Duolingo English Dictation and Transcription Questions and Answers

Question 1

In the 'Listen, then Type' (Dictation) section of the Duolingo English Test, which of the following errors is penalized most heavily?

Accepted Answer

Omitting a word entirely.

Answer

A misspelled word.

Answer

Incorrect punctuation.

Answer

Typing a synonym instead of the exact word.

Question 2

A test taker is completing a 'Listen, then Type' question. After the first listen, they have typed most of the sentence but are unsure about one word and the final punctuation. What is the recommended strategy?

Accepted Answer

Use the remaining two replays to confirm the uncertain word and check for punctuation like commas and periods.

Answer

Immediately submit the answer to save time for other questions.

Answer

Guess the word and add a period, then move on.

Answer

Focus only on the spelling of the words they are sure about and ignore the punctuation.

Question 3

Which of the following is a critical component for a high score in a 'Listen, then Type' dictation task?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring correct capitalization at the beginning of the sentence and proper ending punctuation.

Answer

Typing as fast as possible to finish early.

Answer

Paraphrasing the sentence using more advanced vocabulary.

Answer

Using contractions like 'don't' even if the speaker says 'do not'.

Question 4

During a 'Listen, then Type' item, you hear the phrase '...its effects on the economy...' but are unsure if the word is 'its' or 'it's'. What should your approach be?

Accepted Answer

Type your best guess based on the grammatical context and confirm during a replay.

Answer

Leave the word out to avoid getting it wrong.

Answer

Choose 'it's' because it is more common.

Answer

Write both words and decide at the very end.

Question 5

A test taker is preparing for the dictation questions on the Duolingo English Test. Which practice method would be LEAST effective?

Accepted Answer

Memorizing lists of advanced and uncommon English vocabulary.

Answer

Transcribing short audio clips from news sites or podcasts.

Answer

Focusing on improving typing speed and accuracy.

Answer

Practicing with dictation exercises that include common contractions and varied punctuation.

Question 6

In a scenario where the spoken sentence in a dictation task is, 'Should we confirm the reservation?' what is a common mistake a test taker might make?

Accepted Answer

Ending the sentence with a period instead of a question mark.

Answer

Using a question mark at the end.

Answer

Spelling 'reservation' correctly.

Answer

Typing 'Should we conform the reservation?'