The Duolingo English Test speaking sample is the next part of the Duolingo English Test (DET) where candidates are required to speak up on the prompt generated by the AI-powered test system. This section remains unscored and only used by institutions for qualitative assessment of the test takers. These prompts are generally referred to as speaking topics which are not similar in every test attempt.
These topics might ask candidates to share their personal experiences, opinions, problem-solving approaches, etc. In this blog, we have discussed some of the common Duolingo speaking topics and explored the ways through which candidates can make their responses effective.
Table of Contents
Overview of Duolingo English Test Speaking Sample Part
- The speaking sample part of the Duolingo English Test asks candidates to speak about the topic for 3 minutes.
- For this question type, test takers will read a written prompt for 2 minutes and then they will speak at length about the topic shown.
- For the first 30 seconds, directions will be given.
- After that prompt will appear on the screen which test takers have to read and then prepare to respond.
Skills Assessed
The following skills are assessed through the Duolingo English Test speaking sample part.
| Independent Skills | Integrated Skills |
|---|---|
| Speaking | Production |
| - | Conversation |
Duolingo Speaking Topics
The following are some of the general Duolingo speaking topics for the Duolingo English Test speaking sample.
- Personal Experience
Describe a memorable day from your childhood. What made it special? - Travel and Culture
Talk about a place you would love to visit someday. Why does it interest you? - Education and Learning
Do you prefer learning online or in a classroom? Explain your choice. - Technology and Innovation
How has technology improved our daily lives? Provide examples. - Hobbies and Interests
Describe a hobby you enjoy. How does it benefit you? - Social and Environmental Issues
What can individuals do to reduce plastic waste? Share your thoughts. - Lifestyle and Health
Do you think exercising regularly is important? Why or why not? - Family and Relationships
Describe a family tradition that is meaningful to you. Why is it special? - Current Events and Trends
What is a recent news story that caught your attention? Explain why. - Future Aspirations
Where do you see yourself in five years? Describe your goals and plans.
How to Respond to Duolingo Speaking Topics?
The following are some of the actionable tips for test takers that they can apply while answering the speaking prompts.
- Read and understand the prompts carefully to grasp the topic and its main ideas.
- Identify the type of response required- descriptive, opinion-based, or narrative.
- Take some time to organise your thoughts
- Structure your response into an introduction, main body, and conclusion
- Add adjectives, adverbs, and varied sentence structures
- Speak at a steady pace
- Focus on clear pronunciation and natural phrases to improve understanding
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Answering Duolingo English Test Speaking Sample
While speaking on Duolingo speaking topics or prompts, avoid these 3 common mistakes to effectively deliver your output.
- Don’t memorise scripted answers, focus on the natural conversation.
- Avoid using excessive fillers like “um,” “uh,” or “you know.”
- Don’t rush and maintain calmness to show confidence.
What Skills Are Evaluated While Responding to Duolingo Speaking Topics?
While speaking on the Duolingo speaking topics, test takers are assessed on the basis of their
- Coherence
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Pronunciation
| Coherence | Clarity, cohesion, progression of ideas, and structure |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Lexical diversity, lexical sophistication, choice of words, formation of words, and spelling |
| Fluency | Speed; natural use of pauses; and reliance on filler words, repetition, and starting/ stopping |
| Pronunciation | Intelligibility, individual sounds, word stress, sentence stress, and intonation |
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The Duolingo English Test Speaking Sample requires clear communication, organised thoughts, and confident delivery. To excel, understand the prompt first and identify whether it’s descriptive, opinion-based, or narrative. Structure your response with a strong introduction, detailed body, and concise conclusion.
Use varied vocabulary and sentence structures to showcase your language skills. Speak clearly at a steady pace, avoiding fillers or memorized scripts. Lastly, practice regularly, think in English to improve fluency, and manage your time wisely for a well-rounded performance.
FAQs
What is the Duolingo English Test Speaking Sample?
The Duolingo Speaking Sample is a recorded response section where test takers speak on a given topic to demonstrate their English speaking skills.
How long do I have to speak in the Speaking Sample?
Typically, you are given 30-90 seconds to respond, depending on the question type
What types of questions are asked in the Speaking Sample?
Questions may include personal experiences, opinions, descriptions, or explanations about various topics like travel, hobbies, or current events.
Can I pause while speaking in the Duolingo Speaking Sample?
You can take brief pauses to gather your thoughts, but long pauses may affect your score. Maintain a steady flow to sound natural and confident.
What happens if I don’t know the answer to a question?
If unsure, relate the topic to something familiar, share a personal experience, or express your thoughts on a related subject.
