Duolingo English Test (DET) New Updates: 4 Major Changes

The Duolingo English Test (DET)’s new update brings learners some exciting changes.

New features consist of Interactive Writing, an improved Fill-in-the-blanks question, and a new Read and Select format.

In this post, LUME Test will provide more details to help you stay prepared and adjust your study plan.

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Keys takeaways

• The new Duolingo English Test (DET) changes include Interactive Writing, a new Fill-in-the-blanks question, updated Read and Select format, and a new scoring system.
• The new Interactive Writing section replaces “Read, then write” and consists of a two-part writing task.
• The updated fill-in-the-blanks question presents single sentences with a 20-second timing, assessing vocabulary and comprehension skills.
• The new Read and Select format now displays words one at a time, and you need to make accurate decisions in 5 seconds.

Related:

• FREE DET practice tests with answers
• Duolingo test preparation
• Duolingo English Test vs PTE

Duolingo English Test (DET) New Updates

New Interactive Writing Question

The Duolingo English Test (DET) now has a new Interactive Writing section that replaces the “Read, then write” section. 

This new part consists of a two-part writing task lasting 8 minutes in total.

First, you’ll receive a main question and have 5 minutes to write at least 50 words. 

However, you have to write for at least 3 minutes before moving on.

After that, there will be a follow-up question based on your first answer. 

You will then have 3 minutes to answer and are required to write for at least 1 minute before proceeding. 

This update tests creativity, flexibility, and quick thinking, impacting your Literacy and Production scores. 

The key to success in this section is to practice brainstorming and structuring responses.

New Fill In The Blanks Question

The next update in the Duolingo English Test (DET) introduces a new Fill-in-the-blank question type that focuses on contextual vocabulary.

You’ll find a sentence with a missing word to complete. 

There are 20 seconds per question with a reading and quick comprehension test.

Unlike the Read and Complete task, this version gives you 6-9 individual sentences, appearing one after another. 

They are unrelated, and you have to answer each separately.

This update will affect your Literacy and Comprehension scores.

It is recommended to practice filling in the blanks and improving your vocabulary in context in order to prepare well for this task.

Updated Read And Select Format

In the new format, the Read and Select question now presents one word at a time, and you need to answer it quickly and accurately. 

In 5 seconds, you need to determine whether each word is real English by choosing “Yes” or “No”. 

Previously, all 18 words appeared at the same time. 

But now, words appear one by one, and the test moves automatically to the next one after each selection. 

You will respond to this 15-18 times per section.

This update tests your Literacy and Comprehension, so you should enhance your word recognition skills and expand your vocabulary!

Subscore Update

The last update refers to the scoring system. 

The Duolingo English Test (DET) now consists of 2 subscores:

• Individual subscores (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening)
• Integrated subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production)

This change provides a detailed assessment of language capability, along with practical use.

The overall score is the rounded average of individual subscores. 

Also, old and new integrated scores are not comparable, and conversion is not possible.

Effective Strategies To Tackle The New Duolingo English Test (DET) Format

Interactive Writing Task

Understand the prompt

First, you should take the time to read the prompt carefully. 

It’s necessary to identify keywords and ensure your response addresses all parts of the question. 

Misunderstanding the prompt may lower your score.

Plan before writing

Before writing, you should spend 30 seconds brainstorming and outlining ideas. 

A quick plan helps structure your answers, making it clearer and more logical. 

Besides, a well-organized answer is easier to read and evaluate. 

Review your response

Another tip you need to consider is proofreading your work before submitting. 

Look for grammar, spelling, and word choice mistakes. 

Even some small corrections can enhance your fluency and clarity. 

Moreover, fixing mistakes demonstrates your strong language skills.

Practice regularly 

It’s advisable to practice under real test circumstances. 

Mock tests help you gain confidence and manage time more effectively. 

Besides, the more you are familiar with the format, the better you will perform.

Fill In The Blanks Task

Read carefully

Reading the entire sentence thoroughly before filling in the missing word is essential. 

It helps you understand the surrounding context and determine the correct answer. 

Also, reading the sentence multiple times at different speeds can improve your accuracy.

Double-check your answer

Like any section, it’s always necessary to review your answers before continuing. 

Remember that a simple typo can lead to mistakes, so make sure that you place every letter correctly. 

Know the spelling rules

You should note that for this question type, only American spelling is accepted. 

Thus, you should practice with American English vocabulary to avoid unnecessary mistakes. 

However, for other test sections, both American and British spellings are allowed.

Read And Select Task 

Scan first

In the ‘Read and Select’ task, you should skim through all the options as soon as they appear. 

It helps you cover a general idea of what you’re dealing with before making a decision. 

Also, as time is limited, a quick first look can help you spot familiar words right away.

Check for correct spelling

You should also pay close attention to how each word is spelled. 

Some words look real at first glance, but can have small errors that make them incorrect. 

Therefore, it’s best to slow down to catch these mistakes.

Be careful with tricky words

Some options are designed to look almost like real words, but they aren’t. 

Thus, it’s necessary to watch out for minor changes, like missing letters or incorrect endings. 

Conclusion

The Duolingo English Test (DET) new update brings important changes that make the test more dynamic and practical. 

With new question formats and an updated scoring system, test-takers need to adapt their preparation strategies. 

Staying familiar with these updates and practicing will be the keys to success.

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