Duolingo English Test: 7 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Score

Duolingo English Test: 7 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Score
Photo by Ivan Vranić / Unsplash

You’ve prepared, studied, and practiced. Test day is here. You’re ready to hit that record button and crush the Duolingo English Test (DET).

But wait—some test-killing mistakes could invalidate your score before you even get started. Let’s go over the 7 major mistakes that could flag your test and how to avoid them.


1. Background Noise

You're feeling confident, and then—BAM! Your neighbor starts band practice, your dog loses it, or a car alarm blares outside.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: DET proctors require a quiet environment. If they detect background noise, your test could be flagged or invalidated.

Fix It:

  • Inform everyone at home about your test time.
  • Find a quiet, isolated space.

2. Poor Lighting

Soft, dim lighting might be great for movie night, but for the DET, it's a score killer.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: If your face isn’t clearly visible, proctors can’t verify your identity, which may lead to test rejection.

Fix It:

  • Use bright, even lighting.
  • Position the light source in front of you, not behind.

3. Unstable Internet

You're in the middle of your test, and suddenly—your screen freezes.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: A bad internet connection can disconnect you from the test, forcing you to retake it.

Fix It:

  • Test your internet speed beforehand.
  • Use a wired connection if possible.

Boost Your Duolingo Writing Score with Task Relevance

4. Small Screens:

Taking an international language test on a tiny phone screen? Bad idea.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: You might misread text, squint too much, or lean in too close, raising suspicion.

Fix It:

  • Use a computer with a large screen.
  • Keep a comfortable viewing distance.

5. Poor Microphone

You’ve got your answers ready, but your voice sounds like it’s coming from a cave in the 1920s.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: If proctors can’t hear you clearly, your test may be flagged.

Fix It:

  • Test your microphone before the exam.
  • Make sure your voice is crystal clear.

6. Fidgeting in Your Chair

Thinking too hard? Shifting around too much? You might accidentally move out of frame.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: Proctors must see your face at all times. Excessive movement may invalidate your test.

Fix It:

  • Practice sitting still during test simulations.
  • Keep your face centered in the frame.

Answer Guides & Templates to Improve Your Score

7. Unexpected Guests

Everything is going great until your little brother bursts in, excited to show you his latest TikTok dance.

🚨 Why It’s a Problem: If anyone enters your room, your test might be flagged for cheating.

Fix It:

  • Lock your door before starting.
  • Inform everyone at home about your test.

Quick Recap

Mistake ⚠️ Why It’s a Problem How to Fix It
Background Noise Proctors need silence. Find a quiet space & inform others.
Poor Lighting Face must be visible. Use bright lighting in front.
Unstable Internet Disconnection = test fail. Use wired internet if possible.
Small Screens Hard to read & see details. Use a large-screen computer.
Poor Microphone Proctors can't hear clearly. Test your mic before starting.
Fidgeting Too Much Moving out of frame = flag. Keep face centered on screen.
Unexpected Guests Someone enters = invalid test. Lock door & inform household.

For the love of all things fluent, don’t let small mistakes ruin your score!

Good luck on your Duolingo English Test!

{{! Initialize Tocbot after you load the script }}