Literacy

The Literacy component of the Duolingo English Test (DET) evaluates a candidate's proficiency in reading and writing in English. It is assessed through a variety of question types that require different levels of engagement with the English language. Here's a summary of how Literacy is tested, as outlined in the official guide:

1. Reading Comprehension: This is tested through questions that require the test-taker to understand and analyze written text. Examples include:

- Read and Select: Identifying real English words from a list of options.

- Fill in the Blank: Selecting the appropriate word to complete a sentence.

- Read and Complete: Filling in missing letters to complete words in a passage.

- Highlight the Answer: Highlighting the part of the text that answers a given question.

- Identify the Idea: Choosing the statement that best captures the main idea of a passage.

- Title the Passage: Selecting the most suitable title for a passage.

2. Writing Skills: Writing ability is assessed through tasks that require the test-taker to construct responses in writing:

- Read Aloud: While not a writing task per se, it does require the test-taker to write down what they hear, which indirectly tests writing skills.

- Interactive Writing: Writing a response to a prompt and then a follow-up response based on the initial submission.

- Writing Sample: Describing a given topic in writing for a set duration, which typically requires a longer, more detailed written response.

The Literacy score is influenced by the test-taker's ability to comprehend written English and their capacity to express themselves clearly and accurately in writing. It is an integral part of the overall DET score, reflecting the test-taker's literacy skills in the English language.