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Duolingo English Test Pattern 2026
The Duolingo English Test is a 60-minute online exam that can be taken anytime, anywhere, using a computer with a webcam and a stable internet connection.
The Duolingo English Test Format in 2026 consists of three major sections:
- Introduction & Onboarding (5 minutes)
- Adaptive Test (45 minutes)
- Writing & Speaking Sample (10 minutes)
The Duolingo English Test score ranges from 10 to 160, and the scoring is adaptive — meaning the difficulty level of each question depends on how you answered previous ones. Correct answers will make the next questions more challenging, helping the test pinpoint your exact proficiency level.
Here’s a closer look at what each section involves and how you can ace them.
Duolingo English Test Format: Introduction & Onboarding (2026)
This 5-minute section helps you get familiar with the interface and test requirements. You won’t be scored in this section.
What You’ll Do
- Review your test and profile details carefully.
- Read all test rules and guidelines to ensure compliance.
- Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection before starting.
- Make sure you’re in a quiet, well-lit room with no background distractions.
- Understand the time limits for each part of the test to manage your pace better.
Preparing this setup carefully ensures you start the test smoothly and avoid disqualifications due to technical or rule violations.
Duolingo English Test Format: Adaptive Test
The Adaptive Test is the core of the DET, lasting 45 minutes. It evaluates your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through automatically adjusted question difficulty.
This section dynamically changes based on your responses, helping DET accurately measure your English proficiency across multiple dimensions.
Types of Questions in the Adaptive Test
Question Type | What It Tests | Frequency (Approx.) |
| Read and Select | Ability to recognize real English words from fake ones | 15-18 times |
| Read and Complete | Skill to fill in missing letters in sentences | 3-6 times |
| Read Aloud | Pronunciation and fluency in speaking written sentences | 3-6 times |
| Fill in the Blanks | Vocabulary and spelling accuracy | 6-9 times |
| Listen and Type | Listening comprehension and accuracy in writing what you hear | 6-9 times |
| Write About the Photo | Ability to describe an image using correct grammar and vocabulary | 3 times |
| Speak About the Photo | Ability to describe images verbally and fluently | 1 time |
| Listen, then Speak | Conversational ability after hearing an audio clip | 2 times |
| Read, then Speak | Spoken fluency on a given topic after reading a prompt | 1 time |
| Interactive Writing | Ability to expand or elaborate on an initial written response | 1 time |
DET has become more conversation-driven in recent updates, so focus on improving interactive and spontaneous speaking skills through mock tests and daily English practice.
Interactive Reading Section
This section evaluates reading comprehension and academic literacy. You’ll read short passages and answer related questions to assess your ability to understand, infer, and summarise information.
Question Type | What It Tests | Frequency (Approx.) |
| Complete the Sentences | Choose the best word to fill in the blanks based on context | 2 times |
| Complete the Passage | Connect two passages logically with a suitable sentence | 2 times |
| Highlight the Answer | Identify the correct line or phrase that answers the question | 4 times |
| Identify the Idea | Summarise the passage with a concise statement | 2 times |
| Title the Passage | Identify the most appropriate title for the passage | 2 times |
Tip: Recent test updates emphasise contextual reading rather than direct comprehension. Practice reading academic journals, news articles, and research summaries to strengthen this skill.
Interactive Listening Section
This part focuses on how well you understand spoken English in real-life situations. You will listen to short conversations, monologues, or scenarios and respond accordingly.
Question Type | What It Tests | Frequency (Approx.) |
| Listen and Respond | Select the most appropriate response after hearing a conversation | 10 times |
| Summarise the Conversation | Write a short summary of what you just heard | 2 times |
Tip: To prepare for this section, listen to English podcasts, TED Talks, or short news segments, and practice summarising them in your own words. It improves both listening comprehension and note-taking skills.
Duolingo English Test Format: Writing & Speaking Sample (2026)
This final section lasts around 10 minutes and helps assess your productive language skills and how well you can express yourself in writing and speech.
- Speaking Sample:
You’ll be given a prompt, get 30 seconds to prepare, and then 3 minutes to respond. Aim for a minimum of 1 minute of speaking time.
- Writing Sample:
You’ll get 3-5 minutes to write at least 50 words in response to a prompt. Write clear, concise, and grammatically correct responses that reflect good vocabulary usage.
Your recorded and written responses are shared with universities, so focus on clarity, fluency, and confidence.
