Duolingo English Test Writing Section: Complete Guide

The Writing Section Guide provides you with straightforward strategies for all the writing tasks in the Duolingo English Test. The section is considered to test your ability to express ideas clearly in written English.

There are three different types of tasks included in this 15-20 minute adaptive section. Each task is designed to evaluate a different aspect of your writing ability. The writing section uses an AI-based scoring system to evaluate your grammar, vocabulary, answer relevance, and the structure of your writing. This section contributes to two important subscores:

• Literacy: This measures your ability to read and write. Every writing task evaluates your grammar accuracy and vocabulary range.
• Production: This measures your ability to understand the spoken and written language. It evaluates your performance on the longer written responses and how clearly you develop your ideas.  

Types of Questions in the Writing Section

In the writing Section of Duolingo English Test, there are three types of questions: Write about the Photo, Interactive Writing and Writing Sample.

Type 1: Write About the Photo

The task evaluates your ability to quickly observe and accurately describe an image.  You have 60 seconds to write a brief description, and it appears three times in the test. Your goal is to write about 30-40 words ( 2-3 clear sentences ), using appropriate vocabulary and correct grammar. 

Secret Framework

Use this secret framework to quickly organise your description and write a well-structured answer for any provided image. 

1. What/Who -  Identify the main subject (e.g., animal, family).
2. Action  -  Describe an action (e.g, cooking, playing).
3. Where  -   Note the location or place (e.g., kitchen, park).
4. What Else  -  Add one significant detail (e.g, weather, colors).

Sample Question

Describe this Image

Sample Response

An elderly vendor is arranging fresh vegetables at an outdoor market stall. Colorful produce, including tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens, is displayed in wooden crates. A few customers are walking around and looking at the items. The morning sunlight makes the market look like a warm and welcoming marketplace.

Tip to Ace the Photo Description Question in DET

• Use the Present Continuous like ( walking, reading, cooking)
• Describe only what you see in the photo. Do not add opinions.
• Write formally. Use “cannot” instead of “can’t.”
• Aim for 30-40 words (2-3 detailed sentences).
• Skip Opinions- Describe, don’t judge.

Type 2: Interactive Writing

The task consists of two connected parts. In the first part, you will see a 30-second prompt to prepare, and you have 5 minutes to write an official opinion on a given topic, with a word count goal of 120 words. Where you clearly state your opinion on a given topic, then support it with 2-3 reasons, and provide a specific example. 

After submitting Part 1, you will be moved to the Second part,  where you have 3 minutes to write a follow-up response of approximately 80 words. In part 2, you have to provide new information rather than repeating what you already stated in the first part. You can see the original question, your first answer, and the new follow-up question on the screen. 

Initial Response: Part 1 Strategy

• Use the 30-second preparation to identify the question type and choose one side definitively.
• Generate 2-3 distinct reasons with specific examples within 30 seconds of preparation time.
• Maintain a formal academic tone and use full forms only, like “They are, not “they’re.”
• Avoid using any slang or casual expressions.
• Keep your grammar consistent and use the last 75 seconds to review the answer. 
• Share a relevant story and personal experience.

Follow-Up Response: Part 2 Strategy

• Take 15-20 seconds to scan Part 1
• Note your main points to avoid repetition.
• Your goal is to add new information.
• Providing additional details/clarification
• Answer the specific question asked.

PART 1 - Initial Response

Task 1 -  “Some people prefer shopping online, others prefer shopping in physical stores. Which one is better in your opinion and why?”

Here is your suggested 30 seconds strategy during the allocated preparation time.

• Opinion - Online shopping is better
• Reason 1 - Better price comparison
• Reason 2 - Time-saving and convenient
• Reason 3 - Wider product selection
• Example - Comparing prices across multiple websites

Sample Response -  “In my opinion, online shopping is better than buying things from physical stores. First, Online platforms allow effortless price comparison across different retailers within a few minutes. Second, online shopping saves more time because customers can search hundreds of products from home without spending hours travelling to multiple stores. Third, online stores also offer easier price comparison and a wider product selection compared to physical stores. Customers can find customized products that local stores do not stock. For example, when I needed specialized sports shoes for running, I found them on an online sports store after checking three to four local shops that had no stock. Although physical stores let customers see products in person, online shopping still provides greater convenience, a wider range of product options, and better prices.” 

PART 2 - Follow-up Response 

Task 2 - "What can physical stores do to compete with online shopping?"

Sample Response - "Physical stores can compete effectively by highlighting their unique strengths. They should provide personalized customer service with knowledgeable staff who offer expert advice that automated websites cannot replicate. Additionally, stores can also emphasize immediate product availability, allowing customers to take purchases home instantly without waiting for delivery. Additionally, they can attract more customers by creating interactive shopping experiences. This includes a hands-on display, product demonstrations, and a comfortable area where people can easily explore, providing personal interactions and memorable in-store experiences"

Type 3: Writing Sample [UnScored]

The Writing Sample is the final and most personal task of the Duolingo English Test. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 5 minutes to write your response. The target length is 120-150 words. While this section is not scored, it is extremely important because your response is sent directly to the universities you apply to. This makes it a crucial part of your application because it reveals your personality, critical thinking, and communication style in ways that test scores cannot.

This task evaluates your clarity of thought, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and, most importantly, your ability to develop your ideas with clear details and examples.

Three-Step Strategy to ace the Writing Sample task

Step 1: The Golden Minute - Planning (1 minute)

Use the 30-second preparation time plus the first 30 seconds of writing. Do not start typing immediately. 

• Understand the prompt fully.
• Plan 2-3 main ideas that answer it.
• Choose a specific personal example.
• Create mental outline: Intro—>body—>conclusion.

Step 2: The Construction Phase - Writing (3.5 minutes)

• Introduction (1-2 sentences):  Address the prompt directly, state the main idea.
• Body (2-3 paragraphs):  Develop each of your main ideas. Use transition words like first, additionally, or for example to connect your thoughts. 
• Conclusion(1-2 sentences):  Briefly summarize your main idea that ties everything together. 

Step 3: Review - (30 seconds)

• Scan for spelling errors.
• Check for basic grammar and correct punctuation.
• Ensure you have answered the entire prompt.

Practice Example of DET Writing Sample

Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the idea that everyone should learn basic first aid? Explain your opinion with reasons and examples.

Sample response:  “I completely agree that everyone should learn basic first aid because it can save life or death in a critical situation. Many accidents happen unexpectedly, and professional help may not arrive immediately. Knowing how to perform CPR, stop severe bleeding, or treat shock can be crucial in the first few minutes before medical help arrives. Accidents happen anywhere, at home, at school, or in public spaces - so it’s impossible to know when someone nearby might need help. Last year, my friend’s young child fell from playground equipment and hit his head because I had taken a first-aid course. I knew to keep him still, check for serious symptoms, and monitor his consciousness until the ambulance arrived. The doctor later confirmed that this instant response helped prevent complications. Beyond the practical benefits, first-aid training also builds confidence and a sense of community responsibility, creating a society where people are more prepared and willing to protect each other’s safety.  

Top 5 Writing Mistakes to avoid in DET Writing Section

1. Writing Too Little -  Aim for 120-150 words. Responses shorter than 80 words often fail to develop ideas sufficiently. 
2. Being Too Vague -  Avoid general statements like “It was a good experience.” Instead, use the “Show, Don’t Tell” method. For example: Instead of “The festival was fun,” write “At the festival, I learned how to make traditional sweets with my mother.”
3. Poor Time Management -  Do not spend  5 minutes typing. Reserve the final 30 seconds to review and edit.
4. Using Repetitive Language - Vary your vocabulary and sentence structure to keep your writing engaging.
5. Going Off-Topic - Constantly refer back to the prompt to ensure every sentence supports your answer.

Pro Tip: The Writing Section of the Duolingo English Test is your opportunity to demonstrate clarity and depth in Written English. By mastering the three tasks- write about the photo, Interactive Writing, and Writing Sample- you showcase not only grammatical accuracy but also your ability to observe, argue, and reflect under time pressure. For the first chapter, photo task, use the 4 W’s method to give clear observations. In Interactive writing, be a structured debater. State, support, and expand with new Ideas. For the Writing Sample, focus on a concise storyteller. Plan, write, and review. In the end, success comes from balancing accurate language with well-developed ideas, and consistent, timed practice will build confidence.