Duolingo English Test Question Type Intro 9："Fill in the Blanks"

The "Fill in the Blanks" question type is a new addition to Duolingo's English Test for 2024. Test-takers are required to complete the missing words within 20 seconds. This blog post offers a comprehensive overview of the "Fill in the Blanks" format, along with strategies for tackling these questions and resources for practice.

Understanding the "Fill in the Blanks" Question Type

The newly introduced "Fill in the Blanks" question type in the Duolingo English Test (DET) is designed to evaluate test-takers' vocabulary and comprehension skills. In this section, candidates must complete each sentence with the missing word within 20 seconds. The frequency of this question appearing in each exam is approximately 6 to 9 times.

When responding, test-takers should quickly scan the sentence and use their vocabulary and contextual clues to accurately "Fill in the Blanks" while paying close attention to spelling.

Answering Strategies

l Thoroughly Comprehend the Sentence

One of the key strategies to succeed in the Duolingo English Test is to fully understand the sentence in front of you. According to Duolingo, this particular task is designed to assess not only the breadth of your vocabulary but also the depth of your understanding. It’s about more than just knowing what a word means—it’s about knowing how to use it effectively within the context of a sentence.

To identify the missing word, you must carefully read and grasp the meaning of the entire sentence. Sometimes, this requires going over the sentence several times. Reading at different speeds can help you notice subtle clues that point to the missing word.

l Prepare for Increasing Difficulty

As you progress through the test, be aware that the questions are likely to become increasingly challenging. The Duolingo English Test is adaptive, which means it adjusts the difficulty level based on how well you’re doing. If you’re answering questions correctly, the test will respond by presenting you with more difficult ones.

l Make an Educated Guess When Unsure

If you’re ever unsure about the correct answer, don’t hesitate to make an educated guess. Duolingo’s scoring system doesn’t penalize you more for an incorrect answer than it does for leaving a question unanswered. It’s better to try and potentially score some points than to skip the question and miss out on any opportunity to succeed.

l Diligently Review Your Answer

After selecting or typing your answer, it’s crucial to take a moment to review it. Ensure that the letters you entered match your intended response. This step might seem minor, but even a small typo can lead to an incorrect answer, costing you points. Careful proofreading is an essential part of the process, helping to minimize unnecessary errors and ensure that your response accurately reflects your understanding of the sentence.

How to Practice "Fill in the Blanks"

Mastering "Fill in the Blanks" questions relies heavily on consistent practice. By engaging in regular exercises, you can deepen your understanding of context, broaden your vocabulary, and reinforce your grammatical knowledge. Det Practice curated a rich assortment of practice resources for you, spanning various difficulty levels and topics, to help you steadily enhance your skills.

Now, head over to Det Practice to begin your "Fill in the Blanks" practice! Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner aiming to improve, you'll find the right practice content here.