Duolingo English Test Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the Duolingo English Test exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 Duolingo English Test Exam Format at a Glance

45
Questions
45 min
Time Limit
60.00%
Passing Score

📚 Duolingo English Test Topics to Study (71)

✍️ Sample Duolingo English Test Questions & Answers

1. In a vocabulary-in-context question, the sentence reads: 'The diplomat showed remarkable poise during the tense negotiations.' What does 'poise' most likely mean here?
Composure and self-assurance under pressure

In the context of diplomatic negotiations, 'poise' refers to composure, calmness, and self-assurance under pressure. While 'poise' can mean physical balance in other contexts, the diplomatic setting makes composure the most appropriate meaning.

2. The team's project proposal was so well-researched and presented that it was immediately accepted; the board found it to be completely ______.
cogent

The word 'cogent' means 'clear, logical, and convincing,' which fits the context of a well-researched and immediately accepted proposal. The other options are antonyms: 'fallacious' and 'specious' mean misleading or based on a mistaken belief, and 'tenuous' means weak or slight.

3. Which sentence correctly uses the present subjunctive in Spanish?
Espero que él venga mañana.

After expressions of hope or wish such as 'espero que,' Spanish requires the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause. 'Venga' is the present subjunctive form of 'venir,' making option B the only grammatically correct choice.

4. What category of objects does the Japanese counter suffix 本 (hon/pon/bon) count?
Long, thin objects such as pens, bottles, and roads

本 (hon/pon/bon) is the counter for long, thin objects, including pencils (鉛筆一本), bottles (ビール二本), and roads. Its pronunciation changes based on the number preceding it (e.g., 一本 ippon, 二本 nihon, 三本 sanbon).

5. The ancient Olympic Games were he ___________ in Olympia, Greece.
held

The sentence describes where the ancient Olympic Games took place. The verb 'held' is the past participle of 'hold,' meaning to conduct or organize an event. Thus, 'The ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece' is the grammatically correct and semantically appropriate construction.

6. A vocabulary question asks about the word 'ubiquitous.' A test taker has never seen this word before. What partial knowledge might help?
Knowing that 'ubi-' relates to location in Latin

Knowledge of Latin roots can help decode unfamiliar words. 'Ubi-' relates to 'where/everywhere' in Latin, which connects to 'ubiquitous' meaning 'found everywhere.' This etymological knowledge is a powerful vocabulary strategy.

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Duolingo English Test Study Guide 2026 — Exam Format, Topics & Practice Questions