Duolingo English Test: 7 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Score

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.

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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.

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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

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

Good luck on your Duolingo English Test!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can background noise really invalidate my Duolingo English Test score?

Yes. The post explains that DET proctors require a quiet environment, and if they detect background noise, your test could be flagged or invalidated. It suggests informing everyone at home about your test time and finding a quiet, isolated space.

Why does poor lighting matter so much during the DET?

Poor lighting can lead to test rejection because if your face isn’t clearly visible, proctors can’t verify your identity. The article recommends using bright, even lighting and positioning the light source in front of you, not behind you.

What should I do to prevent internet issues from forcing a retake?

The article warns that a bad internet connection can disconnect you from the test and force you to retake it. To avoid this, it recommends testing your internet speed beforehand and using a wired connection if possible.

Why is taking the test on a small screen a problem?

The post says a tiny phone screen can cause you to misread text, squint too much, or lean in too close, which can raise suspicion. It recommends using a computer with a large screen and keeping a comfortable viewing distance.