Duolingo English Test Sample Questions and Answers (Free Practice Test & PDF)

updated at

Updated on Nov 14, 2025, 09:09

Preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) in 2026? Reviewing Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers is the best way to understand the latest format and improve accuracy.

 

The DET is a one-hour, computer-adaptive test accepted by over 5,700 universities worldwide. It measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a 45-minute adaptive section, followed by a short video and writing samples. Results are available within 48 hours, making it one of the fastest and most affordable English tests for study abroad.

 

For Indian students, consistent practice with realistic sample questions is key to managing timing, structure, and fluency. This guide provides updated 2026 question formats and high-scoring model answers to help you prepare effectively for your upcoming test.

On This Page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. Duolingo English Test Sample Questions and Answers Structure

If you want to ace the Duolingo English Test, it's important to know the test format.

Read More Down arrow
1/ 3
Slider image

2. Duolingo English Test Sample Question and Answers

In the sample answers section, we will discuss detailed answers to some commonly asked questions in the Duolingo English Test.

Read More Down arrow
2/ 3
Slider image

3.

The Duolingo English Test 2026 offers a fast, affordable, and globally accepted way to prove English proficiency. Staying updated with the latest question types and practising real Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers helps boost accuracy and confidence.

For expert prep support and free study abroad counselling, connect with LeapScholar today.

If you want to level up your Duolingo English Test preparation for a higher score, check out these free Duolingo English Test materials to help you ace the exam better.

Read More Down arrow
3/ 3
1.

Duolingo English Test Sample Questions and Answers Structure

If you want to ace the Duolingo English Test, it's important to know the test format.

 

The Duolingo English Test has a simple format, divided into three sections:

 

  • Introduction and onboarding
     
  • A computer-adaptive test
     
  • A video and writing sample

 

The test format is recognised globally by thousands of institutions in over 50 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and more. It's a popular test for English language learners.
 

The Duolingo English Test is tailored for those who want to study abroad. It's an essential step in your study-abroad journey to assess your English language proficiency skills.
 

Before moving to the sample questions and answers, let's first get familiar with the test format.

 

Duolingo English Test (DET) Structure

 

SectionsDurationKey Highlights
Introduction and Onboarding5 minutes

Make sure your camera, speakers, and mic are working properly.

Submit your government-issued photo ID.

Check out the test rules and requirements.

Computer Adaptive Test (Graded)45 minutes

The test measures your English skills through short question types.

Test questions are allocated randomly.

The difficulty of questions will change based on how well you're performing.

Video and Writing sample (Ungraded)10 minutes

You’ll have 30 minutes to answer 2 questions from a big pool.

Video speaking sample: 30 minute

Writing sample: 3-5 minute

You can review your answers to the video and writing sections before sending them to institutions.

 

Read more about Duolingo English Test Pattern & Syllabus 2025

 

 How the Adaptive Section Works

 

The adaptive section of the Duolingo English Test assesses your English skills through different types of questions.

 

Unlike other language proficiency tests, the Duolingo English Test is a computer-based, adaptive exam. This means that the order and difficulty of the questions adjust based on your performance as you progress. Here’s how it works:
 

  • Easy: Questions get simpler if you’re struggling.
  • Difficult: Questions get difficult if you’re doing well.
     

Question Types at a Glance (2026)

 

Here is an approximate overview of major question types and the skills they test. Note that the actual test may vary, and Duolingo does not publish fixed counts per type.

 

Question TypesFrequencySkills Measured
Read and Select15 - 18Reading, Literacy, Comprehension
Fill in the Blanks6 - 9Reading, Literacy, Comprehension
Read and Complete3 - 6Reading, Literacy, Comprehension
Read Aloud3 - 6Speaking, Conversation, Production
Listen and Type6 - 9Listening, Comprehension, Conversation
Interactive Reading2 sets of 6 questionsReading, Literacy, Comprehension
Interactive Listening2 sets of 5 - 6 questionsListening, Comprehension, Conversation
Write About the Photo3Writing, Literacy, Production
Interactive Writing1 set of 2 questionsWriting, Literacy, Production
Listen, Then Speak2Speaking, Conversation, Production
Speak About the Photo1Speaking, Conversation, Production
Read, Then Speak1Speaking, Conversation, Production
Writing Sample1Writing, Literacy, Production
Speaking Sample1Speaking, Conversation, Production

 

Let's discuss each question type in details.

Speaking

1. Interactive Speaking (New Task)


 (Replaces the previous “Read Aloud” and “Listen, Then Speak” tasks)


In this updated Duolingo English Test format, you will now get 6–8 short prompts, each requiring a quick spoken response of about 35 seconds. This task checks how naturally you can speak and respond in real-time situations.
 

Tips:
 

  • Listen carefully and speak naturally, as if having a short conversation.
     
  • Avoid memorised answers; focus on clear pronunciation and relevant content.
     
  • Keep sentences concise and grammatically correct.
     

2. Speak about the Photo
 

In this task, you need to talk about an image that appears on the screen.
 

Time Limit: Around 1–1.5 minutes
 

Tips:
 

  • Spend 10–15 seconds observing the image before recording your answer.
     
  • Describe what you see clearly, mentioning people, actions, and setting.
     
  • Maintain a natural pace and keep your sentences simple.
     

3. Read, then Speak
 

Here, you will be given a written prompt and will need to speak your response.
 

Time Limit: About 1-1.5 minutes
 

Tips:
 

  • Read the question carefully and plan what to say before recording.
     
  • Speak naturally, maintaining clarity and fluency.
     
  • Structure your response with an introduction, explanation, and short conclusion.

 

4. Speaking Sample (Ungraded)
 

In this task, you will receive a general topic and need to speak about it in detail. The recording is shared with universities as part of your application.
 

Time Limit: Around 3 minutes (you can submit early if finished)
 

Tips:
 

  • Choose a topic you’re confident about.
     
  • Keep your answer structured and fluent.
     
  • Remember, this response is reviewed by admissions officers.
Writing

1. Write about the Photo

 

In this task, you will see an image on the screen that you need to describe within the given time limit.

 

Time Limit: 1 minute

 

Tips: 

  • Use your mouse or trackpad to scroll back and check your response before submitting.
  • Try to give a detailed description of the image.
  • Aim to write more than just one sentence, as a longer response showcases more of your skills.

 

2. Interactive Writing

 

This task is divided into 2 steps:

 

  • Step 1: You will receive a written prompt and respond in writing.
  • Step 2: You will receive a follow-up prompt based on your initial response. After that, you need to respond in writing.

 

Time Limit: 5 minutes for step 1, 3 minutes for step 2

 

Tips: 

  • Proofread carefully! Wait to click NEXT until you have checked your response for the current step and are ready to submit.
  • Use the time wisely to craft thoughtful and relevant answers.
  • Write as much as you can, as long as it’s relevant to the topic.
  • Follow good writing practices to make your responses clear and effective.

 

3. Writing Sample

 

In this task, you will be given a written prompt. You need to write at length for at least 3 minutes. 

 

Time Limit: 5 minutes

 

Tips: 

  • Use the 30 seconds of preparation time to pick a topic you can talk about easily.
  • Develop good writing habits, such as varying your sentence structure and word choice. Use transition words to connect ideas.
  • Allocate time at the end to proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
  • Make sure to write responses that are relevant to the topic. (Don’t forget that the topic will be reviewed by examiners.)
  • Think of it as a short essay. Your response will be considered as an additional measure of your writing skills.
Reading

1. Read and Select

 

In this task, you are required to read each word and decide if it's a real English word or not.

 

Time Limit: 5 seconds

 

Tips: 

  • Make sure to select "Yes" or "No" for each word. Missing a response will be marked incorrect.
  • Read each word carefully, as some may look like real English words but aren't. (Keep your eye out for it!)  
  • The number of words shown may vary. Don’t worry if you see more or fewer words than expected. 

 

2. Fill in the Blanks/ Read and Complete

 

You will be given an incomplete sentence. You need to provide a missing word.

 

Time Limit: 20 seconds

 

Tips: 

  • Read the whole sentence first to get the context.
  • Try to get some context for the word. It will help you choose the right word.
  • Don’t worry if you typed the wrong letter by mistake.  Just use the backspace or delete key to fix it.

 

3. Interactive Reading

 

This remains part of the adaptive section and includes multiple mini tasks:

 

A. Complete the Sentences:


In this task, you will be given a short passage with several blank spaces, and you need to choose the best word to complete each sentence.

 

Time Limit: Around 7-8 minutes for the entire set.

 

Tips:

  • Read the full sentence before selecting your answer to understand the context.
  • Consider grammar, meaning, and tone when choosing the right option.
  • Review all blanks before submitting to ensure consistency.

     

B. Complete the Passages:


Here, you will see two sections of a passage with a missing sentence in the middle. Your task is to select the sentence that best connects the two parts.

 

Time Limit: Around 7-8 minutes for the full set.

 

Tips:

 

  • Read both sections carefully before checking the options.
  • The correct sentence usually maintains logical flow and consistent tense.
  • If unsure, focus on the link between the last and next sentences to find the best fit.
     

C. Highlight the Answer:


In this Duolingo English Test reading question, a specific question will appear on screen, and you must locate and highlight the correct answer directly in the passage.

 

Time Limit: Around 7-8 minutes for the full task set.

 

Tips:

  • Read the question first to know what information to look for.
  • Be precise while highlighting; select only the relevant part of the text.
  • You can re-adjust the highlight by dragging your cursor again if needed.
     

D. Identify the Idea:


A passage will appear on the screen, and you need to choose the statement that best represents its main idea or key interpretation.

 

Time Limit: Around 7–8 minutes for the entire section.

 

Tips:

  • Focus on the overall meaning rather than individual words.
  • Eliminate options that include details not supported by the passage.
  • Choose the one that summarises the paragraph’s central message accurately.
     

E. Title the Passage:


You’ll be asked to select the most appropriate title for the passage from a list of options.

 

Time Limit: Around 7–8 minutes for the complete section.

 

Tips:

  • Read all options before making your choice.
  • The best title will reflect the main theme of the passage, not just a single detail.
  • Ignore distractor options that sound correct but focus on a small part of the text.
Listening

1. Listen and Type

In this task, you will listen to a short statement and type exactly what you hear.

Time Limit: 1 minute

Tips:

  • You can replay the audio up to two times (three plays total).

     
  • Focus on punctuation, spelling, and word endings.

     
  • Review your response before submitting.

 

2. Interactive Listening (Updated Format)

 

The Duolingo English Test listening section was updated in July 2025. The older “Listen, Then Speak” task has been removed and replaced with enhanced Interactive Listening sets. Each set now combines Listen and Complete, Listen and Respond, and Summarise the Conversation tasks.

 

A. Listen and Complete

 

In this subtask, you will hear short audio clips and need to fill in missing words or short phrases based on what you hear.

 

Time Limit: Around 3–4 minutes for the entire set

 

Tips:

  • Focus on the main ideas and grammatical structure.
  • Pay attention to connecting words (like because, although, and after) to understand context.
  • Use correct spelling; errors affect your score.
     

B. Listen and Respond

 

Here, you will listen to a short conversation or question and select the best response from the given options. This part checks your understanding of tone, purpose, and intent.

 

Time Limit: 3-4 minutes for the full task set

 

Tips:

  • Listen carefully, each audio clip plays only once.
  • Notice how speakers interact. For example, how a student replies to a teacher differs from how friends respond to each other.
  • Review earlier conversation parts to stay consistent with the context.

     

C. Summarise the Conversation

 

In this final task, you’ll summarise the conversation you just heard.

 

Time Limit: 75 seconds

 

Tips:

  • Write 3–5 complete sentences summarising who was speaking, what they discussed, and the outcome.
  • Focus on the main idea, not every detail.
  • If you finish early, recheck your grammar and sentence flow.

     

Key Points for 2026

 

  • The Listen, Then Speak task was removed in July 2025.
  • The updated Interactive Listening includes Listen and Complete, Listen and Respond, and Summarise the Conversation tasks.
  • Audio clips can be played only once (except for Listen and Type, which allows limited replays).
  • The Listening section is part of the adaptive test, meaning the number of questions varies depending on your performance.
  • Each listening question is randomly generated from a large pool, so no two tests are identical.
2.

Duolingo English Test Sample Question and Answers

In the sample answers section, we will discuss detailed answers to some commonly asked questions in the Duolingo English Test.

 

Practising these sample answers can help you improve your language skills.

 

Let’s look at sample answers and questions for each language skill.
 

Practising these sample answers and questions can make you stand out in Duolingo English Test preparation. This will help you know your strengths and weaknesses.

Reading

Sample Question 1

 

Question Type: Read and Select
 

Is this a real English word?
 

A. dresson

B. readly

C. nevelor

D. some

E. pirect

F. birthday

G. evelony

H. watching

I. cook

J. wattered

K. docuse

L. likes

M. girls

N. well

O. fourteen

P. watteen

Q. givess

R. hoken
 

Sample Answer 1

 

A. dresson: no

B. readly: no

C. nevelor: no

D. some: yes

E. pirect: no

F. birthday: yes

G. evelony: no

H. watching: yes

I. cook: yes

J. wattered: no

K. docuse: no

L. likes: yes

M. girls: yes

N. well: yes

O. fourteen: yes

P. watteen: no

Q. givess: no

R. hoken: no

 

Sample Question 2

 

Question Type: Read and Complete

 

Birds are found on every continent of the world. Birds o_ different ty_ _ _ can li_ _ in free_ _ _ _ cold enviro_ _ _ _ _ _, a_ _ others c_ _ live i_ hot des_ _ _ _. Birds live in forests, in grasslands, on cliff faces, in river banks, on stony sea shores, down mine shafts and in the roofs of houses.
 

Sample Answer 2

 

Birds are found on every continent of the world. Birds of different types can live in freezing cold environments, and others can live in hot deserts. Birds live in forests, in grasslands, on cliff faces, in river banks, on stony sea shores, down mine shafts and in the roofs of houses.

 

Sample Question 3

 

Question Type: Fill in the blanks
 

In examining the financial records, irregularities were found, suggesting frau_ _ _ _ _ _ activities.
 

Sample Answer 3

 

fraudulent

Writing

The writing section of the Duolingo English test is a bit different from other English language tests. Here, you don’t need to write an essay, but you’ll still need to prove your writing skills to the examiner.
 

Here are sample questions and answers for the Writing module.
 

Sample Question 1

 

Question Type: Writing Sample
 

Respond to the question in at least 50 words.
 

“Describe your favourite teacher. What qualities did you respect most?”
 

Sample Answer 1

 

My favourite teacher was Mrs. Sharma, who taught English in high school. I liked her passion for the subject and how she made literature interesting. She was patient, always ready to help, and treated everyone with respect. Her enthusiasm was inspiring, and she encouraged us to think deeply and share our ideas. Her kindness and dedication made learning enjoyable and had a lasting impact on me. (Word count: 66 words)

 

Sample Question 2

 

Question Type: Writing Sample
 

Respond to the question in at least 50 words.

 

“Your local government has decided to improve their community. Do you think they should build a public park, a public library, or a public pool? Provide specific reasons for your opinion.”
 

Sample Answer 2

 

I believe the local government should build a public park. A park offers a natural space for relaxation and exercise, benefiting people of all ages. It promotes community interaction, provides a safe area for children to play, and enhances the beauty of the area. Moreover, parks contribute to environmental well-being by preserving green spaces. (Word count: 54 words)

 

Sample Question 3

 

Question Type: Write About the Photo

 

Write one or more sentences that describe the image. You have one minute.


 

Sample Answer 3

 

A bustling street market with various stalls selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other goods. The market is crowded with people, and there are colourful umbrellas covering the stalls.

Speaking

Sample Question 1

 

Question Type: Read, Then Speak
 

Speak about the topic below for 90 seconds.

 

Topic: Talk about a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing.

  • What is it?
  • How long have you been doing it?
  • Who do you do it with?
  • Why is it important to you?

 

Sample Answer 1

 

One hobby that I really enjoy is gardening. I've been gardening for about five years, starting with a few potted plants on my balcony and expanding to a garden in my backyard. While I usually do it alone, my family members, especially my kids, sometimes join me in planting and watering. Gardening provides me with a sense of peace and relaxation, helping me unwind after busy days.

 

Gardening is important to me because it allows me to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. Growing my own vegetables and herbs is rewarding and they taste fresher than store-bought ones. Additionally, gardening has taught me patience and the importance of nurturing, lessons that I apply to other areas of my life. Overall, it’s a fulfilling activity that brings joy and satisfaction.


Sample Question 2

 

Question Type: Speak about the photo
 

Speak for 30 seconds about the image below. 


 

Sample Answer 2
 

The image shows an older woman using a sewing machine to work on embroidery. She is very focused as she carefully stitches lovely patterns onto the fabric. The bright colours and detailed designs suggest a high level of skill and dedication. This activity appears to be both a creative outlet and a way to preserve traditional craftsmanship.


Sample Question 3
 

Question Type: Read, Then Speak
 

Speak about the topic below for 90 seconds.
 

Topic: Talk about a gift that you gave to someone recently.

  • What was it?
  • Who did you give it to?
  • How did it make you feel?
  • Why did you give it to this particular person?

 

Sample Answer 3

 

I recently gave a hand-crafted photo album to my best friend. It was a collection of memories from our time together, photos from trips, events, and special moments. I gave it to her on her birthday because I wanted to show her how much she means to me and to celebrate the journey we’ve shared. Seeing her happy and touched when she opened it made me feel really good. It was a personal and meaningful gift, and I thought it was a great way to celebrate her special day.

Listening

Sample Question 1


Question Type: Listen and Type

 

Type the statement that you hear.

 

0:00

 

Sample Answer 1

 

Is she reading a book? Yes, she is.
 

Sample Question 2

 

Question Type: Listen, Then Speak
 

Speak about the topic for 90 seconds.

 

0:00

 

 

Sample Answer 2

 

My favourite animal is the dog. Dogs are loyal, friendly, and very intelligent creatures. They come in various breeds, each with its own unique traits and characteristics, but generally, they are known for their companionship and playful nature.

 

I love dogs because they form strong bonds with humans and can be very affectionate. They’re always excited to see you, which makes coming home feel really special. Dogs are also very protective of their owners, often alerting them to potential dangers. Additionally, they can be trained to perform various tasks, from simple tricks to helping those with disabilities.

 

Another reason I like dogs is that they encourage an active lifestyle. Walking or playing with a dog ensures that you get regular exercise. Their playful energy and joyful spirit can be very uplifting, providing emotional support and reducing stress. In short, dogs are not just pets; they become a beloved part of the family.

 

Also Read: Duolingo Practice Test  for Exam Preparation
 

Practising these sample answers and questions can make you stand out in Duolingo English Test preparation. This will help you know your strengths and weaknesses.
 

If you want to level up your Duolingo English Test preparation for a higher score, check out these free Duolingo English Test materials to help you ace the exam better. 
3.

Conclusion

The Duolingo English Test 2026 offers a fast, affordable, and globally accepted way to prove English proficiency. Staying updated with the latest question types and practising real Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers helps boost accuracy and confidence.

For expert prep support and free study abroad counselling, connect with LeapScholar today.

If you want to level up your Duolingo English Test preparation for a higher score, check out these free Duolingo English Test materials to help you ace the exam better.

IELTS Important Information

IELTS ExamIELTS Exam DateIELTS Exam FeeIELTS ModulesIELTS Listening Practice TestIELTS Speaking Practice TestIELTS Reading Practice TestIELTS Writing Practice TestIELTS Test CentresIELTS ResultsTypes of IELTSIELTS PatternIELTS Exam EligibiltyIELTS Slot BookingIELTS Band ScoreIELTS RegistrationIELTS BooksIELTS PreparationIELTS Practice Test

Duolingo Important Information

Duolingo Practice TestDuolingo ResultsDuolingo FeesDuolingo Pattern & SyllabusDuolingo DatesDuolingo English Test

FAQs

Q. Which type of sample questions are included in the Duolingo English Test?

Ans. The Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers include different task types such as reading comprehension passages, sentence completion, vocabulary selection, short listening audio clips, and speaking and writing tasks. These reflect the actual exam format. You can also access the Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers PDF or a Duolingo practice test with answers to simulate real test conditions.

Q. What are the topics covered in the Writing and Speaking Sample prompts?

Ans. The Duolingo writing topics with answers and Duolingo speaking topics with answers usually cover daily life, education, technology, social issues, and personal experiences. Practising these helps you prepare for the Duolingo English Test speaking sample questions and answers, which assess fluency, pronunciation, and clarity.

Q. Can I review my responses to the Writing and Speaking Sample prompts after the test?

Ans. No, you cannot review your responses once submitted. The Duolingo English Test is designed to mimic natural communication, where each answer counts on the first attempt. To prepare, practise using Duolingo English Test questions and answers and time yourself with Duolingo speaking topics with answers to improve your accuracy and fluency in one go.

Q. How important are the Writing and Speaking Sample prompts in the Duolingo English Test?

Ans. The Writing and Speaking Sample prompts are very important, even though they are not scored by the adaptive engine. Universities review them to evaluate how effectively you communicate. Using Duolingo English Test speaking sample questions and answers and Duolingo speaking topics with answers helps you build confidence and structure strong responses.

Q. Is the Duolingo English Test Material free?

Ans. Yes. Duolingo offers free practice questions and mock tests on its official platform. You can also download the Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers PDF or a Duolingo practice test with answers PDF for offline use. Additionally, LeapScholar provides free Duolingo speaking topics with answers and preparation sessions for Indian students applying for 2026 intakes.

Q. How many Duolingo Test Sample questions are there?

Ans. The number of Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers varies by platform. The official website offers limited free practice, but you can access full-length mock versions through the Duolingo practice test with answers or third-party resources for detailed preparation.

Q. Is the Duolingo Test Sample suitable for all levels of English proficiency?

Ans. Yes, the Duolingo Test Sample is adaptive and suitable for all levels, beginner to advanced. The test adjusts its difficulty based on your responses. Practising Duolingo English Test questions and answers allows learners at any level to strengthen their grammar, fluency, and vocabulary.

Q. Can practising with the Duolingo Test Sample guarantee a passing score on the actual test?

Ans. No, practising with Duolingo English Test sample questions and answers doesn’t guarantee a specific score, but it significantly improves your chances by building familiarity with question types and timing. Using the Duolingo practice test with answers PDF helps you develop accuracy and speed needed for a competitive score.

Q. Can Duolingo English Test practice help improve my overall English language skills?

Ans. Yes, practising Duolingo English Test questions and answers regularly improves reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Using Duolingo English Test speaking sample questions and answers helps refine pronunciation, while Duolingo writing topics with answers improve structure and clarity in written communication.