The Duolingo English Test writing sample is the final part of the Duolingo English Test (DET) where candidates are required to write on the prompt generated by the AI-powered test system. Similar to the speaking sample, this section also remains unscored and is only used by institutions for qualitative assessment of the test takers. These prompts are generally referred to as writing topics.
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 writing topics and explored the ways through which candidates can make their responses effective.
Table of Contents
Overview of Duolingo English Test Writing Sample Part
- The writing sample part of the Duolingo English Test asks candidates to write on the topic for 3 minutes.
- For this question type, test takers will read a written prompt for 2 minutes and then they will write 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 writing sample part.
| Independent Skills | Integrated Skills |
|---|---|
| Writing | Production |
| - | Literacy |
Duolingo Writing Topics
The following are some of the general Duolingo writing topics for the Duolingo English Test writing sample.
- Describe a Memorable Event
Write about an event that left a lasting impression on you. What happened, and why was it significant? - Your Dream Job
Describe your ideal career. What skills are required, and why does it interest you? - The Impact of Technology
Discuss how technology has influenced communication in modern society. - A Book or Movie That Inspired You
Describe a book or film that impacted your life. What lessons did you learn from it? - A Challenge You Overcame
Write about a difficult situation you faced and how you handled it. - Your Favorite Holiday Destination
Describe a place you visited or wish to visit. What makes it special? - The Importance of Education
Discuss how education shapes an individual’s future and contributes to society. - Cultural Diversity and Its Benefits
Explain how cultural differences enrich a community and promote global understanding. - Social Media: Positive or Negative?
Discuss the pros and cons of social media and its influence on relationships. - An Invention That Changed the World
Write about an invention you believe had a major impact on human life. Why is it significant?
How to Respond to Duolingo Writing Topics?
The following are some of the actionable tips for test takers that they can apply while answering the writing 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
- Focus on grammar, flow, and natural phrases to improve understanding
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Answering Duolingo English Test Writing Sample
While writing on Duolingo writing topics or prompts, avoid these 3 common mistakes to effectively deliver your output.
- Don’t memorise scripted answers, focus on the natural flow.
- Don’t rush and maintain calmness to show confidence.
- Mind the correct usage of grammar and sentence structures
What Skills Are Evaluated While Responding to Duolingo Writing Topics?
While writing on the Duolingo writing topics, test takers are assessed on the basis of their
- Coherence
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Gramma
| 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 |
| Grammar | Grammatical complexity, grammatical accuracy, and punctuation |
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The Duolingo Writing Sample requires clear, organised, and well-developed responses. Start by understanding the prompt and identifying its purpose, whether descriptive, opinion-based, or narrative. Structure your answer with an introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure logical flow.
Use varied vocabulary, proper grammar, and diverse sentence structures to showcase your writing skills. Avoid memorised content; instead, focus on expressing your ideas naturally. Practice writing within time limits to improve your ability to present clear and concise answers under exam conditions.
FAQs
What is the Duolingo English Test Writing Sample?
The Duolingo Writing Sample is a section where test takers write a detailed response to a given prompt, showcasing their writing skills in English.
How long should my response be?
While there’s no strict word limit, aim for 100-200 words to provide a clear, detailed, and well-structured response within the given time.
How much time do I get to write my response?
You are typically given 3-5 minutes to write your response, depending on the prompt’s complexity.
What types of writing prompts are common in the Duolingo English Test Writing Sample?
Prompts may ask you to describe an experience, express an opinion, compare ideas, or explain a process.
Can I use bullet points or lists in my response?
No, your answer should be written in full sentences and paragraphs to demonstrate proper structure and coherence.
