Best Strategies & Tips for DET Speaking Questions

To excel in the speaking questions on the Duolingo English Test (DET), you need more than just fluency. A high score requires structured responses, strong grammar, diverse vocabulary, and clear pronunciation. This guide will walk you through the best strategies to boost your DET speaking score.

Understanding DET Speaking Scoring 🎯

One of the best ways to improve your speaking score is to think like an examiner. If you were designing a test, how would you evaluate speaking proficiency? Here are the key factors DET examiners assess:

Understanding these criteria will help you approach the test strategically.

Step 1: Have Well-Developed Ideas 🏗️

1️⃣ Be Logical & Use Transitions

Every sentence should connect logically to the next. Using transition words like however, because, although, and moreover will make your speech flow naturally.

✔ Example:
"Although online learning is convenient, it can sometimes lack the personal interaction found in a traditional classroom. However, new technology has helped bridge this gap."

2️⃣ Stick to the Topic

No matter how fluent you are, going off-topic lowers your score. Every response should directly address the prompt.

✔ Example Question: "Describe a time when you helped someone."
❌ "I love helping people. Last summer, I went on vacation." → ❌ Off-topic
✅ "Last summer, I helped my younger brother with his math homework. He was struggling with algebra, so I explained the concepts step by step." → ✅ Relevant

Step 2: Use Correct Grammar & Sentence Variety 📝

1️⃣ Keep Your Verb Tenses Consistent

Incorrect verb use can lower your score significantly.

✔ Incorrect: "He walked to the store, bought a hot dog, and going home." → ❌
✔ Correct: "He walked to the store, bought a hot dog, and went home." → ✅

2️⃣ Use a Mix of Short & Complex Sentences

Native speakers naturally vary sentence length. Long sentences show advanced proficiency, while short ones add clarity.

✔ Example:
"Traveling has always been my passion. When I was younger, I spent summers exploring different countries, experiencing new cultures, and learning new languages. This has shaped my perspective on life."

This combination demonstrates fluency and keeps your response engaging.

Step 3: Expand Your Vocabulary 📖

Using advanced vocabulary improves your lexical complexity score. Instead of repeating basic words, choose sophisticated synonyms.

✔ Examples:

✅ Tip: Use Google Docs "Define" feature or a thesaurus to find better words while practicing.

Step 4: Improve Pronunciation & Clarity 🔊

1️⃣ Speak Clearly, No Need for a Perfect Accent

The DET does not penalize accents! However, articulation matters. Avoid mumbling or speaking too fast.

✅ Practice Tip: Record yourself reading a paragraph and listen back for unclear words.

2️⃣ Use Natural Pauses

Mimic native speakers by pausing naturally at commas and periods.

✔ Example:
"Last weekend, I visited my grandmother. She loves gardening, so we spent the afternoon planting flowers. It was a great bonding experience."

Step 5: Remember Core Ideas 🧠

When the recording starts, many test-takers panic and forget everything. To avoid this, prepare "core ideas" in advance.

✅ Common Core Ideas to Practice:

• Personal Experiences: A trip, a hobby, a meaningful event.
• Opinions on Topics: Online learning vs. classroom learning.
• Future Goals: Your dream job or plans for the next five years.

Having these ideas ready will make it easier to adapt to different questions.

Final Thoughts 🌟

To excel in the DET speaking section, focus on:

✅ Structuring logical responses with transitions
✅ Using correct grammar & diverse sentence structures
✅ Expanding vocabulary with precise word choices
✅ Improving pronunciation & clarity
✅ Practicing core ideas to avoid hesitation

With consistent practice, you’ll sound more natural, confident, and well-prepared for the Duolingo English Test! 🚀🎤

📌 Want to improve even faster? Practice with AI-powered feedback at DETStudy.com!