Duolingo English Test Interactive Listening – Complete Guide (New Version)
Hello everyone, welcome to DET Practice, Duolingo English Test Advanced Course. Today, we will be covering the question type: Interactive Listening Course. The Interactive Listening questions underwent an update in July 2025, so let's look at the question type introduction.
Interactive Listening questions appear twice in each DET exam. This is a comprehensive question type that includes the following 3 parts:
- Listen and Complete: 3-4 questions appear each time, with a suggested completion time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds
- Listen and Respond: 5-6 questions appear each time, with a suggested completion time of 4 minutes
- Summarize the Conversation: Completion time of 1 minute and 15 seconds
The listening material scenarios are primarily focused on campus life and academic topics, similar to TOEFL listening conversation scenarios. The assessed abilities are quite comprehensive - beyond understanding the listening material and mastering scenario vocabulary, it also tests students' writing abilities.
Part 1: Listen and Complete
In this section, test-takers will first hear an audio introduction that sets the listening scenario. Unlike before, this part no longer appears in text form. Test-takers need to listen to this scenario introduction audio to complete the subsequent 3-4 sentence completion fill-in-the-blank questions.
The reason we suggest 2 minutes and 30 seconds for completion time is that this section shares 6 minutes and 30 seconds with the second part (Listen and Respond). Unlike other listening sections, this part allows unlimited audio playback and can be paused during playback to facilitate filling in answers. Additionally, there are no requirements for the order of completion, so you can first fill in relatively certain sentences and save the more difficult ones for last.
Although this section doesn't specify the exact number of words to fill in, most questions require 2-3 words, with a maximum of no more than 10 words. Therefore, when filling in answers, you only need to include key information. Also, note that completed sentences need to be coherent and should avoid grammatical and syntactic errors.
Scoring Criteria
Although this question type is objective, scoring is determined by comparing the similarity between the filled content and the correct answer. It's not a simple right-or-wrong question - missing words, extra words, or even spelling mistakes still receive partial credit, but with some point deductions.
Key Points for Listen and Complete
- The scenario introduction is an audio segment that can be replayed or paused repeatedly during the exam time
- During the first playback of the scenario introduction, you cannot see the questions, so focus your attention on listening comprehension
- The length of the blank lines in fill-in-the-blank questions is not an indication of how many words to write - the underline will automatically extend if more or longer words are needed
- Remember that most fill-in-the-blanks require 2-3 words, with a maximum of 10 words
Part 2: Listen and Respond
This section contains 5-6 sub-questions each time. In the Listen and Respond section, test-takers play a role in the listening conversation and complete the conversation by answering multiple-choice questions. The suggested completion time for this section is 4 minutes. Like the first part, this section shares the 6 minutes and 30 seconds time limit with Part 1.
Unlike the first part, the audio in this section can only be played once. To improve your sound discrimination ability, you can prepare by memorizing the Interactive Listening scenario vocabulary in advance.
Before continuing with this section's introduction, let's review the scenario introduction from Part 1. Note that in Part 2, the scenario introduction audio and the completed fill-in-the-blank questions can still be replayed or reviewed. Therefore, this information can still serve as a basis for making judgments in Part 2's Listen and Respond multiple-choice questions, and can even be used as a reference for Part 3's Summarize the Conversation. Please pay close attention to this section.
Tips for Listen and Respond
When making selections, pay attention to the relationship between the conversation participants - whether it's between student and teacher, or between students and peers. This helps you choose appropriate content for the conversation.
Note that even if you select the wrong answer, the correct answer will be displayed on the screen, so you can read the correct answer to increase your understanding of the listening content and better grasp what you've heard previously.
After completing the multiple-choice questions, try to remember the main content of the conversation to prepare for Part 3's Summarize the Conversation, because in Part 3, you won't be able to see the content from Parts 1 and 2.
Part 3: Summarize the Conversation
This is the final part of Interactive Listening, presented as a writing question. You need to write a summary of the conversation you just heard, but time is limited - only 75 seconds.
In this limited time, you need to write a complete paragraph, so get straight to the point and write about the main content of the conversation. Don't focus too much on minor details. Also, note that you should write in first person, generally use past tense, and intersperse other tenses as needed.
Scenario Types in Interactive Listening
In Interactive Listening, test-takers often play the role of a student. The other conversation participant might be a teacher or school staff member. In this scenario, conversation content generally involves:
- Consulting about assignments or papers
- Asking questions about course content
- Guidance on research projects
Sometimes the other participant is also a student or friend with the same identity setting as the test-taker. In this scenario, conversation content generally involves:
- Study advice
- Hobbies and interests
Understanding these scenarios allows you to accumulate relevant scenario vocabulary to help with listening comprehension.
Sample Interactive Listening Question Walkthrough
Let's look at a sample question to demonstrate how to approach Interactive Listening. First, we see the scenario introduction section. Remember that during the first playback of the scenario introduction, you cannot see the fill-in-the-blank questions.
When the exam reaches this interface, you can manually click the play button to start the audio, or wait a few seconds for the audio to play automatically.
After listening to the audio once, you can see the fill-in-the-blank questions that need to be completed. Here are 4 sentences we need to complete. Let's quickly read through the questions first.
After reading the questions, we find that most of these are detailed questions asking for specific information mentioned in the scenario introduction.
Scenario Introduction Content:
*"You are a student studying accounting. You need to take two more classes in order to complete your degree. You are trying to decide between two classes: Marketing or Business Communication. You ask your professor for advice."*
The highlighted parts contain the key information we need to fill in.
Answers:
- What is your field of study? → accounting
- How many more classes do you need to take? → two more classes
- What classes are you choosing between? → Marketing and Business Communication
Note that for course subjects, we use title case (first letter capitalized), which follows English writing conventions. Also, we changed "or" from the scenario introduction to "and" for grammatical reasons. When filling in answers, try to use original words - in most cases, no rewriting is necessary. Minor adjustments can be made if necessary.
Part 2 Walkthrough
Question 1:
Professor says: *"Hi, there! What can I do for you?"*
This audio is short and contains no substantial information. We just need to state our purpose directly. Remember that the scenario introduction from Part 1 can serve as a reference for answering questions.
From Part 1, we know the student has a problem choosing between two classes. Looking at the options, the second option: *"Hi Professor. I'm trying to decide between two classes for next semester, and I was hoping to talk to you about it"* best matches the scenario introduction.
Other options don't fit:
- Option 1 discusses papers
- Option 3 has an unclear reference to "this class"
- Option 4 asks about course progress
- Option 5 asks for final project topic suggestions
Question 2:
Professor says: *"Sure! I'm happy to help. What are the two classes?"*
The professor is asking which two classes are causing the dilemma. We should choose based on the scenario introduction content. Option 4, mentioning "Marketing and Business Communication," matches the introduction of the scenario, making it the correct answer.
Question 3:
Professor says: *"They're both good classes. They cover different topics, though. Marketing covers market planning and research, while Business Communication covers topics related to oral and written communication skills."*
The professor evaluated both classes and explained their different focuses. Since the previous audio wasn't a simple question, we can't find the answer directly from the scenario introduction. This question is more difficult than the previous two.
Analyzing the options:
- Option 1 mentions course catalog descriptions being unclear, which wasn't mentioned
- Option 2 says "I don't know which class would be more beneficial for my degree program," which corresponds to the scenario introduction about needing classes to complete the degree
- Options 3, 4, and 5 have reference issues or contradict the content
Option 2 is the correct answer.
Question 4:
Professor says: *"That really depends on what you want to do after you graduate. If you want to work in a marketing firm, then the marketing class would probably be a better choice. But if you're not sure what type of career you want yet, then business communication would be a good fit for you."*
The professor gives advice about course selection based on post-graduation plans. The student's response should reflect their reaction to this advice.
Option 2: *"That makes sense. Since I'm not sure what I want to do after graduation, Business Communication might be the better choice."* is the most reasonable response that aligns with the professor's advice.
Question 5:
Professor says: *"Yeah, that's probably a good idea, and you can always take marketing the following term if you want."*
The professor further suggests the student can take marketing in the following semester if desired. Since we're near the end of the conversation, this should be where the student thanks the professor for the help.
Option 2, expressing gratitude to the professor, is the appropriate choice.
Key Strategies for Part 2
When answering, especially in the first few questions, we heavily referenced the scenario introduction from Part 1. In later questions with increased difficulty, we couldn't find direct answers from the scenario introduction, but through analysis and comparison of options, we eliminated incorrect answers.
Common characteristics of incorrect answers:
- Unclear references
- Contradictory or inconsistent with listening content
- Content not mentioned at all
Always analyze and compare options, familiarize yourself with common characteristics of incorrect options, and reference the scenario introduction to improve accuracy.
Part 3: Summarize the Conversation Structure and Strategy
Due to the very tight time limit of only 1 minute and 15 seconds, the paragraph opening should get straight to the point to avoid incomplete writing due to insufficient time.
Recommended Structure:
- Main character's identity and background (e.g., academic major)
- What problem was encountered
- Who was consulted for discussion
- Explanations, suggestions, or solutions provided
- Conclusion (if time permits)
If time is insufficient, you can stop after writing the solutions.
Writing Templates
Problem/Solution Discussion Template:
- Opening: "The conversation is about [conversation topic]"
- Identity/Problem: "I am a student who has a problem about [specific problem]"
- Consultation: "I talk to [person] who is [relationship] and ask for their help"
- Solution: "They suggested that I should [specific advice/solution]"
- Conclusion (if time allows): Follow-up plans or expected results
Academic Q&A Template:
- Identity/Confusion: "I am a student who was confused about [knowledge point/concept]"
- Explanation: "They answered my question and clarified [knowledge point/concept] with [examples/definitions/explanations]"
- Conclusion (if time allows): "The conversation helped me to learn more about [conversation topic]"
Template Usage Notes
- Always ensure content relevance to the listening topic
- Distinguish between listening material types - don't use the same template for all questions
- Pay attention to spelling and grammar in template sentences
- Opening and closing sentences can be omitted if time is insufficient
- Practice summarizing independently rather than relying solely on template sentences
Sample Summary
*"The conversation is about getting advice on course selection. I am a student who has a problem choosing between a marketing class and a business communication class for the next semester. I talk to my professor and ask for his advice. He suggested that I take business communication because I'm not sure about my future career. I think his idea is very practical, and I decided to follow it."*
Interactive Listening Guide Summary
Interactive Listening Structure
- Listen and Complete: Listen to conversation background audio (scenario introduction), then complete 3-4 sentences in fill-in-the-blank format. Audio can be replayed and paused unlimited times.
- Listen and Respond: Audio plays only once. Complete conversation through multiple-choice questions after hearing parts of the conversation.
- Summarize the Conversation: Writing task requiring a 75-second summary of the Part 2 conversation.
Utilize Replay Function: Especially for Part 1, Listen and Complete. Take full advantage of repeatable audio playback to carefully listen for key information (usually 2-3 words). Always read through completed sentences to ensure coherence and grammatical correctness.
Focus on Listening and Scenario Setting: Part 2 conversations are typically campus life or academic scenarios. Understand character relationships (student-professor or student-student interactions). Character relationships can help judge and filter the correct options.
Maintain High Concentration: Since the Part 2 audio cannot be repeated, high concentration is essential. Correct answers are immediately displayed after selection, which can serve as a reference for answering questions.
Remember Key Information: Try to remember key information from Part 2 listening content for the subsequent writing summary.
Structured Writing: Use the structure "main character identity + specific problem + who was consulted + advice/solutions received" as a standardized framework for Interactive Listening.
Utilize Writing Templates: Reference the provided "Problem/Solution Discussion" and "Academic Q&A" templates to organize thoughts, but avoid mechanical application. Pay attention to spelling and grammar, and practice regularly to develop independent summarization skills.
Other Resources
Further Reading:
If you need more information about the latter two parts of Interactive Listening: "Listen and Respond" and "Summarize the Conversation," you can refer to: Duolingo English Test Question Type Intro - "Interactive Listening"
For more strategies on preparing for this question type, especially on how to improve your typing speed and complete the "Summarize the Conversation" writing task within 1 minute and 15 seconds, you can refer to: Interactive Listening Made Easy
