Duolingo English Writing Sample and Prompts Questions and Answers

Question 1

A test-taker has 5 minutes for the Writing Sample on the Duolingo English Test.
With 60 seconds remaining, they have written 90 words but are aiming for a high score.
What is the recommended course of action?

Accepted Answer

Continue writing to reach at least 100-130 words, then proofread with any time left.

Answer

Stop writing immediately and spend the full 60 seconds proofreading the 90-word response.

Answer

Focus on adding advanced vocabulary to the existing text without increasing the word count.

Answer

Delete the current response and quickly write a new one that is more structured.

Question 2

Which of the following prompt types is LEAST likely to appear in the Duolingo English Test Writing Sample section?

Accepted Answer

Analyze a complex dataset and summarize the findings.

Answer

Describe a personal experience, such as a favorite holiday.

Answer

Argue for or against a position, like whether technology makes people more isolated.

Answer

Recount a story from your past.

Question 3

In the Duolingo English Test, the Writing Sample is a 5-minute task. How does it contribute to the test-taker's overall results?

Accepted Answer

It is sent to institutions along with the score and contributes to the Writing, Literacy, and Production subscores.

Answer

It is only for practice and does not affect the final score or get sent to institutions.

Answer

It is graded for the overall score but is not shared with the institutions the test-taker applies to.

Answer

It is unscored but is the only item sent to institutions for their independent review.

Question 4

A test-taker receives a prompt asking: 'Describe a time when you had to work hard to achieve a goal.' Which of the following would be the MOST effective opening sentence?

Accepted Answer

One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life was preparing for my university entrance exams, a goal that demanded immense dedication.

Answer

Working hard is very important for achieving goals in life.

Answer

I will tell you about a time I had to work hard.

Answer

There are many goals that people work hard to achieve, for example, in sports or in their careers.

Question 5

During the 30-second preparation time before the Writing Sample task begins, what is the most strategic activity?

Accepted Answer

Read the prompt carefully and create a brief mental outline of the main points.

Answer

Start typing the response immediately to maximize the 5-minute writing time.

Answer

Look away from the screen to rest your eyes before the timed section starts.

Answer

Practice typing common English words to warm up.

Question 6

Which of the following is a common mistake that can negatively impact a test-taker's score on the Writing Sample?

Accepted Answer

Using repetitive vocabulary and simple sentence structures.

Answer

Writing more than the suggested 130 words.

Answer

Including a personal example to support an argument.

Answer

Organizing the response with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

A test-taker has 5 minutes for the Writing Sample on the Duolingo English Test.With 60 seconds remaining, they have written 90 words but are aiming for a high score.What is the recommended course of action?

A test-taker has 5 minutes for the Writing Sample on the Duolingo English Test.
With 60 seconds remaining, they have written 90 words but are aiming for a high score.
What is the recommended course of action?