The Duolingo English Test (DET) is gaining popularity among students seeking to prove their English proficiency for academic or immigration purposes. The Speaking section is one of the most challenging parts of the test, as it evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate fluently, accurately, and confidently. In this blog, we will explore some of the most commonly asked questions in the Duolingo Speaking section, provide insights into how to answer them effectively, and compare them with other English proficiency exams like PTE.
Understanding the Duolingo Speaking Section
The Duolingo Speaking section consists of various question types designed to assess pronunciation, fluency, grammatical accuracy, and coherence. The main types of questions include:
- Read Aloud - You are given a sentence to read aloud within a specified time.
- Describe an Image - You must describe a given image in detail.
- Speak About a Given Topic - You are required to talk about a topic for 30-90 seconds.
- Listen and Speak - You hear a sentence and must repeat or respond accordingly.
The Duolingo test differs from exams like PTE and IELTS as it uses AI-driven assessment rather than human examiners. Additionally, the test is adaptive, meaning questions become more difficult as you answer correctly.
Commonly Asked Questions in the Duolingo Speaking Section
1. Read Aloud Questions
Example: “The advancements in artificial intelligence have led to significant changes in various industries, including healthcare and education.”
How to Answer:
- Maintain a steady pace and clear pronunciation.
- Stress on important words to improve intonation.
- Avoid long pauses and hesitations.
Comparison with PTE: The PTE also has a Read Aloud task but requires a longer response. Duolingo’s version is usually shorter but requires precise pronunciation and fluency.
2. Describe an Image Questions
Example: You are shown a picture of a city skyline at night and asked to describe it.
How to Answer:
- Identify key elements of the image (e.g., buildings, lights, sky color, activity happening).
- Use structured responses: Start with an introduction, describe details, and give a concluding remark.
- Use varied vocabulary and avoid repetition.
Comparison with PTE: PTE also includes image description tasks, but PTE provides more time for preparation. Duolingo requires a spontaneous and natural response.
3. Speak About a Given Topic
Example: “Describe a memorable journey you have taken.”
How to Answer:
- Use a clear structure: Introduction, key points, and conclusion.
- Use past tense for past events and descriptive adjectives to enhance storytelling.
- Speak continuously and avoid long pauses.
Comparison with IELTS: IELTS has a Speaking part where candidates discuss a topic in depth. However, IELTS allows interaction with an examiner, while Duolingo relies on AI-based assessment.
4. Listen and Speak Questions
Example: You hear, “The library closes at 8 PM,” and you must repeat it.
How to Answer:
- Listen carefully to the sentence structure and intonation.
- Try to mimic the exact pronunciation and rhythm.
- Avoid adding extra words or skipping words from the sentence.
Comparison with TOEFL: The TOEFL test also requires speaking responses, but it provides more time for preparation. Duolingo’s version is quick and spontaneous, requiring strong listening skills.
Tips to Score Higher in the Duolingo Speaking Section
- Practice Pronunciation: Use speech recognition tools or apps like Google Pronunciation to refine your accent.
- Expand Vocabulary: The richer your vocabulary, the more naturally you can describe images or discuss topics.
- Work on Fluency: Record yourself speaking and identify areas for improvement.
- Avoid Filler Words: Words like “uh,” “um,” and “like” reduce fluency scores.
- Speak at a Moderate Pace: Neither too fast nor too slow—balance clarity and coherence.
How Gurully Can Help You Achieve a Higher Score in Duolingo
Gurully provides a comprehensive online practice platform for English proficiency exams, including Duolingo, PTE, IELTS, and CELPIP. Here’s how Gurully can help you excel in your speaking test:
- Free Mock Tests: Access unlimited Duolingo and PTE mock tests to get real-time experience.
- AI-Powered Evaluation: Receive instant feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
- Speaking Practice Portal: Get access to automated speaking evaluations with AI-based corrections.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from tips and strategies provided by industry experts to refine your speaking skills.
By practicing with Gurully’s platform, students can improve their confidence and overall test performance. Whether preparing for Duolingo or PTE, consistent practice and expert feedback make a significant difference.
Conclusion
The Duolingo Speaking section can be challenging, but with the right preparation strategy and practice, scoring high is achievable. By understanding common questions, implementing structured responses, and leveraging platforms like Gurully, students can enhance their speaking skills effectively.
Are you ready to boost your Duolingo Speaking score? Start practicing today with Gurully’s free mock tests and take the first step toward success!
Also Read:
- Duolingo Speaking Topics: Frequently Asked Questions & Sample Answers
- Duolingo Read and Complete Question Tips and Tricks To Score High
- Speak About the Photo Duolingo – 50 Examples, Sample Answers, Templates, and Hacks
- Duolingo Read And Select Made Easy: Tips to Score High With Sample Question & Answer
Informative Pages for Duolingo English Test