How to Boost Your Duolingo English Test Score by 10 Points

Struggling to reach your target score on the Duolingo English Test (DET)? Whether you need 110 to 120 or 105 to 115, small, strategic changes can make a huge impact.

These are not hacks or clickbait tricks—they are proven techniques backed by CEFR scoring principles, vocabulary enhancement, and practical application.

Let’s break down how to effectively improve your DET score by 10 points.

Understanding CEFR Scoring 📊

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) categorizes language ability into six levels:

✔ Why this matters for DET: Your score improves when you use higher-level vocabulary and grammar.

Example:
🔹 Basic (A1-A2): "The boy is happy."
🔹 Improved (B2-C1): "The child is elated."

Using Vocab Kitchen for Better Vocabulary 🍽️

One of the fastest ways to boost your DET score is by enhancing your vocabulary.

How Vocab Kitchen Helps:

🔹 Identifies word levels (A1 to C2)
🔹 Suggests more advanced synonyms
🔹 Shows how small changes impact lexical sophistication

✔ Example Upgrade:
🔹 A1: "The man is next to a big house."
🔹 B2+: "The adult male is standing adjacent to an immense house."

✔ Why this works:
Swapping simple words (man, next to, big) for higher CEFR words (adult male, adjacent, immense) increases your lexical score.

🔗 Try it: Visit Vocab Kitchen to check your writing.

Enhancing Vocabulary with Google Docs 📝

Google Docs has a built-in "Define" tool that can help you find stronger synonyms.

How to Use It:

1️⃣ Type a sentence in Google Docs.
2️⃣ Right-click a word and select "Define."
3️⃣ Choose a more advanced synonym from the suggestions.

✔ Example:
🔹 Basic: "She walked home."
🔹 Advanced: "She strolled home."

✔ Why this works:
🔹 "Walked" = A1 (basic)
🔹 "Strolled" = B2 (upper intermediate)

➡ Small changes like this raise your lexical score!

Applying Advanced Vocabulary in Writing & Speaking ✍️

Step 1: Identify Weak Areas

🔹 Run your writing through AI tools (like Grammarly or DETStudy) to highlight weak words.
🔹 Find higher-level alternatives using Vocab Kitchen or Google Docs.

Step 2: Improve Your Responses

Example: DET Writing Prompt
➡ Describe a time when you helped someone.

✔ Basic (A2-B1):
"I helped my friend when she lost her wallet. She was very sad, so I went with her to find it."

✔ Improved (B2-C1):
"I assisted my friend when she misplaced her wallet. She was distressed, so I accompanied her in retracing her steps."

✔ Why this works:
🔹 "Helped" → "Assisted" (higher-level verb)
🔹 "Lost" → "Misplaced" (more precise word)
🔹 "Very sad" → "Distressed" (avoids 'very' and uses advanced vocabulary)

➡ Practicing these upgrades daily will significantly improve your DET writing and speaking scores.

Why Dual Subscores in the DET Matter for Test Takers and Institutions

Testing Your Lexical Sophistication 🔍

Try this simple test:

✔ Step 1: Write any sentence with basic words.
✔ Step 2: Use Vocab Kitchen or an AI checker to find stronger synonyms.
✔ Step 3: Compare your original and improved versions.

✔ Example Test Result:
🔹 "Walking" → "Strolling"
🔹 "Next to" → "Adjacent"
🔹 Lexical score increased from 95 to 125.

➡ Small changes = Big improvements!

Consistent Practice & Feedback 📈

1️⃣ Use DET Study Platforms

🔹 Websites like DETStudy.com provide:
✔ 15,000 + practice questions
✔ AI-powered feedback on writing & speaking
✔ Detailed score breakdowns

2️⃣ Apply Techniques in Every Response

✔ Avoid basic, repetitive words
✔ Use Google Docs & Vocab Kitchen
✔ Review AI feedback regularly

Conclusion:

Improving your Duolingo English Test score by 10 points is realistic with the right strategies:

✔ Understand CEFR scoring & aim for B2-C1 vocabulary
✔ Use Vocab Kitchen & Google Docs to refine word choices
✔ Apply these changes in writing & speaking practice
✔ Take practice tests & analyze feedback regularly