Duolingo English Test (DET) Writing Skills Syllabus

How do accuracy and complexity trade off in writing scores?

Higher scores require both: complex structures used accurately. Complex sentences with many errors, or error-free but only simple sentences, both limit the score.

What is meant by 'vocabulary range' in writing assessment?

Using a variety of words and expressions rather than repeating a small set of common words.

What is 'vocabulary precision' in writing?

Choosing words that convey the exact intended meaning correctly in context, not just rare or impressive-sounding words.

Give an example of improving precision: replace the vague word 'big' in 'a big problem'.

Use a precise word such as 'serious', 'major', or 'significant' problem to convey exact meaning.

What mechanics elements are assessed in DET writing?

Spelling, punctuation (commas, periods, apostrophes, capitalization), and overall written conventions.

Why does spelling matter in timed DET writing even when typing fast?

Spelling errors count against accuracy/mechanics; leaving review time helps catch typos that lower the score.

What is 'cohesion' in writing?

The way sentences and ideas are linked together using connecting devices so the text reads as a connected whole.

Name three categories of cohesive devices used to link ideas.

Linking words/transitions (however, therefore), referencing words (this, it, they), and conjunctions (because, although, and).

What is 'logical flow' in a written response?

Ideas presented in a sensible order where each point follows naturally from the previous one toward a clear conclusion.

What is the difference between cohesion and coherence?

Cohesion is the surface linking of sentences via connective words; coherence is the overall logical sense and unity of the whole text.

What is a strong structure for a 5-minute opinion-style DET writing prompt?

A topic sentence stating your position, 2-3 supporting sentences with reasons/examples, and a brief concluding sentence.

What tense is typically most appropriate for describing what is happening in a photo?

The present continuous (e.g., 'A man is walking') or simple present, to describe the ongoing scene.

To maximize detail in a one-minute image description, what kinds of information can you add?

Who/what, the action, the setting/location, time of day, colors, objects, and people's apparent emotions or relationships.

What should you do in the final seconds of a timed DET writing task if time allows?

Proofread to fix spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors and ensure the response answers the prompt.

How can overusing one connector (e.g., starting every sentence with 'And') affect cohesion scoring?

It signals limited cohesive range; varying connectors demonstrates stronger control and improves cohesion marks.

What is a 'run-on sentence' and why avoid it in DET writing?

Two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or conjunction; it is a grammar/mechanics error that reduces accuracy.

What is a sentence fragment and why is it penalized?

An incomplete sentence lacking a subject or verb; it is a grammatical error that lowers accuracy scores.

In the DET, which writing response is extended and shared with institutions rather than just scored numerically?

The Writing Sample (the longer 'Write About the Topic' style response), which is shared as a writing sample with institutions.

Why is reading the full prompt before writing more efficient than starting immediately?

It prevents writing an off-topic answer that wastes limited time and must be discarded or causes a low relevance score.

What does 'task fulfillment' mean for a DET writing prompt?

Fully and directly answering everything the prompt asks, addressing all parts of the question.

How does using specific examples affect a writing response's quality?

Specific examples make development more convincing and on-topic, raising both relevance and the impression of language control.

What punctuation error commonly arises with possessives and contractions?

Misusing apostrophes, e.g., confusing 'its' (possessive) with 'it's' (it is), which counts as a mechanics error.

Why should sentence variety include both short and long sentences?

Mixing simple and complex sentences shows grammatical range while keeping the text clear and readable, improving complexity and flow scores.

What is the recommended mindset for word count: fluency vs. perfection?

Aim to write enough relevant, accurate content efficiently; produce a developed response rather than over-editing one or two perfect sentences.

How do you keep a response 'on-topic' when developing multiple supporting points?

Tie each supporting point explicitly back to the main idea or prompt so it clearly supports your central answer.

What is a 'topic sentence' and where does it belong?

A sentence stating the main idea of a paragraph, usually placed at the beginning to orient the reader.

Why is subject-verb agreement a key accuracy point in DET writing?

Errors like 'he go' instead of 'he goes' are basic grammar mistakes that scorers count against accuracy.

What is the benefit of leaving a few seconds to review the chosen prompt mid-writing?

It ensures you haven't drifted off-topic and that you are still answering the exact question chosen.

How does precise vocabulary differ from simply using long or rare words?

Precision means the word fits the meaning and context correctly; an obscure word used incorrectly hurts the score more than a simple correct one.

What three scoring dimensions should you balance in every DET writing response?

Relevance/task fulfillment (answering the prompt), language accuracy and complexity (grammar and vocabulary), and organization (coherence, cohesion, flow).