Writing Sample
According to the official exam guide, the "Writing Sample" section is a part of the Duolingo English Test (DET) that involves the following:
1. Instructions: This section asks candidates to write an essay on a given topic. The topic is intended to elicit a detailed response, and candidates are expected to demonstrate their writing skills, including the ability to organize thoughts coherently and express ideas clearly.
2. Subscores: The "Writing Sample" primarily assesses the Production skill, as it focuses on the candidate's writing abilities.
3. Duration: Candidates are given a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes to complete their essay.
4. Interactive Operations:
- Candidates type their essay directly into the provided text box within the test interface.
5. Answering the Question:
- After reading the topic, candidates should write an essay that is relevant to the prompt.
- The essay should be well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
6. Suggestions:
- Use the time before the timer starts to plan and outline the essay.
- Focus on using a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Ensure that the essay is well-organized and that all parts of the prompt are addressed.
7. Scoring: The essay is evaluated based on the clarity, detail, and relevance of the written response, as well as the candidate's use of English grammar, vocabulary, coherence, and overall writing quality.
8. Significance: The "Writing Sample" is particularly important as it provides institutions with a more in-depth look at the candidate's writing skills. It is used to assess the candidate's ability to express complex ideas in writing, which is a critical skill for academic and professional success.
The "Writing Sample" section is designed to be a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's writing abilities, offering insights into their capacity to communicate effectively in English through the written word.