Más de 250 palabras académicas para el Duolingo English Test

¿Te cuesta encontrar la palabra adecuada en el Duolingo English Test (DET)? Las palabras académicas son términos precisos que se usan en libros universitarios, investigaciones y debates, y conocerlas te ayuda a leer y escribir sobre temas académicos con más claridad. En esta guía encontrarás más de 250 palabras académicas para el Duolingo English Test, agrupadas por tema, con definiciones y ejemplos, además de un plan de estudio de 30 días.

¿Quieres practicar para el Duolingo English Test (DET)? Crea una cuenta gratuita de Lume y prueba: ✅ Preguntas de práctica con puntuación instantánea con IA ✅ Comentarios claros después de cada respuesta ✅ Guías en PDF gratuitas CREA TU CUENTA GRATIS AHORA Gratis para empezar. No necesitas tarjeta.

Por qué importa el vocabulario académico en el Duolingo English Test

El Duolingo English Test es adaptativo por computadora: la dificultad de algunas preguntas cambia de forma dinámica durante el examen, y el número de preguntas varía. En las preguntas de escritura, el motor de calificación evalúa el léxico (lexis), de modo que la elección de palabras precisas y correctas forma parte de lo que se evalúa.

Cómo influye el vocabulario en cada habilidad del DET

El vocabulario no solo importa para la prueba “Read and Select” (en la que decides si una palabra es una palabra real del inglés); apoya tu desempeño en todo el examen:

• Literacy y Comprehension (lectura y comprensión): las preguntas de lectura como Read and Select e Interactive Reading cuentan para las subpuntuaciones de Literacy y Comprehension. Conocer vocabulario académico facilita estas tareas.
• Production (escritura y speaking): las tareas de escritura y de speaking cuentan para la subpuntuación de Production. En la escritura, las palabras precisas (por ejemplo, “substantiate” en lugar de “prove”, cuando encaje) pueden mejorar tu sofisticación léxica y tu elección de palabras. En speaking, el Centro de ayuda de Duolingo (Help Center) menciona el contenido, la fluidez y la pronunciación, así que las palabras precisas te ayudan a expresar tus ideas con claridad.
• Conciencia del contexto: en las tareas de “Interactive Reading“, conocer conectores académicos comunes puede ayudarte a seguir cómo está organizado un texto y qué piensa el autor.

Qué significan realmente las “palabras académicas”

Las palabras académicas son las que se usan en la educación superior, en libros de texto, investigaciones científicas y debates. No siempre son palabras raras, pero sí son precisas. Por ejemplo, “change” es una palabra general, mientras que “fluctuate” es una palabra académica con un significado más específico: subir y bajar de forma irregular.

Retos de vocabulario comunes para estudiantes internacionales

Un error frecuente es la “trampa de la repetición”: usar la palabra “important” cinco veces en un párrafo. Otros estudiantes usan mal las palabras rebuscadas, lo que puede hacer que una oración suene poco natural o poco clara. La meta es un equilibrio entre términos académicos exactos y un lenguaje sencillo. Otro problema son los “falsos amigos”: palabras que se parecen en tu idioma y en inglés pero tienen significados distintos. Por ejemplo, “actually” significa “en realidad”, no “actualmente” (que en inglés es “currently”).

Cómo evalúa el DET el vocabulario en la escritura

En las preguntas de escritura, el Help Center menciona el léxico (lexis) entre los aspectos que evalúa el motor de calificación (consulta How the Items Are Scored, en inglés). Enumera estas partes del léxico (las notas breves de abajo son explicaciones sencillas nuestras):

• Diversidad léxica: la variedad de palabras que usas.
• Sofisticación léxica: qué tan avanzada es tu elección de palabras.
• Elección de palabras: si las palabras se ajustan al contexto.
• Formación de palabras: usar las formas correctas.
• Ortografía.

Más de 250 palabras académicas esenciales para el Duolingo English Test

A continuación hay una lista de más de 250 palabras académicas (259 palabras distintas) agrupadas en cinco temas. Algunas palabras, como Assimilation e Integration, aparecen dos veces porque tienen significados distintos en distintos temas. En la columna “Tipo”, n = sustantivo, v = verbo y adj = adjetivo. Las palabras y los ejemplos están en inglés; las definiciones, en español.

1. Palabras académicas de educación y aprendizaje (54 palabras)

Estas palabras son útiles cuando escribes o hablas sobre educación, aprendizaje e investigación.

Palabra	Tipo	Definición	Ejemplo (en inglés)
Acquire	v	Obtener una nueva habilidad o un nuevo conocimiento	Students often acquire a second language more efficiently when they are immersed in a native-speaking environment.
Cognitive	adj	Relacionado con los procesos mentales	Researchers are studying how excessive screen time affects the cognitive development of young children.
Curriculum	n	El conjunto de materias de una escuela	The modern school curriculum should prioritize critical thinking skills over the simple memorization of facts.
Pedagogy	n	La teoría y la práctica de la enseñanza	Innovative pedagogy involves using collaborative projects to encourage active participation among students.
Empirical	adj	Basado en la observación o en la evidencia	The scientist provided empirical evidence to support her theory regarding the impact of climate change on local crops.
Hypothesis	n	Una teoría propuesta que se debe comprobar	Our initial hypothesis suggested that students who study in groups achieve higher grades than those who study alone.
Methodology	n	Un sistema de métodos	The research methodology employed in this study combines both surveys and personal interviews for better accuracy.
Literacy	n	Capacidad de leer y escribir	Enhancing digital literacy is essential for modern workers to navigate the complexities of the global economy.
Discipline	n	Un campo de estudio específico	Physics is an academic discipline that requires a strong foundation in mathematics and logical reasoning.
Synthesize	v	Combinar ideas distintas	It is difficult for students to synthesize information from multiple complex sources into a single cohesive essay.
Paradigm	n	Un ejemplo o patrón típico	The shift toward online learning represents a significant paradigm shift in the history of global education.
Qualitative	adj	Que mide la calidad y no la cantidad	Qualitative research provides deep insights into the personal motivations and behaviors of a target audience.
Quantitative	adj	Que mide la cantidad y no la calidad	The report included quantitative data such as percentages and growth rates to illustrate the market’s expansion.
Thesis	n	Una afirmación o teoría que se debe demostrar	In her senior thesis, she argued that social media has a profound impact on political engagement among youth.
Abstract	adj	Que existe en el pensamiento pero no de forma física	Younger children often find it challenging to grasp abstract concepts such as justice or infinity.
Credible	adj	Que se puede creer; convincente	It is vital for students to use credible sources when conducting academic research to ensure the validity of their work.
Evaluate	v	Juzgar o determinar el valor	Teachers use standardized tests to evaluate whether students have met the required learning objectives.
Inherent	adj	Que existe como un atributo permanente	There are inherent risks involved in any major scientific experiment that explores unknown territories.
Objective	adj	Que no está influido por los sentimientos personales	A journalist must remain objective and report the facts without letting personal biases interfere with the story.
Subjective	adj	Basado en sentimientos personales	Art criticism is often highly subjective, as different people perceive the beauty of a painting in various ways.
Validation	n	La acción de comprobar la exactitud	Peer review serves as a crucial form of validation for new discoveries within the scientific community.
Scholarship	n	Estudio académico o ayuda económica (beca)	He was awarded a full scholarship to the university due to his exceptional performance in mathematics.
Competency	n	La capacidad de hacer algo con éxito	Demonstrating technical competency is a key requirement for students pursuing a degree in engineering.
Comprehensive	adj	Que incluye todos los elementos	The university provided a comprehensive guide to help international students adapt to life on campus.
Elucidate	v	Aclarar algo; explicar	The professor attempted to elucidate the complex theories of quantum physics through simple analogies.
Foundation	n	La base o el fundamento	A strong primary education provides the necessary foundation for all future academic and professional success.
Integration	n	El acto de combinar en un todo	The integration of technology into the classroom has significantly changed how teachers deliver their lessons.
Rationale	n	Una base lógica para una creencia	The school board provided a clear rationale for why they decided to extend the length of the academic year.
Scrutinize	v	Examinar o inspeccionar de cerca	Scholars must scrutinize historical documents carefully to ensure they are not interpreting events incorrectly.
Versatile	adj	Capaz de adaptarse a muchas funciones	A versatile education allows graduates to work in a wide variety of industries and roles.
Assimilation	n	El proceso de absorber información	The assimilation of new scientific concepts requires time and repetitive practice for most students.
Attainment	n	La acción de lograr algo	High levels of educational attainment are strongly linked to better career opportunities and higher salaries.
Collaboration	n	Trabajar juntos en una tarea	Successful group projects depend on effective collaboration and clear communication among all team members.
Correlation	n	Una relación mutua entre cosas	Studies show a direct correlation between regular physical exercise and improved mental health in students.
Deduction	n	Llegar a una conclusión mediante el razonamiento	Through a process of logical deduction, the detective was able to identify the most likely suspect.
Erudition	n	Gran conocimiento o cultura	The author’s deep erudition is evident in the detailed historical references found throughout the book.
Facilitate	v	Hacer que una acción o un proceso sea fácil	Modern online platforms facilitate communication between students and teachers across different time zones.
Intellectual	adj	Relativo al intelecto	Universities serve as hubs for intellectual growth, where students are encouraged to challenge traditional ideas.
Mentor	n	Un asesor con experiencia	Having a professional mentor can provide invaluable guidance for students who are just starting their careers.
Motivation	n	La razón por la que se actúa de cierta manera	Internal motivation is often a more powerful driver of academic success than external rewards like grades.
Observation	n	La acción de observar algo	Careful observation of nature allows scientists to develop new theories about how the world works.
Perception	n	La capacidad de ver, oír o tomar conciencia	Public perception of the education system can be influenced by media reports and standardized test results.
Proficiency	n	Un alto grado de habilidad o experiencia	Achieving proficiency in a foreign language requires years of consistent study and practical application.
Reflexive	adj	Que se hace sin pensar de forma consciente	Experienced teachers often have a reflexive response to common classroom management challenges.
Speculation	n	Formar una teoría sin pruebas firmes	Without hard data, any claims about the future of the economy are merely academic speculation.
Theoretical	adj	Que se ocupa de la teoría más que de la práctica	While the plan is perfect in a theoretical sense, it may encounter many difficulties during actual implementation.
Uniformity	n	La cualidad de ser igual	Some educators argue that strict uniformity in the curriculum limits the creativity of individual students.
Adaptable	adj	Capaz de ajustarse a nuevas condiciones	In a rapidly changing job market, being adaptable is more important than having a specific set of fixed skills.
Assessment	n	La evaluación de alguien o algo	Formative assessment allows teachers to provide feedback to students while they are still in the process of learning.
Cognition	n	La acción mental de adquirir conocimiento	Human cognition is a complex field that explores how we perceive, remember, and think about the world.
Concept	n	Una idea o noción abstracta	The concept of democracy has evolved significantly since its origins in ancient civilizations.
Theory	n	Un sistema de ideas que busca explicar	The theory of evolution provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
Validity	n	La cualidad de ser lógicamente sólido	Critics questioned the validity of the study because the sample size was too small to be representative.
Pedantic	adj	Demasiado preocupado por detalles menores	While accuracy is important, being overly pedantic about grammar can sometimes discourage students from speaking.

2. Palabras académicas de ciencia y tecnología

Palabra	Tipo	Definición	Ejemplo (en inglés)
Innovation	n	Un método, una idea o un producto nuevo	Continuous innovation in the field of renewable energy is essential to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Automate	v	Hacer funcionar mediante máquinas	Many factories have chosen to automate their assembly lines to increase production speed and reduce human error.
Data-driven	adj	Basado en el análisis de datos	Modern businesses rely on data-driven strategies to understand customer behavior and optimize their marketing efforts.
Mechanism	n	Un sistema de partes que trabajan juntas	Scientists are still trying to understand the exact biological mechanism that causes certain cells to regenerate.
Infrastructure	n	Estructuras físicas básicas	Developing a robust digital infrastructure is a priority for nations looking to compete in the global economy.
Algorithm	n	Reglas que sigue una computadora	Social media platforms use a complex algorithm to determine which posts appear at the top of a user’s feed.
Cybersecurity	n	Protección contra ataques digitales	As more personal information is stored online, the importance of cybersecurity has become a major global concern.
Feasibility	n	El estado de ser posible	Before starting the construction project, the city council conducted a feasibility study to ensure it was affordable.
Encryption	n	Convertir información en código	Strong encryption is necessary to protect sensitive financial transactions from being intercepted by hackers.
Interface	n	Un punto donde se encuentran los sistemas	A user-friendly interface is critical for the success of any new mobile application or software program.
Optimization	n	Hacer que algo sea lo más eficaz posible	Search engine optimization is a key technique used by websites to increase their visibility in search results.
Prototype	n	Una versión preliminar de un producto	The engineers built a working prototype of the new electric car to test its performance in extreme weather conditions.
Simulation	n	La imitación de un proceso	Astronauts spend hundreds of hours in a high-tech simulation to prepare for the physical challenges of space travel.
Virtual	adj	Simulado mediante software	Many universities now offer virtual campus tours for students who are unable to visit the school in person.
Analytics	n	El análisis sistemático de datos	Learning analytics can help educators identify which students are struggling and need additional support.
Breakthrough	n	Un avance significativo	The discovery of a new vaccine represents a major medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives.
Component	n	Una parte esencial de un todo	The battery is the most expensive component in an electric vehicle, accounting for much of its total cost.
Efficiency	n	Lograr la máxima productividad	Improving the energy efficiency of home appliances can significantly reduce monthly electricity bills for families.
Evolution	n	El desarrollo gradual	The evolution of the smartphone has completely changed how people communicate and access information.
Hybrid	n/adj	Algo hecho al combinar elementos	A hybrid working model allows employees to split their time between the office and their own homes.
Implement	v	Poner en práctica	The government plans to implement new regulations to limit the amount of plastic waste produced by businesses.
Network	n	Un grupo de sistemas interconectados	A global network of researchers is working together to find a cure for various rare genetic diseases.
Precision	n	La cualidad de ser exacto	Surgical robots allow doctors to perform complex operations with a level of precision that is impossible for humans.
Reliability	n	La cualidad de ser confiable	When choosing a cloud storage provider, users prioritize the reliability and security of the service.
Revolutionize	v	Cambiar algo de forma radical	The introduction of the internet helped to revolutionize the way we shop, work, and interact with others.
Sophisticated	adj	Muy complejo o desarrollado	Modern weather forecasting uses sophisticated computer models to predict storms with high accuracy.
Technical	adj	Relativo a un tema en particular	You don’t need deep technical knowledge to operate this device, as it was designed for the average consumer.
Transmission	n	El acto de enviar o transmitir	Fiber-optic cables allow for the rapid transmission of large amounts of data across vast distances.
Verify	v	Asegurarse de que algo es verdadero	Two-factor authentication is a secure way to verify a user’s identity before allowing them to access an account.
Digitalization	n	Conversión de información a formato digital	The digitalization of library records has made it much easier for researchers to find rare historical documents.
Advanced	adj	Muy avanzado en su desarrollo	The lab is equipped with advanced technology that allows scientists to study the structure of atoms.
Apparatus	n	El equipo para una tarea	Firefighters must wear special breathing apparatus to protect themselves from smoke and toxic fumes.
Application	n	Un programa con un propósito específico	This new mobile application allows users to track their daily water intake and set health goals.
Binary	adj	Relativo a un sistema de dos elementos	Computers process all information using a binary system consisting entirely of ones and zeros.
Circuit	n	Un camino completo para la corriente eléctrica	A broken circuit will prevent the electricity from flowing, causing the entire device to stop working.
Configuration	n	La disposición de las partes	You can change the configuration of the software to better suit your individual workflow and preferences.
Connectivity	n	El estado de estar conectado	High-speed internet connectivity is essential for rural areas to participate in the modern digital economy.
Cybernetics	n	El estudio de la comunicación y el control en las máquinas y los seres vivos	Cybernetics explores the similarities between the human nervous system and electronic control systems.
Platform	n	Un sistema o servicio en línea que conecta usuarios o ejecuta aplicaciones	The company’s new digital platform connects freelance workers with businesses looking for specific skills.
Processor	n	Una máquina que procesa datos	A faster processor allows a computer to handle multiple complex tasks at the same time without slowing down.
Protocol	n	Un conjunto de reglas para los datos	Standardized communication protocols ensure that different types of devices can exchange data seamlessly.
Robotics	n	La rama de la tecnología que trata de los robots	The field of robotics is expanding into healthcare, with robots being used to assist in delicate surgeries.
Software	n	Programas que usa una computadora	Regular software updates are necessary to protect your computer from new security threats and bugs.
Streamline	v	Hacer más eficiente	The new management software helped the company streamline its hiring process and reduce paperwork.
Synthesis	n	La combinación de componentes	The synthesis of new chemical compounds often leads to the development of more effective medicines.
Wireless	adj	Que usa ondas de radio para transmitir	Wireless charging technology allows you to power your phone without having to plug in any cables.
Automated	adj	Controlado por máquinas	Automated customer service systems can handle simple inquiries, but complex issues still require human help.
Biometrics	n	Medidas de rasgos del cuerpo, como las huellas dactilares, que sirven para identificar personas	Biometrics, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, are becoming standard features on modern smartphones.
Capacity	n	La cantidad máxima posible	The hard drive has a storage capacity of two terabytes, which is enough to hold thousands of high-quality photos.
Database	n	Un conjunto estructurado de datos	The hospital maintains a central database that stores the medical records of all its patients securely.
Digital	adj	Expresado como una serie de dígitos	We are living in a digital age where most information is accessed through screens rather than on paper.
Equipment	n	Los elementos necesarios para un fin	Professional photographers invest a lot of money in high-quality equipment to ensure their photos are perfect.
Functionality	n	La cualidad de ser funcional	The latest update to the app improved its functionality and fixed several minor performance issues.
Gadget	n	Una herramienta mecánica pequeña	While some people see the smartwatch as a useless gadget, others find it very helpful for tracking their fitness.
Instrument	n	Una herramienta o utensilio	The telescope is a vital instrument for astronomers who want to study the distant reaches of the universe.
Logic	n	Razonamiento basado en principios	Programming requires a strong grasp of logic to ensure that the code executes the correct commands.
System	n	Un conjunto de cosas que funcionan juntas	The city is planning to upgrade its public transportation system to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

3. Palabras académicas de sociedad y cultura

Palabra	Tipo	Definición	Ejemplo (en inglés)
Demographics	n	Datos estadísticos de una población	Changing demographics in urban areas are leading to a higher demand for diverse public services.
Globalization	n	Proceso de integración internacional	Economic globalization has allowed businesses to reach customers in even the most remote parts of the world.
Norms	n	Normas o expectativas sociales	Social norms dictate how individuals are expected to behave in various formal and informal settings.
Heritage	n	Tradiciones o bienes culturales (patrimonio)	Preserving our architectural heritage is important for maintaining a connection to our city’s historical past.
Diversity	n	Variedad de cosas o personas distintas	Promoting diversity in the workplace can lead to more creative problem-solving and a better company culture.
Assimilation	n	Absorber nuevas ideas o culturas	The assimilation of immigrants into a new society is a complex process that takes several generations.
Socioeconomic	adj	Factores sociales y económicos combinados	Students from a low socioeconomic background may face additional challenges when pursuing higher education.
Marginalized	adj	Tratado como insignificante	Governments should implement policies that protect the rights of marginalized groups in society.
Pluralism	n	Coexistencia de grupos diferentes	Cultural pluralism encourages the coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups within one nation.
Urbanization	n	Hacer que una zona sea más urbana	Rapid urbanization in developing countries often leads to the growth of overcrowded informal settlements.
Advocacy	n	Apoyo público a una causa	Environmental advocacy groups work to raise awareness about the dangers of global warming and pollution.
Civil	adj	Relativo a los ciudadanos comunes	Protecting civil liberties is a fundamental responsibility of any truly democratic government.
Community	n	Un grupo de personas que viven juntas	Building a strong sense of community can help to reduce crime and improve the overall quality of life.
Conflict	n	Un desacuerdo serio	Cultural conflicts can often be resolved through open dialogue and a willingness to understand other perspectives.
Convention	n	Una forma en que suelen hacerse las cosas	Following social conventions is often necessary to avoid offending people during formal ceremonies.
Discourse	n	Comunicación escrita o hablada	Civil discourse is essential for a healthy democracy where people can disagree without becoming hostile.
Ethics	n	Principios morales	Business ethics involve conducting company affairs in a way that is fair, honest, and socially responsible.
Ethnicity	n	Pertenencia a un grupo social que comparte una cultura o un origen nacional	Your ethnicity can influence your cultural traditions, language, and the way you perceive the world.
Hierarchy	n	Un sistema para ordenar a los miembros por rango	Many large corporations maintain a strict hierarchy where decisions are made by a small group of executives.
Ideology	n	Un sistema de ideas e ideales	Political ideologies provide a framework for how a society should be organized and governed.
Inequality	n	Diferencia de tamaño, grado o estatus	Addressing income inequality is one of the most significant economic challenges facing modern governments.
Justice	n	Comportamiento o trato justo	The pursuit of social justice involves ensuring that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities.
Legislation	n	Las leyes, consideradas en conjunto	New legislation was introduced to protect consumers from deceptive advertising practices by large companies.
Migration	n	Movimiento de un lugar a otro	Economic migration occurs when people move to another country in search of better job opportunities.
Philosophy	n	Estudio de la naturaleza fundamental de las cosas	Studying philosophy helps students to develop their critical thinking skills and question their own assumptions.
Prejudice	n	Rechazo irrazonable hacia un grupo	Education is one of the most effective tools for reducing prejudice and promoting tolerance in society.
Reform	n	Un cambio hecho para mejorar algo	The government is planning a major reform of the healthcare system to make it more affordable for everyone.
Secular	adj	Que no está vinculado con la religión	In a secular society, public institutions and laws are not based on any specific religious beliefs.
Alienation	n	El estado de estar aislado	Many elderly people experience social alienation because they lack regular contact with their families.
Anthropology	n	El estudio de las sociedades humanas	Anthropology explores the diverse ways that different cultures have adapted to their environments over time.
Citizen	n	Persona reconocida legalmente como miembro de un país	As a citizen of this country, you have both rights to protect you and responsibilities to fulfill.
Class	n	Un conjunto o categoría de cosas	In many societies, the gap between the upper class and the working class continues to grow wider.
Collective	adj	Hecho por personas como grupo	Protecting the environment is a collective responsibility that requires the effort of every single individual.
Diplomacy	n	La gestión de las relaciones internacionales	Diplomacy is often a more effective way to resolve international disputes than the use of military force.
Equality	n	El estado de ser iguales	Achieving gender equality in the workplace is essential for creating a fair and productive economy.
Feminism	n	Defensa de los derechos de las mujeres	Modern feminism explores the various ways that gender roles impact both women and men in society.
Folklore	n	Creencias e historias tradicionales	Local folklore often contains valuable lessons and reflects the unique history of a specific region.
Governance	n	La acción o la manera de gobernar	Good corporate governance involves being transparent and accountable to all company shareholders.
Humanism	n	Sistema de pensamiento racionalista	Secular humanism emphasizes the importance of human reason and ethics over religious dogma.
Identity	n	El hecho de ser quien o lo que alguien es	Our cultural identity is shaped by our language, traditions, and the community in which we were raised.
Institution	n	Una organización fundada con un propósito	Banks are financial institutions that play a critical role in the stability of a nation’s economy.
Liberalism	n	Respeto por comportamientos y opiniones distintos	Liberalism emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the protection of civil rights.
Multicultural	adj	Relativo a varios grupos culturales	Living in a multicultural city allows you to experience a wide variety of different foods, music, and traditions.
Patriotism	n	Devoción por el propio país	True patriotism involves working to improve your country and holding your government accountable for its actions.
Sovereignty	n	Poder o autoridad suprema	Each nation has the right to maintain its sovereignty and make its own decisions without outside interference.
Tradition	n	Transmisión de costumbres o creencias	Many families have a tradition of gathering together for a large meal during major holidays.
Values	n	Principios o normas de comportamiento	Core values such as honesty and respect are taught to children at a very young age in most cultures.
Belief	n	La aceptación de que algo existe	It is important to respect the religious beliefs of others, even if they are very different from your own.
Custom	n	Una manera tradicional de hacer algo	You should research the local customs before traveling to a new country to avoid being disrespectful.
Ethos	n	El espíritu característico de una cultura	The professional ethos of the company emphasizes the importance of hard work and integrity.
Integration	n	El acto de combinar en un todo	The integration of immigrants into the local community can lead to a more vibrant and diverse society.
Morality	n	Principios sobre lo que está bien y lo que está mal	Discussions about morality often involve complex questions about the nature of good and evil.

4. Palabras académicas de medio ambiente y naturaleza

Palabra	Tipo	Definición	Ejemplo (en inglés)
Sustainability	n	Capacidad de mantenerse	Sustainability in farming is essential for ensuring food security for the growing global population.
Biodiversity	n	Variedad de vida en un hábitat	Protecting the biodiversity of the rainforest is crucial because many undiscovered species could provide new medicines.
Conservation	n	Evitar el uso derrochador	Water conservation has become a top priority for cities facing long periods of drought and limited rainfall.
Ecosystem	n	Comunidad biológica de organismos	The introduction of invasive species can disrupt a local ecosystem and cause native plants to die out.
Depletion	n	Reducción de la cantidad	The rapid depletion of natural resources is a major concern for scientists who are looking for alternative energy sources.
Emissions	n	Liberación de gas o radiación	Many countries have signed international agreements to reduce their carbon emissions and fight climate change.
Precipitation	n	Lluvia, nieve, aguanieve o granizo	The desert receives very little annual precipitation, making it difficult for most plants and animals to survive.
Erosion	n	Destrucción por fuerzas naturales	Heavy rainfall can lead to significant soil erosion, which can damage crops and pollute nearby rivers.
Contamination	n	Hacer que algo quede impuro	Industrial waste can lead to the contamination of groundwater, posing a serious threat to public health.
Renewable	adj	Que no se agota al usarse	Investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power is a key strategy for reducing pollution.
Atmosphere	n	Envoltura de gases que rodea la Tierra	The Earth’s atmosphere protects us from the sun’s harmful radiation and keeps the planet warm enough for life.
Catastrophe	n	Suceso que causa grandes daños	An oil spill in the ocean can lead to an ecological catastrophe that takes decades for the environment to recover from.
Climate	n	Condiciones atmosféricas de una zona	Global warming is causing major changes in the world’s climate, leading to more frequent and severe storms.
Deforestation	n	Eliminación de árboles en un área extensa	Deforestation contributes to climate change by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide.
Degradation	n	Proceso de desgaste o deterioro	Land degradation caused by overfarming can make soil less productive and lead to food shortages in the future.
Drought	n	Falta prolongada de lluvia	Farmers in the region are struggling to grow crops due to a severe drought that has lasted for several years.
Fossil	n/adj	Restos prehistóricos	Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
Habitat	n	Hogar natural de un organismo	When we build new cities, we often destroy the natural habitat of many birds, insects, and small mammals.
Impact	n/v	Un efecto o influencia marcados	The environmental impact of the new factory will be carefully studied before construction is allowed to begin.
Ozone	n	Una forma de oxígeno; en la atmósfera superior forma una capa que absorbe la radiación ultravioleta dañina	The ozone layer in the atmosphere is essential for protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Pollution	n	Presencia de sustancias dañinas	Air pollution in large cities can lead to serious respiratory problems for children and the elderly.
Recycle	v	Convertir residuos en material	Most households are now encouraged to recycle their plastic, glass, and paper waste to reduce landfill use.
Toxic	adj	Venenoso; dañino	Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans and pets if not used correctly.
Wildlife	n	Los animales silvestres en conjunto	National parks are created to provide a safe space for wildlife to live without the threat of human interference.
Geothermal	adj	Relativo al calor interno de la Tierra	Geothermal energy is a clean and reliable power source that can be found in areas with high volcanic activity.
Greenhouse	n/adj	Relativo a la retención de calor, como en “gas de efecto invernadero”	The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat, causing the planet’s temperature to rise.
Preservation	n	La acción de preservar	The preservation of wetlands is important because they act as natural filters for water and provide homes for many animals.
Abatement	n	El fin o la reducción de algo	Noise abatement policies in the city aim to reduce the impact of traffic and construction on local residents.
Adaptation	n	El proceso de cambio	Evolutionary adaptation allows animals to survive in extreme environments by developing unique physical traits.
Agriculture	n	La ciencia de cultivar la tierra	Modern agriculture relies on sophisticated technology to increase crop yields and reduce the use of water.
Arable	adj	Apto para cultivar	As the population grows, finding enough arable land to feed everyone is becoming a significant global challenge.
Biosphere	n	Las partes de la Tierra donde existen seres vivos	All living organisms on Earth are part of the biosphere, which includes the air, land, and water.
Carbon	n	Un elemento químico	Reducing your carbon footprint involves making choices that lower the amount of carbon dioxide you produce.
Chemicals	n	Sustancias obtenidas mediante la química	Scientists are developing new ways to clean up hazardous chemicals that have leaked into the soil or water.
Composting	n	El proceso de convertir residuos orgánicos en compost	Composting your kitchen waste is an easy way to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden and reduce garbage.
Desalination	n	Eliminación de la sal del agua de mar	Desalination technology allows coastal cities to turn seawater into fresh drinking water, though it is very expensive.
Desertification	n	Proceso por el cual la tierra se convierte en desierto	Overgrazing and climate change are the primary causes of desertification in many parts of the world.
Disposal	n	La acción de desechar algo	The proper disposal of electronic waste is important because it contains many harmful and toxic materials.
Effluent	n	Residuo líquido o aguas residuales	Factories are required by law to treat their industrial effluent before discharging it into local rivers.
Extinction	n	La desaparición permanente de una especie	If we do not take action soon, the loss of habitat will lead to the mass extinction of many endangered species.
Meteorological	adj	Relativo al tiempo atmosférico y a la atmósfera	Meteorological data is used by pilots to avoid dangerous weather conditions during long-distance flights.
Pesticides	n	Sustancias usadas para destruir insectos	The use of chemical pesticides in farming can have a negative impact on the health of local bee populations.
Radiant	adj	Que emite luz o calor	Solar panels capture radiant energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for homes and businesses.
Hydrology	n	Rama de la ciencia que estudia el agua	Studying hydrology allows scientists to predict when and where floods are most likely to occur.
Insulation	n	Material que evita la pérdida de calor	Proper attic insulation can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Nitrogen	n	Un gas incoloro y poco reactivo	Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, but too much of it in the water can lead to harmful algae blooms.
Organic	adj	Derivado de materia viva	Many consumers prefer to buy organic produce because it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides.
Toxin	n	Un veneno de origen vegetal o animal	Certain species of snakes produce a powerful toxin that can be fatal to humans if not treated immediately.
Vegetation	n	Las plantas en conjunto	The thick vegetation in the jungle provides a safe hiding place for many small animals and birds.

5. Palabras académicas de negocios y economía

Palabra	Tipo	Definición	Ejemplo (en inglés)
Fluctuate	v	Subir y bajar de forma irregular	The price of gold tends to fluctuate wildly depending on the current stability of the global economy.
Monopoly	n	Control exclusivo de un producto	A government monopoly on telecommunications can lead to higher prices and a lack of innovation for consumers.
Revenue	n	Ingreso total de una empresa	The company’s annual revenue increased by twenty percent thanks to the success of its new product line.
Fiscal	adj	Relativo a los impuestos del gobierno	The government introduced new fiscal policies to encourage foreign investment and boost economic growth.
Capital	n	Riqueza en forma de activos	Starting a new tech business requires a significant amount of initial capital to hire staff and buy equipment.
Inflation	n	Aumento general de los precios	High inflation can reduce the purchasing power of consumers, making it more difficult for them to buy basic goods.
Liability	n	Estado de ser legalmente responsable	Personal liability insurance can protect business owners from the high costs of legal claims and lawsuits.
Asset	n	Algo o alguien valioso	Real estate is often considered a safe long-term asset because it tends to increase in value over time.
Audit	n	Inspección oficial de cuentas	Every year, the company undergoes an independent audit to ensure that its financial records are accurate and honest.
Budget	n	Estimación de ingresos y gastos	Creating a monthly budget is an essential step for individuals who want to manage their money and save for the future.
Commerce	n	Actividad de compra y venta	The growth of e-commerce has completely changed the retail industry and led to the closure of many physical stores.
Consumption	n	El uso de un recurso hasta agotarlo	Domestic consumption of electricity peaks during the summer months when many people are using air conditioning.
Corporate	adj	Relativo a una empresa grande	Corporate social responsibility involves a business taking action to have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Deficit	n	La cantidad en que el gasto supera el ingreso	The national budget deficit is growing because the government is spending more money than it is collecting in taxes.
Equity	n	Valor de las acciones de una empresa	Many employees are offered equity in the company as a way to motivate them to work harder and stay long-term.
Expenditure	n	La acción de gastar fondos	Public expenditure on education and healthcare is vital for the long-term prosperity of any modern nation.
Investment	n	Dinero gastado para obtener ganancias	An investment in the stock market can provide a high return, but it also involves a significant amount of risk.
Marketable	adj	Que se puede vender	Graduates who have strong coding and data analysis skills are highly marketable in today’s digital economy.
Merger	n	Unión de dos empresas	The merger of the two major airline companies will likely lead to fewer choices and higher ticket prices for travelers.
Profitability	n	Grado en que un negocio genera ganancias	The company is focusing on improving its profitability by reducing unnecessary costs and expanding into new markets.
Shareholder	n	Dueño de acciones de una empresa	Shareholders have the right to vote on major company decisions and receive a portion of the profits as dividends.
Statistics	n	Conjunto de datos numéricos	Economic statistics show that the rate of unemployment has fallen significantly over the past six months.
Subsidy	n	Dinero otorgado por el Estado	The government provides a subsidy to farmers to help them stay in business when crop prices are low.
Surplus	n	Una cantidad sobrante	After all the bills were paid, the city was left with a budget surplus that it used to improve public parks.
Transaction	n	Una operación de compra o venta	Digital transactions are becoming more common than cash because they are faster and more convenient for shoppers.
Utility	n	El estado de ser útil	Economists use the concept of marginal utility to explain how much satisfaction a consumer gets from a product.
Yield	n	La ganancia o el rendimiento que produce una inversión o una cosecha	High-interest savings accounts provide a low yield but are much safer than investing in the volatile stock market.
Acquisition	n	Compra de un activo o un objeto	The major tech giant recently completed the acquisition of a small startup that specialized in artificial intelligence.
Bankruptcy	n	La condición legal de no poder pagar las deudas	Several large retail chains were forced to declare bankruptcy due to the increasing popularity of online shopping.
Benchmarking	n	Evaluar por comparación	Industry benchmarking allows companies to compare their performance with that of their most successful competitors.
Broker	n	Persona que compra o vende por cuenta de otros	A real estate broker can help you find a home that meets your needs and negotiate a fair price with the seller.
Conglomerate	n	Una corporación grande	The global conglomerate has business interests in a wide variety of industries, including media, fashion, and food.
Consumerism	n	Un fuerte enfoque en comprar y poseer bienes	Modern consumerism emphasizes the importance of buying new products to satisfy personal needs and desires.
Credit	n	Capacidad de obtener bienes antes de pagar	Maintaining a good credit score is essential for anyone who wants to take out a loan or buy a house in the future.
Currency	n	Sistema de dinero de un país	The value of a nation’s currency can change daily based on its economic performance and political stability.
Diversification	n	Repartir inversiones o actividades entre distintas áreas	Portfolio diversification involves spreading your investments across different industries to reduce your total risk.
Entrepreneur	n	Persona que organiza un negocio	A successful entrepreneur must be willing to take risks and have the vision to turn a new idea into a profitable company.
Equilibrium	n	Un estado en el que las fuerzas están equilibradas	Market equilibrium occurs when the supply of a product is exactly equal to the demand from consumers.
Franchise	n	Autorización para realizar ciertas actividades	Buying a fast-food franchise allows an entrepreneur to start a business using a well-known brand and a proven system.
Gross	adj	Cantidad total antes de las deducciones	Your gross income is the total amount you earn before any taxes or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck.
Hedge	v	Protegerse contra una pérdida financiera	Some investors buy gold as a way to hedge against inflation and protect their wealth during economic crises.
Interest	n	Dinero que se paga por el uso del dinero	The interest rate on your credit card determines how much extra money you will have to pay back each month.
Liquidity	n	Disponibilidad de activos líquidos	Maintaining a high level of liquidity allows a company to pay its short-term debts and handle unexpected expenses.
Logistics	n	Gestión del flujo de las cosas	Efficient logistics are critical for online businesses that need to deliver products to customers quickly and cheaply.
Macroeconomics	n	Rama de la economía que estudia lo que ocurre a gran escala	Studying macroeconomics helps us to understand how factors like inflation and interest rates affect the entire country.
Portfolio	n	Conjunto de inversiones	A well-balanced investment portfolio should include a mix of stocks, bonds, and other types of assets.
Tariff	n	Impuesto que se paga por las importaciones	The government decided to place a high tariff on imported steel to protect local businesses from foreign competition.
Venture	n	Un proyecto o una empresa de negocios, a menudo con riesgo	The two companies decided to start a joint venture to develop new technology for the automotive industry.
Wholesale	n	Venta de bienes en grandes cantidades	Buying products at a wholesale price allows retailers to sell them to consumers at a higher price and make a profit.

Conectores y palabras de transición útiles

Los conectores serán el “cemento” que une tu vocabulario académico. Consulta la tabla siguiente para pasar de una idea compleja a otra.

Categoría	Conectores de nivel alto	Ejemplo académico (en inglés)
Contraste	Conversely (a la inversa), Nevertheless (sin embargo), On the contrary (al contrario), Albeit (aunque), Notwithstanding (a pesar de)	The policy was effective in urban centers; nevertheless, it failed to address the unique needs of rural populations.
Adición	Furthermore (además), Moreover (es más), Additionally (adicionalmente), In tandem with (en conjunto con), Coupled with (junto con)	The rise in global temperatures is alarming. Furthermore, the rapid melting of polar ice caps poses a threat to coastal cities.
Causa y efecto	Consequently (por consiguiente), Therefore (por lo tanto), As a result (como resultado), Hence (de ahí que), Accordingly (en consecuencia)	The factory failed to meet safety standards. Consequently, the local authorities decided to suspend its operations indefinitely.
Ejemplificación	For instance (por ejemplo), Notably (en particular), To exemplify (para ejemplificar), Particularly (en especial), Specifically (en concreto)	Renewable energy has several advantages. Notably, it can lower the running costs of homes and businesses.
Resumen	In essence (en esencia), Ultimately (en última instancia), To conclude (para concluir), Overall (en general), To encapsulate (en resumen)	The research covered various social factors. Ultimately, the study suggests that early education is the primary driver of career success.

Estrategias para memorizar más rápido el vocabulario académico

Aprende las palabras en contexto, no de forma aislada

Memorizar definiciones de una lista no basta. En cambio, concéntrate en entender cómo funciona una palabra dentro de una oración. El significado del vocabulario académico suele estar ligado al campo de conocimiento al que pertenece. Aprender cómo se usa una palabra también implica conocer su tono y su connotación.

Usa técnicas de repetición espaciada

Para pasar las palabras nuevas de la memoria a corto plazo a la de largo plazo, repásalas a intervalos cada vez mayores. Un calendario sencillo es repasar una palabra después de 1 hora, 1 día, 3 días y 7 días. El repaso regular ayuda a reducir el efecto de la “curva del olvido” y facilita recordar las palabras cuando tienes poco tiempo.

Practica el vocabulario hablando y escribiendo

Reconocer palabras de forma pasiva no basta. Para usarlas bien, debes practicar usando las palabras que aprendes. Por ejemplo, cada día elige cinco palabras académicas y habla durante 30 segundos usándolas. También puedes escribir un párrafo corto que las incluya todas.

Concéntrate en las familias de palabras y las colocaciones

Las familias de palabras son grupos de palabras relacionadas, como las formas de verbo, sustantivo, adjetivo y adverbio de una misma palabra. Por ejemplo, cuando estudies el verbo “analyze”, puedes estudiar también su sustantivo “analysis”, su adjetivo “analytical” y su adverbio “analytically”. Además, presta atención a las colocaciones, que son palabras que suelen ir juntas. Por ejemplo, “conduct research” es una colocación común en la escritura académica.

Lee inglés académico a diario

Intenta leer textos académicos con regularidad, como artículos de revistas científicas, sitios de noticias y de revistas, y blogs universitarios. Leer te ayuda a reconocer las palabras en contexto y a acostumbrarte a las oraciones más largas que puedes encontrar en “Interactive Reading” y “Read and Complete”.

Cómo usar las palabras académicas con naturalidad en el speaking y la escritura del DET

Evita abusar del vocabulario complejo

Un error común en las tareas de escritura del DET es llenar el texto de palabras rebuscadas. Poner demasiadas palabras académicas en una sola oración puede hacer que el texto sea difícil de entender. Lo mejor es usar palabras complejas junto con oraciones lógicas y palabras de transición. La cantidad no lo es todo: una palabra precisa bien usada es mejor que varios términos académicos mal usados.

Usa vocabulario específico del tema

El DET abarca una variedad de temas, así que ten en cuenta el tema de la pregunta. Por ejemplo, si el tema es “The Environment”, resulta más útil usar palabras específicas como sustainability y biodiversity que solo palabras académicas generales.

Mejora la diversidad léxica y la elección de palabras al escribir

Para mejorar tu diversidad léxica y tu elección de palabras al escribir, reemplaza palabras simples por otras más precisas. Usa “beneficial” o “advantageous” en lugar de “good”, y “illustrate” o “demonstrate” en lugar de “show”. Estos cambios pueden añadir variedad, siempre que la palabra nueva encaje con el significado.

Practica la gestión del tiempo

Algunas tareas te dan muy poco tiempo para planificar. En Speak About the Photo tienes 20 segundos para mirar la foto antes de que la grabación empiece automáticamente, en Read, Then Speak las instrucciones aparecen durante 20 segundos antes de que empiece el cronómetro, y Write About the Photo dura 1 minuto. Conocer bien las palabras académicas ayuda a que te vengan a la mente con más rapidez.

Errores de vocabulario comunes en el DET

• Colocaciones inadecuadas: usar un par de verbo y sustantivo incorrecto, como “make an experiment” en lugar de “conduct an experiment”, puede sonar poco natural. Estos errores suelen venir de la traducción literal (en español se dice “hacer un experimento”), así que aprende las palabras junto con las palabras con las que suelen ir.
• Forma de palabra incorrecta: algunos estudiantes usan la categoría gramatical equivocada, por ejemplo al escribir “The report provides an analyze” en lugar del sustantivo “analysis”. Estos errores suelen venir de aprender palabras sin entender la función que cumplen en la oración. Para mantener correcta la estructura, aprende familias de palabras.
• Muletillas genéricas: los intensificadores simples como “very big” o “really bad” hacen tu escritura menos precisa. Palabras como “substantial” o “detrimental” dan más claridad y fuerza, siempre que encajen con el significado. Reemplazar estas muletillas habituales es una forma fácil de mejorar tu elección de palabras.

Plan de estudio de vocabulario académico de 30 días para el DET

Usa este plan de 4 semanas como una guía flexible. Te lleva de reconocer las palabras a usarlas por ti mismo.

Semana	Área de enfoque	Tareas diarias	Objetivos de producción	Meta semanal
Semana 1	Base y familias de palabras	Aprende de 5 a 10 palabras nuevas al día, empezando por la lista de Educación. Anota las formas de sustantivo, verbo, adjetivo y adverbio de cada una.	Escribe algunas oraciones sobre tus estudios usando las palabras nuevas.	Nombra las formas de sustantivo, verbo y adjetivo de las palabras que estudiaste esta semana.
Semana 2	Dominio del contexto	Concéntrate en las colocaciones (por ejemplo, “have an impact”). Estudia las listas de Ciencia y tecnología y de Sociedad y cultura.	Practica “Write About the Photo” (1 minuto) varias veces al día, usando palabras precisas para describir lo que ves.	Usa cada colocación nueva en una oración propia.
Semana 3	Fluidez y tono	Practica hablar sobre temas de Medio ambiente y Negocios. Reemplaza las muletillas (very/really) por adjetivos precisos.	Grábate hablando hasta 3 minutos, como en el Speaking Sample. Usa conectores como “nevertheless” para enlazar ideas.	Habla a un ritmo natural y constante, y usa palabras precisas sin pausas largas.
Semana 4	Velocidad y presión	Haz un examen de práctica completo con regularidad. Revisa tu escritura y reescríbela con mejores elecciones de palabras.	Practica el “Writing Sample” (5 minutos) como un ensayo corto, usando palabras académicas solo donde encajen.	Termina tu práctica de escritura con tiempo para revisar la ortografía, la gramática y la puntuación.

Conclusión

Desenvolverte bien en el Duolingo English Test implica demostrar que puedes comprender y usar el inglés en contextos académicos. Aprender las palabras académicas de esta guía y seguir el plan de 30 días a tu propio ritmo te ayuda a construir el vocabulario que necesitas para estudiar en la universidad.

Empieza gratis con la práctica del DET en Lume y obtén una puntuación con IA al instante

Lee este artículo en otro idioma

• English
• Tiếng Việt
• Português

Recursos de práctica relacionados

• Vocabulario Duolingo English Test
• Ejemplos y modelos de preguntas de la sección de escritura del Duolingo English Test (DET)
• Guía rápida (cheat sheet) del Duolingo English Test: consejos y estrategia para el día del examen

Artículo relacionado: Lista de colocaciones del DET para escritura y speaking

¿Quieres practicar para el Duolingo English Test (DET)? Crea una cuenta gratuita de Lume y prueba: ✅ Preguntas de práctica con puntuación instantánea con IA ✅ Comentarios claros después de cada respuesta ✅ Guías en PDF gratuitas CREA TU CUENTA GRATIS AHORA Gratis para empezar. No necesitas tarjeta.