice. of repetition, and helps you learn useful phrases in a
memorable context. Look up the lyrics to check what
• There will be some sounds in English that will feel
you hear!
especially tricky to get right. If you’re having trouble
with a sound or particular set of sounds, chances • Watch shows or movies in English by switching the
are good that others are struggling with them too. language of the audio. You can check out movies
Search online for guides and videos that have extra originally made in English, and you might be able to
information to help your pronunciation. find options that include English subtitles.
• Find apps or podcasts in English. Look for options
Writing related to news, sports, history, fashion—any topic
• For fast and easy practice, try writing your shopping you like to hear about in your own language! Some
list in English. If you keep a list of tasks for each day, apps may have helpful videos, too.
you can also try writing that in English.
• On your phone or computer, install a keyboard in
English so you can practice using English to text,
search, and post on social media.
• Make a friend at a Duolingo Event
(events.duolingo.com)!
• Find online communities and groups that use
English, and spend some of your social media time
writing quick responses in the language. Soon you
might be writing even longer messages!
• In your longer writing, such as in response to
a prompt, be sure to expand and support your
main points with relevant supporting details and
examples. Use a variety of linking words to show the
relationships among ideas.

7
HOW TO TEST YOUR BEST HOW TO PACE YOURSELF

Because you can choose when and where you take the Go at your own pace when preparing for the test.
test, you should take it when you feel your best mentally Because the test is designed to measure your English
and physically. proficiency rather than your knowledge of the test, you
could take it right now if you wanted to!
Make sure you’re comfortable and energized
• Plan to take the test at the time of day when you Before the test
perform best.
• The first thing you should do is create a free account
• Sleep well the night before. on englishtest.duolingo.com. All you need to make an
• Use the bathroom before the test. account is a valid email address.
• Drink enough water before the test. • Become familiar with the test by exploring your
online account. In addition to this guide and the
• Have a brain-boosting snack before the test. practice test, you will find many other free resources.
Get in the right mindset • In the days leading up to the test, increase your
practice of English as much as possible.
• Read or watch something in English.
• Know exactly when and where you want to take the
• Try an English-language meditation to get calm and test, and get your space and equipment ready.
focused.
• Do some exercise or calming physical activity before During the test
the test. • Right before you start the test, use the advice in “HOW
TO TEST YOUR BEST” to get in the right mindset. Don’t
Ensure privacy forget to refresh your memory of the rules for test
• Put any devices in another room and turn them off. taking.
• Put away any pens and paper. Taking notes is against • While taking the test, don’t look away from the screen
the rules. or exit out of the test application. Try not to look at the
timer too often.
• Warn anyone in the area not to disrupt you.
• After you finish, wait until your test has completely
Check equipment uploaded before leaving the Duolingo English Test
desktop app. You will see a notification on the screen
• Make sure your computer is sufficiently charged when your results have been uploaded.
or plugged in.
• Verify that your internet connection is strong. After the test
• Check that your ID is not expired. • Within 48 hours, you will receive your score report.
You can view your results from your online account.
• Take your headphones
off and put them • You can start sending scores as soon as they’re
in another available to you.
room. • There is no pressure to decide which institutions will
receive your scores or when—you can send them
to as many institutions as you want, for no
additional cost.

8
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
• Video walkthrough
• Test length
• About adaptive testing
• How the test is set up
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

9
Test Structure | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Test structure
OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn about the format, individual sections, and length of the
test. You will also learn more about computer adaptive testing and how it affects your
test experience.
VIDEO WALKTHROUGH Adaptive length

One of the best ways to learn about the structure of There is no set number of questions. The test ends when
the test is to watch the video walkthrough, available on the grading engine is confident in your score.
the Duolingo English Test website (go.duolingo.com/
walkthrough) or YouTube channel. You will see a test
Unique experience
taker go through each portion of the test, including setup The test questions draw from an extremely large pool.
and upload. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter the same
question twice, no matter how many times you take the
exam.
HOW THE TEST IS SET UP

Once you begin the test, you’ll be guided through three
different sections.
1. Introduction and onboarding ~5 minutes

• Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and
TEST LENGTH microphone are functioning properly.
You will need about 1 hour of uninterrupted free time to
• Submit your government-issued photo ID.
take the Duolingo English Test.
• Review the test rules and requirements.
ABOUT ADAPTIVE TESTING 2. Adaptive test ~45 minutes
The Duolingo English Test is a computer adaptive test, • Measures your English skills through a series of
which means that the question sequence and difficulty different question types.
changes for each test taker and test session. Because • Test questions are administered randomly.
it is adaptive, the test has a few differences from other
• Question difficulty changes based on your
tests you may have taken. performance.
Only one section 3. Writing Sample and Speaking Sample ~10 minutes
Unlike other tests, you won’t see the same types of • You will be given a prompt and asked to respond at
questions grouped together. Different questions will length.
appear one after another. You will not know which type of • The Speaking Sample allows for a 1–3 minute
question will be asked next. response, and the Writing Sample allows for a 3–5
minute response.
Varying difficulty • You will be able to review your responses to these
The difficulty of the question changes dynamically samples after the test has concluded. Institutions that
throughout the test. Therefore, some questions may receive your results will also receive these samples.
seem easier or harder than others—that is normal! The Speaking Sample is an unscored question.

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OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure

• General tips
• Diagram of a question
• Question types
• How often questions appear
• How questions are scored
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

11
Understand the test questions | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Understand
the test questions
OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn about the different types of questions you’ll see on the
Duolingo English Test. The description of each question type will have important
information and tips on how to respond.
GENERAL TIPS Writing tips

There are some good strategies and habits that apply • Use proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and
to all of the question types on the Duolingo English Test. capitalization. The Duolingo English Test accepts both
They include test-taking strategies, writing tips, and American and British spelling. The only exception is
the Read and Complete question type, which uses
speaking tips.
American spelling only.
• Vary your sentence structure and word choice as
much as possible. Using more diverse, sophisticated
vocabulary and grammar can help you achieve a
better score.
Speaking tips
• Speak loudly, clearly, and at an understandable pace.
• You will not have a chance to re-record your
response. So even if you make a mistake, just keep
going.
Test-taking strategies • Make sure you don’t submit your recording until after
• Use all of the time that you have available to answer you have finished your entire response.
a question. You will not receive a better score for • Just like with writing, vary your sentence structure
answering questions faster. and word choice as much as possible.
• If you can, give longer responses than is required. For
example, write more than 50 words or speak longer
than 30 seconds. If you are using English effectively,
and your response is relevant to the question, a more
developed answer could help you achieve a better
score.
• You will not be penalized for mistakes until you click
NEXT to submit your answer and move on to the next
item, so take the time to make any corrections. You
can’t return to a question once you have clicked NEXT.
• Try not to look at the timer too often, because it can
distract you from effectively responding.
• Leave time at the end of each question to check your
response.

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ABOUT THIS SECTION

Now you will learn all about the types of questions on the
test. For each question type, you will see a few different
components:
• Example: an image of a real question from the test.

• Directions: information about what you’re being asked
to do.
• Time limit: the amount of time you have to complete
the task.
• Tips: advice for each question, separated into two
categories:
• Good test-taking strategies
and language habits
• How you can interact with the IF YOU SEE A QUESTION TYPE
test from your computer YOU DON’T RECOGNIZE
• Subscores: the subscores that are being assessed on Duolingo is always working on improving the test.
this question. This includes researching and developing new
• There are four subscores: Comprehension, question types that you may see on the practice
Conversation, Literacy, and Production. test or certified test. This is a common practice and
helps improve the test for everyone. Don’t worry,
• If you aren’t familiar with the subscores on the
these questions don’t affect your score or the time
Duolingo English Test, you can learn about them in
the “WHAT YOUR SCORES MEAN” section of this guide, available for your responses. Please reach out to
or at englishtest.duolingo.com/scores. our support team with questions.

13
DIAGRAM OF A QUESTION
Refer to this image if you get confused about the parts of each test question that will
be referenced in this section.
Your time remaining The directions that tell you what to do Try to stay in frame!
Your progress
through the test
The prompt to
which you are
responding
How to submit your

answer and move on

14
Read and Complete

DIRECTIONS
Read and Complete asks you to “Type the missing letters to complete the text below.”
For this question type, you will fill in the blanks of unfinished words in a passage.
The directions for this question will appear when the timer begins.
SUBSCORES
LITERACY COMPREHENSION CONVERSATION PRODUCTION 3:00
TIPS
• Read the passage before focusing on each • Use the backspace or delete button to go back
individual word. one space and delete a letter.
• Use context clues to help you complete the
words.

15
Read and Select

DIRECTIONS
Read and Select asks you to “Select the real English words in this list.”
You will need to read each word in a list and decide if it is an actual word in English.
SUBSCORES
TIPS
• Select only the words you know are real! Trust • Click a word to select it as a real English word. It
yourself. will turn orange once you’ve selected it.
• There could be any number of real words in the • Click the word again to deselect it if you change
list, so don’t worry if one question has more your mind.
than another.
• Read carefully. Some words look real, but have
small differences from real English words.

16
Listen and Select

DIRECTIONS
Listen and Select asks you to “Select the real English words in this list.” Similar to Read and Select, you will be trying to
identify real English words, but in this question, you will listen to the words to identify them.
SUBSCORES
TIPS
• Make sure to pay attention to each syllable of • You can play each word as many times as you
each word—some fake words may have small want. Use the speaker icon next to the words to
differences from real ones. play them again.
• Select only the words you know are real. • Click the orange check mark ( ) to select a
word if you think it is a real English word. Your
• Double check your selected words before
selections will be highlighted in orange. Click
clicking NEXT.
the check mark again to deselect a word if you
change your mind.

17
Listen and Type

DIRECTIONS
Listen and Type asks you to “Type the statement that you hear.”
In this task, you will listen to a person speaking a statement and then transcribe what you hear.
SUBSCORES
TIPS
• Type out what you hear first. Then check your • You can replay the statement up to two times
response by replaying the statement and (three plays total) by clicking on the orange
comparing it to what you wrote. speaker icon.

18
Read Aloud
DIRECTIONS
Read Aloud asks you to “Record yourself saying the statement below.”
In this question type, you will read a written statement, and then speak it out loud into the microphone.
SUBSCORES
TIPS
• If you have time, practice speaking the • You only have 20 seconds, and you only have
statement once out loud before recording if you one chance to record the statement, so use your
have time. time wisely.
• Look at the punctuation in the statement to • When you are ready to record, click RECORD
help you pace yourself—briefly pausing at each NOW and start speaking. When you are finished
comma, for instance. recording, click NEXT. If you do not click NEXT,
the test will advance automatically when the
• Speak loudly, at a natural pace, and make sure
timer runs out.
to enunciate clearly.
• Make sure you capture your full response in the
recording.

19
Write About the Photo

DIRECTIONS
Write About the Photo asks you to “Write one or more sentences that describe the image.”
For this question type, you will see an image on the screen and you will write a description of the image.
SUBSCORES
TIPS
• Try to go beyond simple labeling and describe • You will be able to see the image as you write
the image in detail. your response.
• The directions ask for one complete sentence, • Use your mouse or trackpad to scroll back
but try to write more than one, as a longer through your response if you need to check it for
response can help demonstrate more of your spelling and grammar.
skills.

20
Speak About the Photo

DIRECTIONS
Speak About the Photo asks you to “Speak for at least 30 seconds about the image below.”
In this task, you will talk about an image that appears on the screen.
The directions and image will appear for 20 seconds before automatically advancing to the record screen.
You can also click NEXT to manually advance.
You will need to speak for a minimum of 30 seconds before moving on.
SUBSCORES 0:30 Minimum

LITERACY COMPREHENSION CONVERSATION PRODUCTION 1:30 Maximum
TIPS
• Try to describe the image as if explaining it to • You will have 20 seconds to look at the photo
someone who can’t see it. before the recording begins automatically. Take
this time to observe and mentally plan your
• Speak at a natural pace and enunciate clearly.
response before recording your answer.
• Don’t panic if you stumble on a word or phrase,
• You will also be able to look at the image as you
just recover and keep going.
speak.
• You have only one opportunity to record your
answer.

21
Read, Then Write

DIRECTIONS
Read, Then Write asks you to “Respond to the question in at least 50 words.”
For this question type, you will read a written prompt. Then, you will respond in writing with at least 50 words.
SUBSCORES
TIPS
• Use all of the time you have to make sure your • You will be able to see the question as you write,
response is the best it can be. if you need inspiration to write more.
• Write as much as you can, as long as you are • Your word count will appear below the text box,
using English effectively and it is relevant to the and you will not be able to click NEXT until you
topic. have written at least 50 words.
• Use writing best practices to help you develop • Proofread carefully! Do not click NEXT until you
your response (see “GENERAL TIPS” at the have checked your response and are ready to
beginning of this section). submit.

22
Read, Then Speak

DIRECTIONS
Read, Then Speak asks you to “Speak your answer to the question below.”
For this question type, you will see a written prompt. You will speak your response to this prompt for at least 30 seconds.
The directions will appear for 20 seconds before the timer begins.

TIPS
• Speak naturally and clearly, and use varied • Take your time to read the question carefully
words and structures. and start thinking about your response before
the test advances to the recording screen. You
• Make sure you’ve answered all of the
will still be able to see the question as you
components to the question.
speak your response.

23
Listen, Then Speak

DIRECTIONS
Listen, Then Speak asks you to “Speak the answer to the question you hear.”
For this question type, you will listen to a prompt, then speak your response.
Note that the directions will appear for 20 seconds before recording begins.
During this time, you can hear and replay the prompt.

TIPS
• Speak naturally and clearly, and use varied • You will need to speak for a minimum of 30
words and sentence structures. seconds. Once 30 seconds have gone by, you
will see the NEXT button turn orange, and you
• Make sure you have a clear understanding of
will then be able to come to a natural conclusion
the prompt before you start to record. You can
and click the button to submit your response.
replay it up to two times (three plays total).

24
Complete the Sentences

DIRECTIONS
Complete the Sentences asks you to “Select the best option for each missing word.”
In this task, you will see a passage with several blank spaces, and select a word to complete the sentence.
SUBSCORES 7 or 8 minutes for

LITERACY COMPREHENSION CONVERSATION PRODUCTION all six questions
TIPS
• Read the entire sentence and use context clues • You can complete the sentences in any order.
to help you determine the best word choice.
• You won’t be able to click “NEXT” until you’ve
• Time permitting, read the passage after you’ve selected a response for each blank.
completed all of the sentences, as a way to
• To navigate between the sentences, you can use
double check your responses.
your mouse/touchpad or the tab button.

25
Complete the Passage

DIRECTIONS
Complete the Passage asks you to “Select the best sentence to fill in the blank.”
In this task, you will see two sections of a passage with a missing sentence in the middle.

TIPS
• Some parts of the passage will be familiar to • If you hover over each option, you will be able to
you from the Complete the Sentences question. see it in context in the passage.
Make sure to read each section thoroughly,
especially new material.
• Pay special attention to the sentences before
and after the blank, especially if you are
undecided.

26
Highlight the Answer

DIRECTIONS
Highlight the Answer asks you to “Click and drag the text to highlight the answer to the question below.”
You will see a question on screen, then you will find and highlight the answer within the passage.

TIPS
• Be precise but thorough in your selection, and • Once you highlight the text, it will appear in
make sure to highlight only the answer to the the box below the answer so you can read it in
question asked. You don’t want to highlight too context.
much or too little.
• If you want to change your highlighting, you can
click and drag your cursor on the screen again
to highlight. Be sure the answer you want is in
the box before clicking Next.

27
Identify the Idea

DIRECTIONS
Identify the Idea asks you to “Select the idea that is expressed in the passage.”
In this task, you will select an idea from the list that best represents what you read in the passage.

TIPS
• Read and consider all of the options carefully. • Once you select your response, the box around it
Some of the options may be somewhat relevant, and the circle next to it will turn orange.
but make sure to choose the one that best
describes the text.

28
Title the Passage

DIRECTIONS
Title the Passage asks you “Select the best title of the passage.”
You will select a title from a list of given options.

TIPS
• Read and consider all of the options carefully. • Once you select your response, the box around it
Some of the options may be somewhat relevant, and the circle next to it will turn orange.
but make sure to choose the one that is the best
title for the whole text.

29
Writing Sample
DIRECTIONS
The Writing Sample asks you to “Write for 3 to 5 minutes about the topic below.”
For this question type, you will be given a written prompt. You will write at length for at least 3 minutes.
Note that the directions appear for 30 seconds before recording begins.
During this time you will read and consider the prompt, and prepare to respond

TIPS
• Practice good writing habits: vary your sentence structure and word choice, and express a variety of thoughts
with logical transitions.
• Make sure to leave time to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• The topic will be shared with the recipients of your results, so make sure your response is relevant to the topic.
• Think of this as a short essay. The recipients of your results may use the Writing Sample as additional
information about your writing skills.

30
Speaking Sample
DIRECTIONS
The Speaking Sample asks you to “Speak for 1 to 3 minutes about the topic below.”
For this question type, you will read a written prompt. Then, you will speak at length about the topic shown.
Note that the directions appear for 30 seconds before recording begins.
During this time you will read and consider the prompt, and prepare to respond.

UNSCORED 3:00 Maximum
TIPS
• Do not watch the timer, as it may distract you from thinking and speaking clearly.
• Keep talking at least until the NEXT button turns orange, and speak even longer if you can. Then, come to a
natural conclusion before clicking NEXT to finish and submit the recording.
• Practice speaking about a topic in English for 1-3 minutes before taking the test so you are familiar with the
length.
• Remember that the Speaking Sample will be sent as a video recording, so the recipients of your scores will be
able to see you during this response.
• While the Speaking Sample is ungraded, the topic will be shared with the recipients of your results, so make
sure your response is relevant to the topic and do your best to show your speaking skills!

31
HOW OFTEN THE QUESTIONS APPEAR

You will see each of the different question types at different frequencies throughout your test. As a reminder,
each testing experience is unique, so the number of each question type may vary for each test and test taker.
QUESTION TYPES FREQUENCY
Read and Complete

Read and Select
Listen and Select 4-6 times each
Listen and Type
Read Aloud
Write About the Photo 3
Speak About the Photo 1
Read, Then Write 1
Read, Then Speak 1
Listen, Then Speak 2
Writing Sample 1
Speaking Sample 1
Interactive Reading 2 sets of 6 questions

32
HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED

Question types with correct answers
For Read and Complete, Read and Select, Listen and Select, Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Complete the Sentences,
Complete the Passage, Highlight the Answer, Identify the Idea, and Title the Passage, test questions are graded
automatically through special procedures developed specifically for each question type. These procedures compare your
responses to correct responses, then evaluate the similarities and differences. You can read about how this works in the
Duolingo English Test Technical Manual, available at englishtest.duolingo.com/research.
The good news: You won’t be penalized more for entering an incorrect response rather than skipping the question. If
your answer isn’t entirely correct, you will receive partial credit. For example, in Read and Complete, you will receive the
same score for a blank or an incorrect response. For Listen and Type, you will be penalized more for missing a word than
mistyping the word. In other words, it is always best to try to answer a question.
Open response question types

Write About the Photo, Speak About the Photo, Read Then Write, Read Then Speak, Listen Then Speak,
and Writing Sample are open response questions, and your answer will be evaluated by a grading engine.
The grading engine is trained to understand your English proficiency just like expert human raters.
Some of the aspects it evaluates include:
• the correctness of your grammar (grammatical accuracy)

• the variety and level of your grammar (grammatical complexity)
• the level of vocabulary used (lexical sophistication)
• the variety of word choice (lexical diversity)
• how well you answer the question that was asked (task relevance)
• how much you can say or write in a limited time (fluency)
• the pronunciation and pace of your speech (acoustic features; this one is for speaking questions only)
Unscored Speaking Sample

The Speaking Sample is the only question on the Duolingo English Test that is not scored. Remember that recipients of
your response will be able to watch and listen to your response and see the topic. Some institutions use this sample as a
way to learn more about your speaking ability.
Also keep in mind that although the test is scored by computer algorithms, multiple human proctors will see video
recordings of your responses.

33
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure

• How to set up your space
• Equipment you need
• About the desktop app
• How to purchase the test
• About accommodations
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

34
Prepare your environment | OFFICIAL GUIDE

OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn how to set up the environment and equipment you will
need to take the test. You will also learn about the Duolingo English Test desktop app.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR SPACE

One of the advantages of the Duolingo English Test is
that you can choose your own testing environment. There
are a few general guidelines to help you consider where
to take the test.
Comfort
Take the test when and where you feel most comfortable.
This doesn’t have to be in your own home, as long as you
can ensure privacy.
Quiet EQUIPMENT YOU NEED

You don’t want any background noise to interfere with
Computer
your responses or distract you.
• In order to take the Duolingo English Test, you will
Privacy need a computer with a functioning microphone,
speakers, and camera. Your camera should be on the
Make sure no one disturbs you. Tip: put a “do not disturb” top-center of your monitor or screen.
note on the door!
Valid identification
Light • In order to receive certified results, the Duolingo
The proctors will need to be able to clearly see you English Test requires a government-issued photo ID.
You will need to have your actual, physical ID ready
throughout the test, so make sure the room is not too
when taking the test. During the setup section of
dark.
your test, you will need to submit a photo of this ID.
You may not use copies and pictures of the ID card
or passport. You must be holding up the actual ID.
If you have questions about whether your ID will be
accepted, go to englishtest.duolingo.com/ids.
Internet connection
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2 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed.
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35
Prepare your environment | OFFICIAL GUIDE
ABOUT THE DESKTOP APP HOW TO PURCHASE THE TEST

All Duolingo English Tests are administered through the Go to the Duolingo English Test homepage and login
Duolingo English Test desktop app. This is a better, more to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can
stable experience for test takers compared to taking the create one for free by signing up with a valid email
test in a browser. The desktop app provides a secure and address at englishtest.duolingo.com.
reliable environment for the duration of the test. In the section that says “Purchase the Test,” click the
button that says “BUY NOW.” You will be prompted to
Installing the App enter your information in an online checkout. Most
You can download the desktop app quickly and easily major credit cards are accepted, as well as some other
at any time after purchasing your test. You will need: payment methods depending on your location. During
• a stable internet connection this step, you can also apply a coupon if an institution
has provided you with one. Click “Apply Coupon.”
• a small amount of space available
(241 MB on Mac, 49 MB on Windows) You have 21 days from the time of purchase to begin
your test. You can purchase up to 3 tests in a 30 day
Check out the “Rules and Requirements Section”
period.
of our online FAQ (englishtest.duolingo.com/faq)
for step-by-step instructions on how to install the app
based on your operating system. ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS
If you need to request accommodations for different
abilities, the Duolingo English Test support team will
VISIT work with you to accommodate your request if possible.
ENGLISHTEST.DUOLINGO.COM/FAQ These are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
In order to request an accommodation, please fill
out the form at this link: englishtest.duolingo.com/
accommodations. You will need to be logged into your
test taker account to submit the form. A member of the
support team will reply within 3 days.

36
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
• Why security matters
• How your test stays secure
• Rules to know and follow
• When rules are broken
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

37
Test security | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Test security
OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn about why test security is important, and how your test is kept safe and fair. You will
also learn about the rules that test takers are required to follow. You should review these rules multiple times—
understanding these before taking the test helps ensure that your results will be certified.
WHY SECURITY MATTERS TIPS FOR MAKING SURE

Duolingo recognizes that reliable and secure test results YOUR RESULTS ARE CERTIFIED
are very important to both test takers and institutions. For most people, the Duolingo English Test is the first
For that reason, the integrity of the Duolingo English Test high-stakes test they have taken from home, instead of
is the highest priority. in a test center. This new model of testing comes with
Since the Duolingo English Test is administered in a different rules that help maintain the integrity of each
unique way, it calls for innovative security protocols. As test session.
a result, The Duolingo English Test integrates a series of Unfortunately, some test takers don’t receive their
advanced security measures so that you can be confident results on the first try—not because they were cheating,
in the results. but because they unintentionally broke one of the rules.
The good news is that there are some simple things
HOW YOUR TEST STAYS SECURE you can do to ensure that your test is certified and you
Secure design receive your results in 2 days.
The adaptive delivers a unique test to every student. Stay focused on your screen
Someone would have to take the test more than
Since you are testing from the comfort of your home,
1,000 times to see a question repeated.
each test is proctored to ensure that you’re not getting
help from an outside resource. Looking away from your
Remote proctoring
computer could be an indication of this. It’s natural to
Human proctors, with the help of AI, examine each want to look up when thinking or trying to find the right
test session for more than 75 different behaviors in words, but try to remember to look at the question as
multiple, independent rounds of review. you answer it. You may need to occasionally glance at
the keyboard as you type your answers—don’t worry,
AI and data forensics that’s okay!
Millions of data points collected from tests over time
train security algorithms to help detect rule breaking Close all programs on your computer
and identify patterns of suspicious behavior. When you’re ready to take the test, your test session
should be the only thing running on your computer.
ID verification Before you start the test, close programs including all
A combination of computer vision, AI, and trained browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.), telecommunication
proctors verify test takers’ identity. software (Skype, Discord, etc.), and remote desktop
software (Teamviewer, Anydesk, etc.). You should also
Test lockdown double check that there aren’t any programs running in
The test is canceled if test takers attempt to access the background without you knowing.
external applications or plugins during the test.
If in doubt, you can shut down your computer entirely,
restart, and only launch the Duolingo English Test
Video sample
desktop application. In addition to passing a security
Accepting institutions can review a short video check, this also helps ensure you have a stable test
sample from each test taker’s test session. experience!

38
Make sure your test environment is private

It goes without saying that nobody can help you with your test. That’s why nobody is allowed in your testing
environment—even if they aren’t helping you.
Make sure you have one hour of uninterrupted time. Let everyone around you know not to enter your testing area. You can
even put a sign on your door! Also, it’s best to put your phone, smart watch, or connected device in another room to be
certain you won’t get distracted or disturbed during the test
Speak and write naturally

The Duolingo English Test is a test of your real, natural English ability. During open response sections of the test, try to
respond naturally with answers that you come up with in the moment. Even if you have practiced answers to similar
types of questions, your response should be specific to the topic, and in your own words.
OTHER RULES TO KNOW AND FOLLOW

Read these rules multiple times before the test, and make sure you follow them.
If any of these rules are broken, our proctors will invalidate your test and your results will not be certified.
Do not use another You must be alone in a Your ears must be

person’s name or quiet, well-lit room. visible and uncovered,
identification to take unless you are wearing a
the test. religious head covering.
You cannot use Keep your Your face must

headphones or camera and be visible and
earphones. microphone enabled unobscured.
(continued on next page)

39
OTHER RULES TO KNOW AND FOLLOW

(continued from previous)
No outside materials No writing utensils or Do not use a

are allowed, including paper. No note taking. second monitor.
mobile devices, notes, or
textbooks.
Keep your eyes focused Do not use any Do not navigate away
on the screen predictive text method. from the test window on
your app for any reason.
WHEN RULES ARE BROKEN

If you violate any of the rules of the Duolingo English Test, Duolingo reserves
the right to not certify your test results, or to invalidate any previously certified
results, without providing a refund. Depending on the severity of the violation,
test takers may also be banned permanently from taking the Duolingo English
Test again.
In some situations, you may be eligible to appeal your invalid results. If you are
eligible for an appeal, you will see a button that says “Appeal This Result”
next to your invalid result on the Duolingo English Test home page.

40
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
Test security

• How to access your report
• What your scores mean
• How long results are valid
• When to retake the test
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

41
Understand your scores | OFFICIAL GUIDE

OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn all about score reporting, including what your scores
mean, where to find them, and how long they are valid. You will also learn how the
Duolingo English Test uses subscores.
HOW TO ACCESS YOUR SCORE REPORT

Subscores
After your test has been scored and reviewed, you
will receive an email notification that your scores are
ready. You can then log in to your account at englishtest.
duolingo.com to access your report.
WHAT YOUR SCORES MEAN

On your score report, you will see both your overall score
and your subscores. If you want to see what a score
report looks like, check out the example Certificate in the
appendix of this guide.
Overall score
Your proficiency is reported as a holistic score on
a scale from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments. The
Duolingo English Test score scale is aligned to the
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an
international standard of language proficiency. In the
appendix of this guide, you can see how your score on
the Duolingo English Test compares to CEFR levels, as
well as TOEFL iBT® or IELTS® Academic scores.
Different institutions have different requirements for Literacy
admission. Be sure to consult the university’s website to
The test taker’s ability to read and write.
see their admissions thresholds.
Comprehension
The test taker’s ability to read and listen.
Conversation
The test taker’s ability to listen and speak.
Production
The test taker’s ability to write and speak.

42
Understand your scores | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Why are these different from other tests? HOW LONG RESULTS ARE VALID
While reading, writing, speaking, and listening are Validity period
important language components, research shows
Certified scores are valid for two years.
that combined skills can better represent how
language is used in real life. Effective and natural Certificates
language use requires people to employ multiple skills
To protect you and your test’s validity, the only way to
simultaneously—especially in academic settings.
send your scores is through your online account.
How are subscores calculated?
When to retake the test
The overall score and subscores are estimated
If you received a certified result but want to retake the
independently and are weighted combinations of the
test for any reason, you may purchase another test.
questions that contribute to each score. Your overall
Please note you may only purchase three tests in any
score is not an average or sum of the individual
30-day period.
subscores.

43
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Share your results

• How to send your results
• How institutions use results
• What institutions see
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

44
Share your results | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Share your results

OVERVIEW
In this section, you will learn what to do after you have received your test results
and are ready to share them.
HOW TO SEND YOUR RESULTS HOW INSTITUTIONS USE RESULTS

When your test has been certified and the results are Most institutions and organizations use the Duolingo
ready, you will receive an email alert. English Test as a measure of English proficiency for
admissions or placement purposes, comparable with
Log in to your Duolingo English Test account. Once
other English proficiency tests. Just like with those
logged in, you will be able to submit your official scores
other tests, many institutions often set minimum
to any institution of your choosing. Certified tests will
score thresholds. Check each university’s website for
be shown in the ‘Your Tests’ section of your home page.
information about their requirements.
For each certified test result, you will have the option to
share it externally by selecting the ‘Send Results’ button. In addition to your English proficiency scores, the
You will then follow a series of prompts to select the Duolingo English Test provides additional information
institutions that you would like to receive your results. about you as a candidate, through your speaking and
You will be able to confirm your selections before writing samples—you can read more about this in the
officially sending them. To see what it looks like, you can next section.
watch a video that includes the test sharing process on
our website at englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. WHAT INSTITUTIONS SEE
You can send certified test results to an unlimited Your score report
number of institutions. There is no additional fee.
Institutions will have access to the same information that
Because results are sent electronically, you don’t need to
you have in your own score report. They will see your
mail them. Once results are sent to an institution through
overall score and your subscores.
our platform, they can be accessed by those institutions
immediately.
Writing and Speaking samples
Institutions will also be able to read your extended
Writing Sample and watch your Speaking Sample.
Please note that the speaking sample is sent as a video
recording, so they will be able to see you as well as hear
you.
Institutions often use these responses as a way to get
to know you better and learn more information about
your English ability. These samples are important
components of your test that show off your unique
personality and English skills as an admissions
candidate. Make sure to do your very best on these parts
of your test to help you stand out as an applicant!

45
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
• Contact us
Appendix
Practice questions

46
Conclusion | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Contact us
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH
Thank you for reading the Official Guide for Test Takers! Hopefully, this information
and advice has helped you feel confident and ready to begin your test experience.
We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality education, and we hope that the Duolingo English Test
can support you on your journey.
IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
you can always consult our FAQ or contact our support team
VISIT EMAIL
ENGLISHTEST.DUOLINGO.COM/FAQ [email protected]
or use the orange HELP button in the bottom right corner of our website
YOU CAN FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK LINKEDIN YOUTUBE WEIBO WECHAT

@duolingoenglishtest @DuolingoENTest

47
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

48
Appendix | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Example certificate
FOR YOUR INFORMATION

49
Comparison with TOEFL iBT ®

SCORE COMPARISON
The concordance table below shows how Duolingo English Test scores compare to TOEFL iBT scores. This concordance is
based on 2,319 individual test takers who took the Duolingo English Test and reported their recent TOEFL iBT scores. The
correlation coefficient is .77, which is considered a strong positive statistical relationship for comparing scores. Learn
more about concordance on our scores page.
TOEFL IBT®
10-60 0-23
65 24-29
70 30-34
75 35-40
80 41-46
85 47-52
90 53-58
95 59-64
100 65-69
105 70-75
110 76-81
115 82-86
120 87-92
125 93-97
130 98-103
135 104-108
140 109-112
145 113-116
150 117-118
155 119
160 120

50
Comparison
with IELTS Academic
®
SCORE COMPARISON
The concordance table below shows how Duolingo English Test scores compare to IELTS Academic scores. This
concordance is based on 991 individual test takers who took the Duolingo English Test and reported their recent IELTS
scores.The correlation coefficient is 0.78, which is considered a strong positive statistical relationship for comparing
scores. Learn more about concordance on our scores page.
IELTS®
10-60 0-4
65-75 4.5
80-90 5
95-100 5.5
105-115 6
120-125 6.5
130-135 7
140-145 7.5
150-155 8
160 8.5-9

51
Comparison
with CEFR
SCORE COMPARISON
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFR, is an international standard of language
proficiency. The CEFR framework describes six levels of language proficiency, each with increasing complexity. Below
you can find ranges of scores on the Duolingo English Test that correspond to each level.
CEFR
10-55 A1-A2
60-95 B1
100-125 B2
130-150 C1
155-160 C2

52
OFFICIAL GUIDE
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Share your results
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions

53
Practice questions | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Read and Complete

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Type the missing letters to complete the text below. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
A. The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It i_ seen i_ the s_ _ and gi_ _ _ light t_ the Earth. When t_ _ Sun
i_ in t_ _ sky, it i_ day. When t_ _ Sun i_ not i_ the s_ _, i_ is ni_ _ _. The planets, including Earth, go around it.
B. Minneapolis is a city in Minnesota. It i_ next t_ St. Paul, Minnesota. St. Paul and Minneapolis are cal_ _ _ the Twin
Cities bec_ _ _ _ they a_ _ right ne_ _ to ea_ _ other. Minneapolis i_ the big_ _ _ _ city i_ Minnesota wi_ _ about 370,000
people. People w_ _ live he_ _ enjoy t_ _ lakes, parks, and ri_ _ _. The Mississippi River runs through the city.
C. Birds are found on every continent of the world. Birds o_ different ty_ _ _ can li_ _ in free_ _ _ _ cold
enviro_ _ _ _ _ _, a_ _ others c_ _ live i_ hot des_ _ _ _. Birds live in forests, in grasslands, on cliff faces, in river banks,
on stony sea shores, down mine shafts and in the roofs of houses.
Level 2
A. Humpback whales can live up to 45 years. They mig_ _ _ _ between t_ _ places th_ _ feed i_ the win_ _ _ and t_ _
places th_ _ give bi_ _ _ in t_ _ summer. They usually live alone.
B. The novel was called The Sun Also Rises. It i_ about yo_ _ _ Americans i_ Europe af_ _ _ World War One. The w_ _ had
dest _ _ _ _ _ their dre_ _ _ and h_ _ given th_ _ nothing t_ replace th_ _ _ dreams. The writer Gertrude Stein later
called these people members of “The Lost Generation.”
C. Physical exercise is recommended for management of mild depression and has a moderate eff_ _ _ on symp_ _ _ _. It
i_ equivalent t_ the u_ _ of medic_ _ _ _ _ _ or psycho_ _ _ _ _ _ _ therapies f_ _ most peo_ _ _. In older people, it does
appear to decrease depression.
Level 3
A. In 1996 Canberra was the first city in the world to set a vis_ _ _ of n_ waste b_ 2010. The stra_ _ _ _ aimed t_ achieve a
waste-free soc_ _ _ _ by 2010, thr_ _ _ _ the comb_ _ _ _ efforts o_ industry, government, and comm_ _ _ _ _. By early
2010, it was apparent that the ACT Government initiative had failed.
B. Electrical engineering has many subdisciplines, the most popular of which are listed be_ _ _. Although th_ _ _ are
elect_ _ _ _ _ engineers w_ _ focus exclu_ _ _ _ _ _ on o_ _ of th_ _ _ subdisciplines, many de_ _ with a combination o_
them. Sometimes certain fields, such as electronic engineering and computer engineering, are considered separate
disciplines in their own right.
C. The orchestral score of the opera was published in late 1899 by Casa Ricordi. In cont_ _ _ _ to h_ _ other ope_ _ _,
Puccini appeared t_ be sati_ _ _ _ _ with h_ _ initial sc_ _ _, wh_ _ _ remained relat_ _ _ _ _ unchanged i_ the 1909
edition prep_ _ _ _ by Osbourne McConachy. An unamended edition was published by Dover Press in 1991.
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

54
Read and Select

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Select the real English words in this list. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
A
givess thesed wait wants tooking watching
bookcase waines anss watteen somether answers
walks dresson nineteen thirt watel waiting
well cook from hobar same birthday
docuse red done wanture wattered likes
fourteen some thirther back girls table
golf coken pirect bookshelf quiz funny
hoken lost dober evelony readly road
mark bicycle nevelor putend efend keyboard

55
Level 2
A
pipe click allows silk despite scientific
besides shot enking pose smulde reoling
kidly talent amount bucket prinanter countryside
formanly missivery swave hobbian retime frame
jealon varie registration fancially useral incide
chender disabled sharp spility leaviduant listener
wipe faint educational breathly phase calmly
candidate functional couright outspect jeap investigation
layer rivition bease evidently overtake string

56
Level 3
A
converty tumpine violate grumpy loadine appliance
trovern redictor assumption troughtle leuts scramaging
authentic fanary spacking misinform compolity thrive
nest vivality crapil totalitarian underway remorse
regrain strategically outles merout feasured interpt
venious relia consea drair complimentary scattered
dismay riticity eliment consection explicit tenderness
carculous astronomy frait coherent mediocrity rigulate
forial negligible hypocrisy nostalgia detrimental traumatic
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

57
Listen and Select

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Select the real English words in this list. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
A LISTEN TO WORDS 1-9
WORD 1 WORD 2 WORD 3
B LISTEN TO WORDS 1-9
C LISTEN TO WORDS 1-9

58
Level 2

59
Level 3
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

60
Listen and Type

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Type the statement that you hear. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
A PLAY B PLAY C PLAY
Level 2
Level 3
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

61
Read Aloud
DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Record yourself saying the statement below. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
A. Do you like my car, yes or no?
B. We do not have class today.
C. He does not want to do anything.
Level 2
A. She works at the laboratory.
B. My friends said they would wait for me at the airport.
C. I am certain that the professor will find at least one error.
Level 3
A. I don’t know what the future will bring or when I will be back.
B. I will have gone to the movies by the time you decide what you want to do.
C. Mathematical and computer models are produced, and field research is done to test the models.
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

62
Write About the Photo

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Write one or more sentences that describe the image. THIS QUESTION TYPE
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
ANSWERS
These question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer.
Refer to HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated.

63
Speak About the Photo

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Speak for 30 seconds about the image below. THIS QUESTION TYPE
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
ANSWERS

64
Read, Then Write

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Respond to the question in at least 50 words. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
Describe a time you were surprised. What happened?
Level 2
People have jobs because they need money to live, but what are some other important reasons that people have jobs?
Level 3
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.
ANSWERS

65
Read, Then Speak

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Respond to the question in at least 50 words. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
Talk about a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing.
• What is it?
• How long have you been doing it?
• Who do you do it with?
• Why is it important to you?
Level 2
Talk about a film you saw recently.
• What was it about?

• When did you see it?
• Who was the main character?
• What else do you remember about it?
Level 3
Talk about a gift that you gave to someone recently.
• What was it?

• Who did you give it to?
• How did it make you feel? Why did you give it to this particular person?
ANSWERS

66
Listen, Then Speak

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Type the statement that you hear. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
ANSWERS

67
Complete the Sentences

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Select the best option for each missing word THIS QUESTION TYPE
There is some [same/of/good/some/new] news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from
Canada to Mexico. Scientists have found a new reserve where there [become/are/lot/more/will] more milkweed plants
and the [king/males/two/larvae/butterflies] will have some place to land. Monarchs are well-known for the
[long/best/kind/fine/last] journey they make twice a [time/span/year/weekend/beat].They head from Canada to
Mexico. The butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States
and Canada counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had
[seen/during/experienced/spent/changed] the winter in Mexico.
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

68
Complete the Passage

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Select the best sentence to fill in the blank in the passage THIS QUESTION TYPE
There is some good news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from Canada to Mexico.
Scientists have found a new reserve where there are more milkweed plants and the butterflies will have some place
to land. Monarchs are well-known for the long journey they make twice a year. They head from Canada to Mexico. The
butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States and Canada
counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico.
Scientists say the low number is probably because of a lack of milkweed plants where they live.
SELECT THE BEST SENTENCE TO FILL IN THE BLANK IN THE PASSAGE

A. This is the lowest number they have seen in 25 years.
B. In 1961, the species was found to be extinct in its home area.
C. But how great a toll might humans have taken on the butterflies?
D. But the butterflies didn’t return for another eight days.
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

69

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Highlight the answer to the question below THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTION
What are the monarch butterflies known for?
counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico. This is
the lowest number they have seen in 25 years. Scientists say the low number is probably because of a lack of milkweed
plants where they live.
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

70

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Highlight the answer to the question below THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTION
What do monarch butterflies need to lay eggs?
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

71
Identify the Idea

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Select the idea that is expressed in the passage THIS QUESTION TYPE
SELECT THE IDEA THAT IS EXPRESSED IN THE PASSAGE

A. The monarch butterfly migrates to Mexico to find milkweed, which is the only source of nectar for the monarch.
B. The Mexican government will introduce the monarch butterfly into the northern region of Mexico, which will be home
to its wintering grounds.
C. Scientists have found a new reserve in Mexico where there are more milkweed plants and monarch butterflies will
have a place to land.
D. The monarch butterfly’s breeding grounds are located in the Midwest, which is one reason it has been so successful
there.
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE
S
I

72
Title the Passage

DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Select the best title for the passage THIS QUESTION TYPE
SELECT THE BEST TITLE FOR THE PASSAGE

A. Favorite Plants for Butterflies
B. Monarchs Near Extinction North America
C. Monarchs Reach Land in Puerto Rico
D. Good News for Monarch Butterflies
SEE THE ANSWER PAGE

73
Writing Sample
DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Write for 3 to 5 minutes about the topic below THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
A. What is one thing you like about your personality? How has this quality helped you
succeed or be a good friend to others? Is this a quality that everyone should have?
B. Choose a plant or animal that you think is interesting. Describe some of the threats
or challenges it faces and explain how it overcomes those threats or challenges.
C. Name a person from history you admire. Why do you admire that person?
What do you think we can learn from them?
ANSWERS
Remember that the recipients of your test will have access to this sample, and will use it to learn more about you and
your English language skills. For more information, check out the WHAT INSTITUTIONS SEE section of the guide.

74
Speaking Sample
DIRECTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT
Speak for 1 to 3 minutes about the topic below. THIS QUESTION TYPE
QUESTIONS
A. Describe a story that you enjoy. It can be a book, a movie, a TV show—any story. What do you like best about the story?
How do you think it could be better?
B. Describe the geography of the country where you currently live. How does the geography of the country affect its
people and its culture?
C. Who is a person you think you have impacted in your life? What impact have you had on the person, and how?
ANSWERS
The Speaking Sample is not graded, and it does not affect your overall score. However, the recipients of your test will
have access to the sample, and will use it to learn more about you and your English language skills.
For more information, check out the WHAT INSTITUTIONS SEE section of the guide

75
Answers | OFFICIAL GUIDE
Answers
READ AND COMPLETE ANSWERS
Level 1
A. The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is seen in the sky and gives light to the Earth. When the Sun is
in the sky, it is day. When the Sun is not in the sky, it is night. The planets, including Earth, go around it.
B. Minneapolis is a city in Minnesota. It is next to St. Paul, Minnesota. St. Paul and Minneapolis are called the Twin Cities
because they are right next to each other. Minneapolis is the biggest city in Minnesota with about 370,000 people.
People who live here enjoy the lakes, parks, and river. The Mississippi River runs through the city.
C. Birds are found on every continent of the world. Birds of different types can live in freezing cold environments, and
others can live in hot deserts. Birds live in forests, in grasslands, on cliff faces, in river banks, on stony sea shores,
down mine shafts and in the roofs of houses.
Level 2
A. Humpback whales can live up to 45 years. They migrate between the places they feed in the winter and the places
they give birth in the summer. They usually live alone.
B. The novel was called The Sun Also Rises. It is about young Americans in Europe after World War One. The war had
destroyed their dreams and had given them nothing to replace those dreams. The writer Gertrude Stein later called
these people members of “The Lost Generation.”
C. Physical exercise is recommended for management of mild depression and has a moderate effect on symptoms. It
is equivalent to the use of medications or psychological therapies for most people. In older people, it does appear to
decrease depression.
Level 3
A. In 1996 Canberra was the first city in the world to set a vision of no waste by 2010. The strategy aimed to achieve a
waste-free society by 2010, through the combined efforts of industry, government, and community. By early 2010, it
was apparent that the ACT Government initiative had failed.
B. Electrical engineering has many subdisciplines, the most popular of which are listed below. Although there are
electrical engineers who focus exclusively on one of these subdisciplines, many deal with a combination of them.
Sometimes certain fields, such as electronic engineering and computer engineering, are considered separate
disciplines in their own right.
C. The orchestral score of the opera was published in late 1899 by Casa Ricordi. In contrast to his other operas, Puccini
appeared to be satisfied with his initial score, which remained relatively unchanged in the 1909 edition prepared by
Osbourne McConachy. An unamended edition was published by Dover Press in 1991.
READ AND SELECT ANSWERS

Level 1
A. answers, bookcase, nineteen, wait, waiting, walks, wants, watching
B. back, birthday, cook, done, fourteen, from, girls, likes, red, same, some, table, well
C. bicycle, bookshelf, funny, golf, keyboard, lost, mark, quiz, road

76
Level 2
A. allows, amount, besides, bucket, click, countryside, despite, pipe, pose, scientific, shot, silk, talent
B. disabled, frame, listener, registration, sharp
C. calmly, candidate, educational, evidently, faint, functional, investigation, layer, overtake, phase, string, wipe
Level 3
A. appliance, assumption, authentic, grumpy, misinform, thrive, violate
B. complimentary, nest, remorse, scattered, strategically, totalitarian, underway
C. astronomy, coherent, detrimental, dismay, explicit, hypocrisy, mediocrity, negligible, nostalgia, tenderness, traumatic
LISTEN AND SELECT ANSWERS

Level 1
A. often (WORD 1), paper (WORD 2), world (WORD 3), bath (WORD 4), before (WORD 5), and (WORD 8)
B. lost (2), carpet (5), again (7)
C. paper (WORD 1), world (WORD 2), winter (WORD 3), before (WORD 4), and (WORD 9)
Level 2
A. facility (WORD 3), influence (WORD 6), inspire (WORD 7), parachute (WORD 8), insurance (WORD 9)
B. instructor (WORD 2), election (WORD 3), refund (WORD 5), optional (WORD 6), chart (WORD 7), shell (WORD 8)
C. economist (WORD 2), encouraging (WORD 6), bookmark (WORD 8),
Level 3
A. suspense (WORD 1), portrait (WORD 5), formula (WORD 6), discriminate (WORD 7),
B. pinpoint (WORD 5), shutter (WORD 7), retailer (WORD 8), intellect (WORD 9)
C. legislation (WORD 2), vandalism (WORD 6), massacre (WORD 7), rally (WORD 8), solitary (WORD 9)
LISTEN AND TYPE ANSWERS

Level 1
A. Is she reading a book? Yes, she is.
B. Does she work in this city?
C. My friend wrote another book.
Level 2
A. We have never spoken about work.
B. This task takes approximately 3 hours.
C. The company employs people throughout the world.

77
Level 3
A. Finally, the results of this investigation were published in a scientific magazine.
B. Even without seeing you, I would have recognized you by the sound of your voice.
C. They will have tried to talk to you by the time the story has published.
READ ALOUD ANSWERS

Level 1
A. Example: Female | Male
B. Example: Female | Male
C. Example: Female | Male
Level 2
Level 3
OPEN RESPONSE QUESTIONS

The following question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer. Refer to HOW THE
QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated for these tasks.
• Write About the Photo

• Speak About the Photo
• Listen, Then Speak
• Read, Then Speak
• Read, Then Write
• Writing Sample

78
COMPLETE THE SENTENCES ANSWERS

counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico.
COMPLETE THE PASSAGE ANSWER

A. This is the lowest number they have seen in 25 years.
HIGHLIGHT THE ANSWER ANSWERS

1. Monarchs are well-known for the long journey they make twice a year.
2. The butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs.
IDENTIFY THE IDEA ANSWER

C. Scientists have found a new reserve in Mexico where there are more milkweed plants and monarch butterflies will
have a place to land.
TITLE THE PASSAGE ANSWER

D. Good News for Monarch Butterflies

79
GOOD LUCK!
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DET Official Guide For Test Takers (EN) 2023-02-23

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OFFICIAL GUIDE

for Test Takers

Get ready for the test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Understand the test questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Prepare your environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Understand your scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Share your results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

Get ready for the test

Understand the test questions

Prepare your environment

Understand your scores

Share your results

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

ABOUT THE TEST How it works

Who accepts the test

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

Get ready for the test

• How to learn about the test

• How to practice english

• How to test your best

• How to pace yourself

Understand the test questions

Prepare your environment

Understand your scores

Share your results

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

Get ready for the test

ABOUT TEST READINESS

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

HOW TO PRACTICE ENGLISH

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

HOW TO TEST YOUR BEST HOW TO PACE YOURSELF

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

Get ready for the test

• About adaptive testing

• How the test is set up

Understand the test questions

Prepare your environment

Understand your scores

Share your results

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

VIDEO WALKTHROUGH Adaptive length

HOW THE TEST IS SET UP

1. Introduction and onboarding ~5 minutes

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

Get ready for the test

Understand the test questions

• How often questions appear

• How questions are scored

Prepare your environment

Understand your scores

Share your results

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

GENERAL TIPS Writing tips

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022

ABOUT THIS SECTION

• Example: an image of a real question from the test.

© Duolingo, Inc. All rights Reserved | August 2022