Duolingo English Test Question Type Intro 13："Listen, Then Speak"

In the 2024 Duolingo English Test, the "Listen, Then Speak" section requires examinees to respond to the audio prompts within 90 seconds. This blog post offers a comprehensive overview of the types of questions featured in "Listen, Then Speak," along with effective strategies for answering them.

Understanding the "Listen, Then Speak" Question Type

The "Listen, Then Speak" section is a question type in the Duolingo English Test (DET) aimed at evaluating the examinee's listening comprehension and spoken expression skills. In this section, examinees first listen to an audio prompt, which may be a question, statement, or description. Following the prompt, they are given a brief period to prepare their response before delivering their oral answer within 90 seconds. This question type is included twice in each test session, requiring a total time commitment of approximately 3 minutes.

Please note that you have a total of three chances to listen to the recording before the official recording starts.

Strategies for Answering

l Listening and Responding to Prompts:

In the Duolingo English Test, you will face tasks that require you to listen to a prompt and respond verbally. These prompts can vary; they might be direct questions, such as "What do you think about...?" or statements like "Describe a memorable childhood experience." You are allowed to listen to the prompt up to three times within a 20-second window. This repeated listening is essential, as it helps you capture all the necessary details. Once the 20 seconds are up, you must begin speaking, so it's important to be prepared to express your thoughts clearly.

l Maximize Your Listening:

Always take advantage of the opportunity to listen to the prompt three times. Even if you feel confident after the first or second listening, the final attempt will help reinforce your understanding and retention of the details. This strategy is especially beneficial for longer prompts that contain multiple elements.

l Ensure Task Relevance:

Your response must closely align with the prompt's content. Focusing on relevance is essential for achieving a high score. Before you begin speaking, mentally summarize the prompt to ensure that your answer stays on track and fully addresses the question.

l Enhance Your Vocabulary and Fluency:

Use a diverse range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to enrich your spoken response. Incorporate linking phrases to create a smoother flow in your speech. Reviewing resources that provide examples of effective linking phrases can elevate the quality of your answers and make your speaking sound more natural.

l Aim for Longer Responses:

While the minimum speaking time is 30 seconds, strive to elaborate on your points for at least 60 seconds. This not only demonstrates your language proficiency but also positively impacts your fluency score. Practice expanding your responses to develop this skill.

l Practice Regularly:

Given the unique challenges of this question type, it’s crucial to engage in consistent practice. Although the official practice test lacks this specific format, seek out other resources or platforms that allow unlimited practice across various question types, including listening and speaking tasks. This regular practice will build your confidence and improve your performance.

Although the "Listen, Then Speak" section is one of the more challenging parts of the Duolingo English Test, consistent and effective practice can significantly enhance your confidence and improve your scores. Here are some excellent resources for practice; click the link below to start your training now!

Start Practicing with Official DET

Start the Mock Exam with DET Practice