Duolingo English Test Question Type Intro 2：Writing Sample
In the Duolingo English Test, the "Writing Sample" task requires you to respond to a related topic within 5 minutes. This blog post offers a comprehensive overview of the various types, categories, and strategies for tackling Writing Samples.
Understanding the "Writing Sample" Question Type
In the Duolingo English Test, the writing sample requires candidates to write a short response on a specific topic. This topic typically relates to daily life, education, technology, or other common subjects. Candidates must write at least 50 words within 5 minutes, ensuring their content is directly relevant to the topic.
The assessment criteria for the Writing Sample focus on three areas: content, structure, and language use. For content, candidates need to thoroughly understand and address the question, providing relevant details and examples. Regarding structure, they should organize their writing effectively, using appropriate paragraphs and transitional phrases. For language use, candidates are expected to demonstrate accurate grammar and a varied vocabulary.
Categories and Strategies
Writing samples are generally divided into three main categories: descriptive questions, discussion questions, and comparison questions.
Descriptive Questions
When writing descriptive articles, the use of tense is crucial. Generally, the past and perfect tenses are employed to discuss experiences, movies, books, or stories, while the future tense is used to express intentions or skills we wish to acquire. Actually, grammar is paramount; it's important to avoid overly complex sentences that merely showcase grammatical variety, and uncertain constructions should be steered clear of. Additionally, when providing examples, incorporating relevant background information—such as the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, why, how)—can enhance the vividness and specificity of the article. Although there are many genres of descriptive writing, it is challenging to define a rigid framework.
Sample Essay
Recently, I've learned about the cultural custom of "Tea Ceremonies" in Japanese culture, an experience that has captivated me with its elegance and symbolism. This ritual, known as "Chadō" or "The Way of Tea," is more than a mere preparation of tea; it is a spiritual practice that emphasizes respect, harmony, purity, and tranquility. I discovered this tradition through a documentary that highlighted the meticulous movements and the contemplative atmosphere of the ceremony, which reflects the deeper values of mindfulness and hospitality. The intricate artistry and philosophical depth of the tea ceremony reveal a unique window into Japan's rich cultural heritage, making it a profoundly intriguing aspect of Japanese tradition.
Discussion Questions
When writing argumentative essays, it's essential to keep the following tips in mind: First, clearly state your position without excessive preliminary elaboration. Second, ensure that your arguments are broad enough to allow for further development, and limit the number of points you make, focusing on common reasons and justifications rather than striving for excessive creativity. Additionally, using logical connectors can help clarify the relationships between your points. Finally, while supporting your arguments, you can use examples for illustration, but avoid delving into excessive detail.
A useful framework for this type of essay includes:
v Introduction: Introduce the topic and provide background information. State the thesis statement and preview the main points of the argument.
v Body: Present the main points of the argument, each in a separate paragraph. Provide evidence and reasoning to support each point.
v Counterargument: Address potential counterarguments and refute them with evidence and reasoning.
v Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the argument and restate the thesis statement. Provide a final thought or call to action.
v Important: In the actual exam, you only have 5 minutes. There's no need to expand on every section; just try to ensure the overall structure is complete.
Sample Essay
One of my favorite books is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This classic novel holds a special place in my heart for its powerful themes and unforgettable characters. Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, the story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending a black man falsely accused of rape. What I love most about this book is how it tackles complex issues like racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence with such clarity and compassion. Lee's writing is both poignant and humorous, making the story accessible to readers of all ages. The characters, especially Atticus and Scout, are so vividly drawn that they feel like real people you know and care about. I believe others would enjoy "To Kill a Mockingbird" for its timeless message about the importance of standing up for what's right, even in the face of adversity. It's a novel that teaches empathy, courage, and the power of seeing the world from another person's perspective. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend this moving and thought-provoking book.
Comparison Questions
When writing a comparative essay, consider the following tips to enhance its quality and effectiveness. First, clearly identify the subjects or phenomena you want to compare, and pinpoint their similarities and differences. Next, organize your essay's structure; you can use either an alternating or parallel format to present the similarities and differences, or arrange them according to a specific logical relationship. Finally, to better illustrate these points, provide concrete examples that will help readers understand and accept your arguments more easily. By using these strategies, you can make your comparative essays more engaging, specific, and persuasive.
A common writing framework for comparative questions:
DET Writing Comparative Essay Framework 1 (Comparing A and B):
v Say A is better.
v Describe why A is the better choice for a specific purpose, giving reasons and examples.
v Discuss why B may not be the best option, citing points and evidence as to why it is not optimal.
v Outline the advantages that A offers over B in terms of features, benefits, cost, etc.
v Explain how A has the ultimate edge over B because of [insert final reason];- (Optional)
v Explain why A is the best option overall compared to B.- (Optional)
DET Writing Comparative Essay Framework 2 (Comparison and Analysis of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Similar Items)
v Describe the advantages that A offers, giving reasons and examples.
v Describe the drawbacks that A has, giving reasons and examples.
v Outline the advantages and drawbacks of A in terms of features, benefits, cost, etc.
v Summarize your answer. - (Optional)
Sample Essay
One of the most significant differences between my sister and me is our approach to problem-solving. While I tend to be more analytical and methodical, my sister is incredibly intuitive and creative. When faced with a challenge, I often break it down into smaller, manageable steps and work through them systematically. My sister seems to have a knack for finding unconventional solutions. I remember a time when we were planning a surprise party for our mother's birthday. I had created a detailed timeline and task list, but my sister proposed we involve our mother's friends in the planning process, allowing them to contribute their own ideas and talents. At first, I was hesitant, worried that this would lead to chaos and disorganization. However, my sister's instincts proved to be spot-on. The collaborative effort resulted in a truly memorable and heartfelt celebration that our mother cherished. Through this experience and countless others, my sister has taught me the value of thinking outside the box and trusting my intuition.
If candidates wish to improve their Writing Sample scores, they can visit our official website for practice. We offer a wealth of writing resources, sample essays, and practice questions designed to help candidates systematically enhance their writing skills and master the exam's requirements and techniques.
