The Necessity of Practice for the Duolingo English Test
Many test-takers assume knowing English is enough for a high DET score, but I’ve seen firsthand how this leads to frustration. Fluency, accuracy, and confidence come from structured practice—not just language skills. To improve, you need to understand what examiners look for and train with the right strategies. Let’s break down the common mistakes and the best ways to boost your score.
✅ Understanding Common Challenges
1. Not Speaking Long Enough
One of the most crucial factors in your production score (the speaking section of the DET) is your fluency. Fluency is not just about pronunciation; it also measures how long you can speak without hesitation.
Many students make the mistake of speaking for only 30 to 40 seconds, finishing their response too early. This significantly reduces their fluency score.
Solution:
- Use the full 90 seconds: Always aim to speak for the entire time limit.
- Expand on your ideas: Provide additional details, examples, and explanations to extend your answers naturally.
- Use structured responses: Organize your answer using techniques like core ideas and transition phrases to keep speaking smoothly.
5 Tips for the Read Then Speak Question: Duolingo English Test
2. Using Basic Vocabulary Instead of Advanced Words
Your lexical sophistication score is determined by how advanced your word choices are. Many students unknowingly use basic vocabulary that does not showcase their English proficiency.
For example:
❌ Basic sentence: "The sunset is very beautiful."
✅ Improved sentence: "The sunset is breathtaking and captivating."
Even small word substitutions can significantly improve your score.
Solution:
- Use a CEFR vocabulary profiler (such as Vocab Kitchen) to check the level of your word choices.
- Replace common adjectives with stronger, more specific alternatives.
- Make small upgrades in your speaking and writing responses to naturally incorporate B2, C1, or C2-level vocabulary.
3. Not Practicing Enough Before the Test
One of the biggest reasons students struggle is a lack of sufficient practice. Many assume that they will perform well without preparing—only to realize too late that the test format and timing are more challenging than expected.
Taking the DET without adequate preparation is like running a marathon without training.
Solution:
- Create a structured study plan: Set aside dedicated time for listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
- Simulate test conditions: Practice with timed responses to get used to the pressure of the actual exam.
- Use AI feedback tools: Platforms like DETStudy.com provide instant feedback, allowing you to correct mistakes before test day.
✅ The Importance of Practicing More
1. Lack of Regular English Use
Many students do not engage with English daily. If English is not regularly spoken, read, or written, fluency declines.
Without consistent exposure, it becomes harder to think quickly in English, leading to hesitation and lower scores.
Solution:
- Surround yourself with English daily: Watch English-language videos, read articles, and listen to podcasts.
- Engage in conversations: Speak with native speakers or fellow test-takers to get comfortable responding in English.
- Write in English: Keep a journal or write essays to improve grammar and expression.
Boost Your Duolingo Writing Score with Task Relevance
2. The Myth of "Luck" in the DET
Some students believe that luck plays a role in DET scores. They assume that if they get an easy question, they will perform better.
Reality: The Duolingo English Test is adaptive—meaning it adjusts to your level. If you answer easy questions correctly, it will increase the difficulty automatically.
Success is not about luck—it’s about preparation.
Solution:
- Stop relying on luck and start focusing on strategic practice.
- Track your progress and identify weak areas before test day.
- Familiarize yourself with every question type so there are no surprises.
3. How Much Practice Do You Need?
Your required practice time depends on your starting level and target score.
- Improving from 80 to 85 → Requires moderate practice.
- Improving from 120 to 125 → Requires at least 15 to 20 hours of focused speaking and writing exercises.
Key Takeaway: If you need to increase your score significantly, you must commit to consistent practice over several weeks.
✅ Utilizing Effective Resources for Practice
1. Try DET Study!
One of the best ways to prepare for the DET is by practicing on our platform, DET Study, where we’ve designed AI-powered tools to give you instant, targeted feedback. We know firsthand how important it is to track progress and refine your skills efficiently.
Here’s what you’ll get with DET Study:
✅ AI scoring for writing and speaking, so you know exactly where you stand
✅ CEFR word analysis to upgrade your vocabulary level
✅ Thousands of practice questions covering every test section
✅ Fluency feedback to fine-tune pronunciation and improve speaking confidence
2. Simulate Real Test Conditions
Taking practice tests in a timed environment prepares you for real exam pressure.
How to do this:
- Set a timer and practice 90-second speaking responses.
- Write essays in 5-minute timed sessions to train your writing speed.
- Review answers immediately to identify mistakes.
Simulating actual test conditions helps build confidence and reduces anxiety on test day.
3. Join Study Groups or Coaching Programs
Practicing alone can be difficult. Many students benefit from structured coaching or peer study groups.
Options:
- Join a test prep group to exchange feedback with other learners.
- Work with a tutor to receive personalized feedback.
- Practice in online forums where DET test-takers share strategies and sample answers.
Key Takeaways
✅ Speak for the full 90 seconds to maximize fluency.
✅ Replace basic words with advanced vocabulary to improve lexical sophistication.
✅ Commit to daily English exposure through reading, speaking, and writing.
✅ Use AI tools like DETStudy to receive instant feedback on your responses.
✅ Set realistic practice goals and track progress weekly.
