How to Speak Confidently for 3 Minutes on the Duolingo English Test

So, you're nearing the end of your Duolingo English Test (DET). The moment has come—you’re presented with the speaking sample task, one of the most critical parts of the test. You start strong, deliver your answer, and... realize you've only spoken for 37 seconds. Yikes! 😱 How can you avoid this situation and ensure you effectively fill the full 3 minutes?

Let's get you ready with three simple yet effective strategies that will help you stay composed, speak confidently, and ace your speaking sample on the Duolingo English Test.

What is the Speaking Sample?

The speaking sample is the final question in the test. You’re given a prompt and then have 30 seconds to prepare before you’re expected to speak for up to 3 minutes. This response is recorded and sent to the institution you're applying to. No pressure, right? 💡

Here are three essential tips to help you fill that time and deliver a well-rounded answer:

1. Create an Effective Outline in Your Head

You’ve got 30 seconds to plan before you start speaking—no writing, no typing. Sounds tough, but with practice, it becomes manageable. Here's how to make the most of those precious seconds:

• Identify your main idea or opinion related to the question.
• Think of three supporting points that will form the backbone of your answer.
• Develop each point with details to keep your response flowing.

What to Do If Your Duolingo English Test Isn’t Certified (And How to Fix It)

If your prompt is about concentration and productivity, your main point could be that developing good concentration habits leads to improved efficiency and mental clarity. Your three supporting points might be:

• Eliminating distractions
• Using structured time management techniques
• Practicing mindfulness and regular breaks

2. Use Transition Words for Flow

Transition words help your response sound natural and buy you extra time! ⏳ Here are some essential ones to use:

• For adding ideas: Furthermore, In addition, Moreover
• For contrasting points: However, In contrast, On the other hand
• For concluding: Therefore, In conclusion, To sum up

Example:

Instead of saying: ❌ "Exercise is good. It helps health. It reduces stress."

Say: ✅ "Exercise is beneficial because it improves overall health. Furthermore, it reduces stress and enhances mental clarity."

3. The Art of the Conclusion 🎯

If you’ve made it through your main points but still have time left, don’t panic! This is where a strong conclusion comes in.

A good conclusion should:

• Restate your main opinion
• Briefly summarize your key points

Example:

If your main idea was that regular physical exercise is vital for health, you might conclude with:

"In conclusion, regular physical exercise is crucial for maintaining both physical strength and mental clarity. By staying active, we can improve our overall quality of life and enjoy long-term health benefits." 💪

This reinforces your points while helping you reach the 3-minute mark.

Bonus Tips for a Strong Response 💡

✅ Practice Makes Perfect – Time yourself answering different prompts.
✅ Record Yourself – Listening back helps identify areas to expand on.
✅ Use Strong Vocabulary – Sprinkle in high-level words for a better score.

Important Vocabulary to Boost Your Score 📚

Here are some key terms that can enhance your speaking response:

• Enhance – To improve or make better
• Vital – A stronger word for "important"
• Boost – To increase or improve something
• Mental clarity – Clear and focused thinking
• Endurance – The ability to sustain physical activity over time

Sample Question: The Importance of Physical Exercise 🏃‍♀️

Let’s put these strategies into action with an example question and response:

Prompt:

"Why is physical exercise important for a healthy lifestyle?"

Outline:

1. Physical exercise is essential for both physical and mental health.
2. It strengthens muscles and improves overall fitness.
3. It reduces stress and improves mood.
4. It boosts energy levels and enhances daily performance.

Full Response Example:

"Physical exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. First, it helps build muscle strength and improves fitness, preventing injuries and enhancing mobility as we age. In addition, regular physical activity has a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting mood and mental clarity. Finally, exercise increases energy and endurance, helping us perform better in our daily tasks and leading to a more fulfilling life." 🏋️‍♂️

Final Thoughts 💭

By using these strategies—creating a solid outline, using transition words, and structuring a strong conclusion—you’ll be able to confidently speak for 3 minutes and boost your DET score.

Need More Practice?

Visit DET Study for free practice questions, structured answer templates, and expert guidance to help you prepare!