5 Tips for the Read Then Speak Question: Duolingo English Test
The Read Then Speak question on the Duolingo English Test (DET) is a challenging task that evaluates both fluency and content depth. This question only appears once in the test, and test-takers must speak continuously for 90 seconds. Many test-takers struggle because they finish too early, often speaking for only 30 to 40 seconds, which can lower their production score.
To ensure you speak for the full time, sound natural, and maximize your score, follow this five-step method for structuring your response.
Step 1: Start with the Question for a Strong Opening
A great way to start confidently is to use the question in your response. This ensures your introduction is relevant and helps eliminate awkward pauses at the beginning.
✔ Example:
- Question: "Discuss something you were thankful for recently."
- Strong Start: "I would like to talk about something that I was thankful for recently, which was spending Thanksgiving with my family."
This technique immediately establishes your response and buys you time to think about your next points.
Step 2: Answer Key Questions to Add Details
To extend your response and avoid running out of things to say, answer key questions about your topic. These include:
✔ Who was involved?
✔ What happened?
✔ Where did it take place?
✔ When did it happen?
✔ How did it make you feel?
✔ Why was it important?
✔ Example:
Instead of giving a short answer like:
"I was thankful for spending Thanksgiving with my family."
Expand it by adding more details:
"I spent Thanksgiving with my parents, siblings, and grandparents at my grandparents’ home. We traveled four hours to get there, and it was our first time celebrating together in years. The holiday allowed us to reconnect and create lasting memories."
By answering these key questions, you can easily add 10–15 more seconds to your response.
Effective Speaking Strategies for the Duolingo English Test
Step 3: Use Core Ideas to Expand Your Response
To avoid repetition or awkward pauses, focus on two main ideas or examples related to the topic. This technique adds structure and keeps your response moving.
✔ Example for a Thankfulness Question:
1️⃣ "One reason I was thankful was that I got to spend time with my family and loved ones."
2️⃣ "Another reason I was thankful was that I got to try a lot of delicious food."
By introducing two separate points, you naturally extend your response while keeping it structured and engaging.
Step 4: Follow the Bullet Points to Cover All Aspects
Every Read Then Speak question includes bullet points that guide your answer. Covering these points ensures that your response is complete and well-rounded.
✔ Example Bullet Points for a Thankfulness Question:
- Why were you thankful?
- How did you show your gratitude?
- Did you thank someone specifically?
✔ Expanded Example Answer:
"I showed that I was thankful by helping with cleanup after dinner. There were a lot of dishes, and my brothers and I made sure my grandparents could relax. I also thanked my grandmother personally because she prepared the turkey, which turned out perfect."
Step 5: End with a Clear Conclusion
Your final sentence should wrap up your response smoothly rather than ending abruptly.
✔ Example Closing Statements:
- "Ultimately, this is the reason Thanksgiving is such an important holiday for me."
- "Overall, this was an experience that I was truly grateful for."
A strong conclusion signals the end of your response naturally, helping you finish on a confident note.
Complete Sample Answer Using the Five Steps
✔ Question:
"Discuss something you were thankful for recently. Why were you thankful? How did you show that you were thankful? Did you thank someone?"
✔ Response Using the Five-Step Method:
✅ Step 1: Start with the Question for a Strong Opening
"I would like to talk about something that I was thankful for recently, which was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family."
✅ Step 2: Answer Key Questions to Add Details
"In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the third Thursday of November. It marks the beginning of the holiday season and is a time for families to come together. This year, my family and I traveled four hours to my grandparents’ house to celebrate. It was the first time in several years that all of us could gather in one place."
✅ Step 3: Use Core Ideas to Expand Your Response
"One reason I was thankful was the opportunity to reconnect with my extended family. Since we live in different cities, we don’t get many chances to meet in person. Seeing my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins made the holiday special."
"Another reason I was thankful was the amazing food we shared. My grandmother prepared a large meal, including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Everyone contributed by bringing homemade dishes, which made the meal even more enjoyable."
✅ Step 4: Follow the Bullet Points to Cover All Aspects
"I showed that I was thankful by helping with the cleanup after dinner. There were a lot of dishes, and my brothers and I made sure that my grandparents could rest while we took care of them. I also personally thanked my grandmother because she put in a lot of effort to prepare the meal, and it turned out perfectly."
✅ Step 5: End with a Clear Conclusion
"Ultimately, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it allows me to spend meaningful time with my family. I always feel grateful for the memories we create together, and I look forward to celebrating it every year."
By structuring your response using these five steps, you ensure that your answer is detailed, well-organized, and long enough to meet the 90-second requirement. This method helps you avoid running out of ideas and improves fluency, leading to a higher production score on the Duolingo English Test.
Final Thoughts
By following these five structured steps, you will:
✔ Start with a strong introduction using the question
✔ Answer key questions to add essential details
✔ Use two core ideas to expand your response
✔ Cover all bullet points to ensure completeness
✔ End with a smooth conclusion
This approach ensures fluency, eliminates hesitation, and maximizes your production score on the Read Then Speak question. Practice using this method, and you’ll be ready to deliver clear, confident, and well-structured responses on your Duolingo English Test.
