Many students dream of studying abroad but have to face so many hurdles. And one of the common hurdles that all have to face is language proficiency tests. This can be easily surpassed if you are choosing the Duolingo Exam. The DET’s exam format is adaptive; the difficulty level adjusts according to your responses and is divided into 4 sections- Reading, Writing, Listening, & Speaking.
Out of these 4 sections, sometimes speaking can be challenging if you are a non-native English speaker. So here are Duolingo speaking practice tips that will help you score 150+
What’s the Speaking Section All About?
In the Duolingo English Test, the speaking tasks are all about expressing your thoughts clearly and fluently. You’ll face tasks like:
- Read Aloud (reading sentences or paragraphs)
- Describe Images (describing pictures in a coherent and structured way)
- Respond to a Prompt (giving your opinion or sharing experiences)
- The key here is Fluency—your ability to speak naturally and smoothly without long pauses or hesitations.
Shadowing Technique: Speak Like a Native!
In this, you have to mimic the native speaker as it is. Try to repeat what they say, mimicking their tone, speed, and intonation.
- Pro Tip: Watch your favourite YouTubers or listen to podcasts. Pause and repeat everything they say. You’ll get into the rhythm of the language, which helps you speak more naturally.
- Challenge: Try to shadow for at least 5 minutes every day. It’s short but super effective!
Think In English:
The very basic step to enhancing Fluency is to think in English. Try to replace all the framing of sentences in your native language with English. Gradually, it will enhance your framing of structure.
Tip: Start by describing what you’re doing in your head in English: “I’m making coffee,” “I’ll start studying now.” This will train your brain to think in the language!
Try Using Flash Cards to Build Quick Responses:
Create flashcards with common topics like travel, food, technology, hobbies, and current events.
Example:
- Travel: “What’s your favourite travel destination?” “Tell me about your last vacation.”
- Food: “What’s your favourite cuisine?” “Describe your ideal meal.”
- Technology: “What’s your favourite gadget?” “How do you use technology in your daily life?”
- Hobbies: “What are your hobbies?” “What do you like to do in your free time?
Describe What You See:
Describing image is also a question type of DET exam, so start practicing it at your own pace. You can use your phone to click a random picture and give yourself 30 seconds to describe it. It will help you speak confidently during the exam.
Record Yourself Speaking:
To see where you are going wrong, start recording yourself. Hearing yourself is an eye-opener. You’ll quickly notice areas for improvement—whether it’s Fluency, pronunciation, or fillers like “um” and “ah.” Record yourself answering prompts or describing pictures. Then, listen back and take notes on where you can improve.
Slow Down and Speak Carefully:
If you are nervous, you will try to end the question by speaking fast, and in that hurry, you might make mistakes. So try to speak slowly so that you can also focus on pronunciation. You can use the trick of pretending like you are talking to an old person who can’t hear well.
Do Speaking Practice On Mock Test:
One of the best ways to score high is to practice on the Duolingo Mock Test. These will help you in knowing what types of questions will come in the exam and how your response will be evaluated. You can practice on Gurully’s online platform.
Easy Duolingo Practice Hacks!
- 30-Second Opinions Game: Pick random topics (fashion, food, and social media) and give a quick 30-second opinion on them. It’ll make you faster at responding to prompts.
- Buddy Up: Find a speaking partner (maybe on language exchange platforms) and practice asking and answering questions. It’s a fun way to keep things interactive.
- Mirror Talk: Yep, talk to yourself in the mirror. It helps reduce nervousness and builds confidence in speaking aloud.
Speaking Fluency = A High Score!
Duolingo scores your speaking based on Fluency, pronunciation, and grammar. Here’s how these hacks can push your score to 150+:
- Fluency Boost: Regular practice will make you sound smooth and natural.
- Pronunciation Perfection: Shadowing helps you mimic native speakers’ tones, improving your pronunciation.
- Speedy Responses: Flashcards and quick opinions will make sure you don’t run out of time or hesitate.
If you are taking the DET exam, then you must practice on Gurully. You will get a full-length mock test with real-time exam simulation so that you will know how the real exam will look. By practicing on Gurully’s mock test, you will be able to score high and achieve your dream goals. The mock test content is curated by a team of experts, and it will help you practice better.
Your Fluency will improve as you practice, and scoring 150+ is within your reach if you follow these steps consistently. Remember, don’t stress about perfection. It’s all about speaking clearly, confidently, and naturally. You got this!
