Duolingo English Test Speaking Section: Complete Guide

The guide is your complete resource for mastering the Duolingo English Test Speaking Section. This section isn’t just another test of memorized grammar - It is a practical evaluation of how well you can communicate in real-world English. This comprehensive guide breaks down all four speaking tasks in the DET Exam with practical strategies, sample questions, and answers with detailed explanations. ​

The DET Speaking Section evaluates how effectively you describe and explain, not your accent. Two important subscores are directly impacted by subscores:

• Production: This shows how well you can speak clearly and give detailed answers.
• Conversation: This shows how well you listen and reply to questions.

Types of Questions in the Speaking Section

In the Speaking section of the Duolingo English Test, the four main question types evaluate different speaking samples: Speak About the Photo, Read, Then Speak, Interactive Speaking (New format), and lastly the Speaking Sample.​

Type 1: Speak About the Photo

In this task, you’ll see an image on your screen. You’ll have 20 seconds to study the image and 90 seconds to speak continuously about it. 

Secret Framework

Use your 20-second preparation for your answer:

1. What: Identify the main subject.
2. Where: Describe the background and scene taking place.
3. Who: Who is in the photo and what they are doing.

A 4-Step Strategy to Ace the Speak About the Photo Task.

Step 1: Opening (15 seconds) - Give an overview. Start with “This photograph shows” or “This photograph captures.”

Step 2: Main Focus (40 seconds) - Describe the main subject and action in detail, like what they’re doing and their appearance.​

Step 3:  Background (25 seconds) - Describe the atmosphere, setting, and other secondary elements of the photo.​

Step 4: Conclusion (10 seconds) - Mention the overall mood and impression of the photo.

Sample Question

Preparation Time: 20 seconds (Plan “What”, Who”, “Where”)

1. What - A young man and a young boy flying a kite.
2. Who - A young man (father) and a young boy.
3. Where - On a windy, green hill under the sky.
4. Background Details - Colorful dragon kite, windy day, and grassy field.

Sample Speaking Response

This photograph shows a very joyful and active outdoor scene. A father and his young son are enjoying time together on a windy day. The man and the boy are focused on flying a colorful kite. The kite is shaped like a dragon and is flying in the sky. The boy is looking up at the kite with a huge, excited smile on his face. His father, kneeling down, is helping to control the string. They looked relaxed and happy, and it seemed like they were enjoying the moment together. They are on a large green hill, and the winds are strong; the grass is also moving. In the background, a few tall trees are bending in the wind. The sky looks bright and blue, with fluffy white clouds, which makes the kite stand out even more. Overall, the image perfectly represents the moment of happiness, family bonding, and playful childhood fun. The mood of the photo is positive, playful, and peaceful.

Common mistakes to avoid​ in DET Task 1

Using too many fillers -  Don’t overuse fillers (e.g., umm, uh, like, etc.)
Listening -  Don’t just say the words like “tree, girl, man.” Describe them.
Silence -  Use all 90 seconds to speak. If you finish early, add more details about the mood or imagine what might happen next.

Type 2 : Read, Then Speak

In this task, you’ll read a written prompt. You have 20 seconds to prepare, followed by 90 seconds to share your thoughtful opinion. 

The T.O.P Strategy: A Super Simple Method

* T - State the Topic (15 seconds):  Start by rephrasing the prompt to show understanding.
* O - Give your Opinion (30 seconds):  Clearly state your viewpoint and provide 1-2 solid reasons.
* P - Share your Personal Example (45 seconds):  Tell a brief story from your life to clarify your point.   

Sample Question

Task: “Food waste is a growing problem globally. What are some ways we can reduce food wastage in our daily lives?”

Sample Response

​“This question is about the big problem of food wastage around the world, and asks how we can reduce it in our daily life routine. Food waste is a serious issue because it harms both the environment and the economy. In my opinion, we can fix this with three easy habits: plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively. I believe these habits can make a big difference if every household follows them. These ideas benefit everyone; they save money and help the planet. Let me give an example from my life. My family used to throw away vegetables and dairy goods every week because they spoiled quickly. Since last year, my mother made a new plan. Every Sunday, we plan what we cook for the whole week, and make a shopping list based only on what we need. We also learned to store food more effectively: we keep fresh herbs in a glass of water and store leafy vegetables in airtight containers. In addition, we now check our fridge regularly and try to use older food first. After a few months, our food waste decreased significantly. We also started saving money by planning better. This showed me that small daily changes can lead to big benefits for both our budget and the environment.”

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Common mistakes to avoid in DET Task 2​

Mistake 1: Going Off-Topic - Don’t stray from the main question. Glance at the prompt on your screen to stay focused.

Mistake 2: Stopping Too Early - Many students will stop taking after 40-50 seconds. Always use a personal example to fill the full 90 seconds.

Mistake 3: Robotic Tone - Avoid speaking in a flat, monotone voice. Show emotions and vary your tone naturally to sound more engaging. 

Type 3: Interactive Speaking 

The Interactive Speaking section is the newest addition to the Duolingo English Test. This task replaces the old “Listen, Then Speak” task and simulates a real conversation or an interview. 

In this updated section, you will answer a set of 6-8 rapid-fire questions in a row, and you have 35 seconds to answer each. You will hear each question only once, so listen carefully. The recording timer starts immediately after the question ends, giving you no preparation time. The topic may change in the middle, testing your ability to focus quickly. All the topic questions are familiar, such as daily routines, education, hobbies, and personal preferences, so no specialized vocabulary is needed.​

How to Structure Your Answers in an Interactive Speaking Task

As you have no preparation time for this task, you have 35 seconds to answer. Use this simple 3-step structure strategy.

Part 1: Direct Answer (5 seconds) - Answer the question immediately in your first sentence.

Part 2: Brief Explanations (20 seconds) - Provide 1-2 reasons or examples that support your answer.​

Part 3: Brief Conclusion (10 seconds) - End with a short summary or final thought.

Task Success Tips to Ace the Interactive Speaking.​

Tip 1: Always Click “Right Now” - After each question, you must click the “Record Now” button to start speaking. If you miss it, your response will not be recorded. ​

Tip 2: Speak for 30 Seconds - Aim to speak for at least 30 seconds to fully develop your answer. ​

Tip 3: Don’t Overthink - You have no time for perfect planning. Trust your first instinct and give a straightforward, honest answer. ​

Tip 4: Listen for Two-Part Questions - Many questions have two parts: “What is your favorite place to visit and why?” Answer both completely.​

Tip 5: Use Connecting Words - Use connecting phrases like First of all, Additionally,  The main reason is, etc.

Interactive Speaking Practice​

Audio 1 - What time do you usually wake up on weekdays?

Speaking Response - On weekdays, I usually wake up at around 6 AM. This gives me enough time to exercise and have breakfast before starting work. For instance, yesterday I woke up early and went for a short run, which made me feel active and refreshed for the rest of the day.

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Audio 2 - Do you prefer mornings or evenings?

Speaking Response - I personally prefer mornings over evenings. I usually feel more active and focused during the early hours of the day. My mind feels fresh, and I can concentrate more effectively on complex tasks such as studying or completing assignments.

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Audio 3 - What do you like to do in your free time?

Speaking Response - In my free time, I enjoy reading novels and playing football with my friends. Reading helps me relax and calm my mind, while football provides physical exercise and social interaction. This combination helps me recharge mentally and physically after a busy period of studying.

Type 4: Speaking Sample [UnScored]

The Speaking Sample is a unique 3-minute video recording you create at the end of the Duolingo English Test. The test system does not score this task. Instead, your video is shared directly with the Universities you apply to. While your scores tell a university what you know, this video shows them who you are. They see your personality, communication style, and your ability to organize and express thoughts in real time.

You will see a written prompt on your screen. You have 30 seconds to prepare your thoughts and 3 minutes to speak for your response while the camera records both your face and voice. 

Secret Framework

Use this secret framework to keep your response organized and well-explained.  

• T:  Tell your story with specific details (who, when, and where).
• R:  Explain the Reasons why it matters.
• E:  Provide examples or sensory descriptions.
• E:  Show Evolution and Effect - how you changed or what you learned.

Speaking Sample Question

Task: “Describe a skill you worked hard to develop. Why was it important to you, and how has it changed you?”

Sample Speaking Response

The skill I worked the hardest to improve was public speaking, which I initially feared deeply. It mattered to me because I wanted to share my ideas confidently in class and feel comfortable during presentations. In my first year of college, I used to feel extremely nervous before presentations. Sometimes my mind went completely blank. I realized this fear was holding me back because I had good ideas, but could not express them properly.

I decided to address it step by step. I started small by forcing myself to ask at least one question and speak out a bit more in class. Then, I joined a public speaking workshop, where I learned practical techniques, such as breath control and structuring my thoughts. This helped me speak more naturally. My first successful presentation was not perfect, but I felt proud because I stayed calm and even answered questions. 

This process fundamentally changed me. Now, public speaking feels much easier for me. Today, this hard-won skill has opened doors I never imagined. I have given group presentations, led discussions, and even delivered a talk at a student event. Most importantly, this experience taught me that fear can be overcome with practice and patience. This lesson has helped me face other challenges with more confidence in both my real life and studies. 

Pro Tip:  You have mastered four essential speaking tasks that will showcase your English abilities to Universities. In type 1, you learned to take photos like a Tour guide using the “What, Where, Who?” method. Type 2 taught you the T.O.P. strategy for sharing your opinions clearly and supporting them with real-life examples. Type 3 focused on Interactive Speaking, where you practiced answering short, fast questions in just 35 seconds, just like a real conversation. Finally, in Type 4, you prepared for the 3-minute Speaking Sample, a video introduction where universities can see your communication skills, personality, and confidence. These four chapters help you become proficient in all areas of the Duolingo English Test.