Free Study Materials for the Duolingo English Test π
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) doesnβt have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most effective resources are completely free β as long as you know how to use them correctly.
Below is a breakdown of free, high-value DET materials that help you understand the test format, scoring system, grammar rules, and real question types. Used together, these resources can significantly improve your confidence and score.
Effective Speaking Strategies for the Duolingo English Test
Why Free Practice Matters for the DET β
The DET is not just about English ability β itβs about:
- Understanding how you are scored
- Knowing what each question type expects
- Practicing under real test conditions
Free materials are especially useful for:
- Learning the structure of the test
- Identifying weak areas early
- Avoiding common scoring mistakes
DET Sample Questions (New 2025) π§
Sample questions are one of the most important free resources for DET preparation.
They help you:
- Understand question formats
- Practice timing and pacing
- See how answers should be structured
These are ideal for beginners and advanced students alike, especially when paired with speaking and writing practice.
The Official DET Handbook (2025) π
This is the foundation document for the Duolingo English Test.
It explains:
- Test structure and timing
- Question types
- Test-day rules and requirements
If you read only one official document, this should be it.
DET Scoring Guide (2025 Update) π
Many students struggle because they donβt understand how the DET is scored.
The scoring guide explains:
- Subscores like fluency, lexical sophistication, and grammar
- Why speaking longer matters
- How vocabulary and accuracy affect your final score
Understanding this guide helps you practice smarter, not harder.
Simple Question Guide (2025) βοΈ
This guide breaks down questions in a clear, beginner-friendly way.
Itβs especially helpful for:
- Students new to the DET
- Test-takers confused by instructions
- Anyone who wants a quick refresher before practice
DET Test Rules π
Small rule mistakes can invalidate your test.
This resource covers:
- Environment requirements
- Camera and microphone rules
- What causes test invalidation
Reading this once can save you from costly errors.
Grammar Essentials: Subject-Verb Agreement π
Grammar still matters on the DET β especially in writing and speaking.
This resource helps you:
- Avoid basic grammar errors
- Improve sentence accuracy
- Write and speak more confidently
Even small grammar improvements can raise your score.

Official Duolingo English Test Guide (October 2024) π§
This older official guide is still useful for:
- Understanding core test philosophy
- Reviewing examples and explanations
- Reinforcing best practices
It pairs well with newer 2025 updates.
DET 5-Day Test Guide Crash Course π
Short on time? This guide is great for:
- Last-minute review
- Structuring practice over a few days
- Building confidence quickly
Itβs especially useful before a retake.
DET Scoring Model π
This resource explains how different skills connect:
- Speaking length and fluency
- Vocabulary level and score impact
- Grammar accuracy and clarity
Once you understand the scoring model, your practice becomes more focused and effective.
How to Send Your Duolingo English Test Results to Institutions
Important Phrasal Verbs π£οΈ
Phrasal verbs appear naturally in high-scoring responses.
This guide helps you:
- Sound more natural
- Improve lexical sophistication
- Avoid overly basic vocabulary
Using even a few correctly can improve your speaking and writing scores.
Final Thoughts π‘
Free resources can take you far on the Duolingo English Test β if you use them correctly.
The best results come from combining:
- Sample questions
- Scoring knowledge
- Grammar review
- Timed practice
Use these materials consistently, add structured practice, and your DET score will reflect it.