Writing Sample and Prompts Flashcards
6 cards from real Duolingo English Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Writing Sample and Prompts flashcards as text
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?
Answer: Continue writing to reach at least 100-130 words, then proofread with any time left.
For those targeting a high score (120+), writing at least 130 words is recommended to adequately develop ideas. Since 90 words is below the suggested minimum for even a lower target score, the priority should be to increase the length before proofreading.
Which of the following prompt types is LEAST likely to appear in the Duolingo English Test Writing Sample section?
Answer: Analyze a complex dataset and summarize the findings.
The common prompt types for the Writing Sample are 'Describe,' 'Recount,' and 'Argue.' These prompts focus on personal experience, opinions, and descriptions. Analyzing a complex dataset is a specialized skill not typically assessed in this general English proficiency task.
In the Duolingo English Test, the Writing Sample is a 5-minute task. How does it contribute to the test-taker's overall results?
Answer: It is sent to institutions along with the score and contributes to the Writing, Literacy, and Production subscores.
The Writing Sample is both scored and sent to the institutions receiving your results. It contributes to the Writing, Literacy, and Production subscores, allowing institutions to see a direct sample of your writing skills.
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?
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.
This sentence directly addresses the prompt by introducing a specific event ('preparing for my university entrance exams'), uses strong vocabulary ('challenging,' 'rewarding,' 'immense dedication'), and sets a clear direction for the rest of the response. It serves as an effective topic sentence.
During the 30-second preparation time before the Writing Sample task begins, what is the most strategic activity?
Answer: Read the prompt carefully and create a brief mental outline of the main points.
The 30 seconds before the timer starts is designated preparation time. Test-takers are not allowed to write during this period. The best use of this time is to fully understand the prompt and plan the structure of the response, such as identifying a topic sentence and supporting ideas.
Which of the following is a common mistake that can negatively impact a test-taker's score on the Writing Sample?
Answer: Using repetitive vocabulary and simple sentence structures.
To score well, test-takers should demonstrate a range of vocabulary and use varied sentence structures. Overusing basic words or writing only simple sentences will limit the score. A well-structured essay with personal examples and a sufficient word count is encouraged.