3 Key Techniques to Summarize a Conversation on the Duolingo English Test

The "Summarize the Conversation" task on the Duolingo English Test (DET) can feel overwhelming. You listen to a detailed exchange and have just 75 seconds to summarize it concisely and clearly.

The best way to approach this task is by following a simple structure:
✅ Who did you meet?
✅ What did they say?
✅ What did you do?

Let’s break this down using an example to ensure you fully understand how to write a high-scoring summary.

Step 1: Who Did You Meet?

The first step is to identify the person you interacted with. This sets the context for your summary.

Example Scenario:

You’re a teaching assistant for a macroeconomics class and are unsure how to grade a student's essay. The essay doesn’t align with the grading criteria, so you seek guidance from your professor.

Summary Statement:

✅ "I spoke with my macroeconomics professor regarding a grading issue I encountered as a teaching assistant."

📌 Why This Works: Clearly identifying who you met helps structure your response and keeps it task-relevant.

Using Your Smartphone as a Second Camera for the Duolingo English Test

Step 2: What Did They Say?

Now, summarize the key advice or information provided by the other person.

Example Scenario:

The professor reviews the issue and recalls that the student had previously discussed a new approach with them. They advise you to grade based on this revised approach and adjust the scoring rubric accordingly.

Summary Statement:

✅ "The professor advised me to grade the essay based on the revised criteria that the student had previously discussed and received approval for, and to adjust the scoring rubric to ensure fairness."

📌 Why This Works: This step ensures you capture the core of the conversation without unnecessary details.

Step 3: What Did You Do?

Finally, explain your response or action after receiving the advice.

Example Scenario:

After the professor’s clarification, you thank them and proceed to implement the revised grading approach.

Summary Statement:

✅ "I thanked the professor for their clarification and confirmed that I would grade the essay according to the revised criteria, ensuring the rubric was adjusted accordingly."

📌 Why This Works: Clearly stating what you did shows active listening and comprehension.

Putting It All Together

Now, let’s combine all three steps into a final summary suitable for the Duolingo English Test:

✅ Final Summary:
"I spoke with my macroeconomics professor regarding a grading issue I encountered as a teaching assistant. The professor advised me to grade the essay based on the revised criteria that the student had previously discussed and received approval for, and to adjust the scoring rubric to ensure fairness. I thanked the professor for their clarification and confirmed that I would grade the essay according to the revised criteria, ensuring the rubric was adjusted accordingly."

Benefits of This Method:

✅ Helps you organize your thoughts quickly.
✅ Ensures you stay within the 75-second limit.
✅ Clearly conveys the most important details.

🎯 Good luck with your test preparation! Stay clear and precise, and you'll excel on test day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I structure my response for the DET “Summarize the Conversation” task within 75 seconds?

You can follow the simple three-step structure from the post: Who did you meet? What did they say? What did you do? This helps you organize your thoughts quickly and stay within the 75-second limit while keeping the summary clear and task-relevant.

What should I include in “Who did you meet?” when writing my summary?

You should identify the person you interacted with to set the context, such as stating you spoke with your macroeconomics professor regarding a grading issue you encountered as a teaching assistant.

How do I summarize “What did they say?” without adding unnecessary details?

Focus on the key advice or information the other person provided—for example, that the professor advised grading the essay based on revised criteria the student had previously discussed and received approval for, and adjusting the scoring rubric to ensure fairness.

Why is it important to explain “What did you do?” in the summary?

Stating your response or action shows active listening and comprehension, such as thanking the professor for clarification and confirming you would implement the revised grading approach and adjust the rubric accordingly.