Effective Writing: 9 Key Strategies to Boost Your Duolingo English Test Score

Last updated on 05 Feb 2025

Let's be honest, the writing sections of the Duolingo English Test are tough. How do you handle them effectively? It all boils down to how you write. Clear, precise writing. Make your your language shine! Here's how you can enhance your writing techniques to not only meet but exceed the test's expectations. 🚀

Rule 1: Use Active Voice to Enhance Clarity and Precision 🖋️

Active voice makes your sentences direct and engaging, placing the subject as the action's driver, which enhances clarity and dynamic expression.

Active: The team presented the report early.
Passive: The report was presented early by the team.

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Why It Matters: Active voice highlights the subject’s role and avoids unnecessary complexity, crucial for improving your DET score due to its emphasis on clarity.

Rule 2: Avoid Sentence Fragments for Better Grammatical Accuracy

Avoid sentence fragments to prevent confusion and strengthen your writing.

Fragment: While revising the report.
Complete Sentence: While revising the report, she discovered a significant error.

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Why It Matters: Complete sentences demonstrate a robust understanding of English grammar, aligning with the DET’s grammatical accuracy criteria.

Rule 3: Use Concrete Language to Enhance Lexical Sophistication 🌟

Specificity in your language makes your writing vivid and precise. Opt for concrete over vague expressions to enhance clarity.

Vague: The event was exciting.
Concrete: The concert featured an electrifying performance by the band.

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Why It Matters: Concrete language shows precise vocabulary selection, enhancing your lexical sophistication score on the DET.

Rule 4: Maintain Parallel Structure for Fluency and Readability

Ensure parallel structure in your lists and sequences to improve readability and flow.

Correct: He enjoys hiking, swimming, and cycling.
Incorrect: He enjoys hiking, swimming, and to ride his bike.

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Why It Matters: Parallel structure aids fluency and meets the coherence and accuracy standards of the test.

Rule 5: Vary Sentence Types for Lexical Complexity 🧠

Utilize a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase your capability to express ideas diversely.

Simple: The sun set.
Compound: The sun set, and the sky turned orange.
Complex: As the sun set, the sky turned orange.

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Why It Matters: Diverse sentence structures demonstrate your writing versatility, enhancing your lexical complexity score.

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Rule 6: Eliminate Double Negatives for Clarity and Simplicity

Avoid double negatives to maintain clarity in your writing. Opt for affirmative constructions.

Double Negative: She is not unwilling to try.
Clear Alternative: She is willing to try.

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Why It Matters: Clarity in writing ensures ideas are easy to follow, enhancing your coherence score on the DET.

Rule 7: Optimize Word Placement for Precision 📝

Correct placement of words reduces ambiguity and ensures your writing is clear.

Misplaced Modifier: Only she studies grammar on weekends.
Corrected Sentence: She studies only grammar on weekends.

Why It Matters: Proper word placement reflects grammatical accuracy, enhancing the professionalism of your writing.

Rule 8: Avoid Overusing Introductory Constructions

Reduce redundancy by replacing phrases like "there is" and "it is" with more concise phrases.

Original: There are many benefits to reading regularly.
Improved: Reading regularly offers many benefits.

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Why It Matters: Concise phrasing demonstrates effective sentence construction, important for fluency and coherence on the DET.

Rule 9: Choose Words Thoughtfully for Lexical Sophistication ✨

Select words that fit the context and demonstrate your vocabulary range.

General: She worked hard.
Sophisticated: She exerted significant effort to achieve her goals.

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Why It Matters: Precision in word choice enhances lexical sophistication, showcasing advanced language skills.

Final Tip: Practice with Purpose 🎯

To excel on the Duolingo English Test:

Analyze practice responses for adherence to these rules.
Revise sentences to enhance clarity and diversity.
Read high-quality English materials to internalize advanced writing techniques.

Why DET Study is Your Perfect Practice Partner 📘

Visit DET Study for over 15,000 unique questions tailored to the Duolingo English Test. Explore our daily free questions and VIP options to refine your skills and track your progress.

Implement these strategies to achieve high scores and advance your English proficiency! 🚀