Duolingo English Test Question Type Intro 12："Read, Then Speak"
The "Read, Then Speak" segment of the 2024 Duolingo English Test mandates that candidates articulate their thoughts on a specified topic within a time frame of 90 seconds. This blog entry offers a comprehensive overview of the "Read, Then Speak" question format, along with strategies and resources to enhance effective responses.
Understanding the "Read, Then Speak" Question Type
The "Read, Then Speak" section of the Duolingo English Test is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to comprehend written English and express themselves verbally. In this section, candidates are required to read a written prompt and then respond orally, with their answers needing to last between 30 seconds and 90 seconds.
This part primarily assesses the candidate's reading comprehension and oral expression skills. The questions typically focus on personal experiences, opinions, or everyday topics, such as describing your favorite book and explaining why you enjoy it, recounting your most recent trip, or discussing what you believe is the most important skill and why.
Strategies for Answering
Understand the Prompt Thoroughly
l Maximize Your Preparation Time: You have a full 20 seconds to read and comprehend the topic before you begin speaking. Use this time wisely to fully grasp the question. Consider jotting down quick notes or keywords that you want to include in your response. This preparation will guide your speaking and help you stay focused.
Utilize Your Speaking Time Effectively
l Aim for 90 Seconds: Strive to speak for the entire 90 seconds allotted for your response. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in English and showcases your language proficiency. Filling the time with relevant content can significantly enhance your score.
Structure Your Response with a Clear Strategy
l Organize Your Thoughts: Having a clear structure for your response will make it easier to articulate your ideas. Consider using a simple format: state your main point, provide supporting details, and conclude with a summary. This organization helps keep your response coherent and focused.
Use Correct Grammar
l Grammar Matters: Using proper grammar is essential for conveying your ideas clearly and professionally. Incorrect grammar can lead to misunderstandings and may detract from your overall score. Therefore, it’s important to practice and familiarize yourself with common grammatical structures.
Articulate Clearly and Confidently
l Pace Yourself: Nervousness can often lead to speaking too quickly. During the test, remind yourself to take a deep breath and slow down. Speaking at a measured pace not only enhances clarity but also gives you time to think about your responses.
l Pronunciation Matters: Clear pronunciation is crucial for effective communication. Make a conscious effort to articulate each word distinctly. Practicing tongue twisters or reading aloud can help improve your pronunciation skills over time.
l Volume Control: Ensure you speak loudly enough for the recording to capture your voice clearly.
To sum up, by gaining a deep understanding of the scoring criteria and focusing on specific practice, you can succeed in the "Read, Then Speak" part of the Duolingo English Test. Keep in mind that ongoing practice and self-evaluation are essential for improving your speaking abilities.
If you're interested in learning more about the Duolingo English Test and want to practice, you can also take advantage of the resources below to improve your skills.
1. DET Official Practice Resources
2. Wikipedia Information Resources