Duolingo English Test: Sample Writing

 

Unit 12 Writing Sample 

The last two units, called the Writing Sample and the Speaking Sample, are not included in the official Duolingo English Test score in the 2026 version. However, they are sent to the universities you apply to, so it is still important to prepare for them carefully.

Although the basic presentation of these tasks remains the same, they are different from the previous question types because they require much longer responses. They require more organization, structure, and development of ideas. Let’s first look at the Writing Sample section.

For the Writing Sample, you will have five minutes to write your response. The questions can ask you to describe something, such as “What is the most important technological development in modern history?” They can also ask you to narrate a personal experience, such as “Talk about a book you read recently.” However, the most common type of Writing Sample question is argumentative, where you are asked to give your opinion.

These questions require you to take a clear position and explain your reasoning. Regardless of the specific topic, a strong response should include:

• a clear introduction that directly answers the question,

• well-developed supporting ideas with reasons,

• specific examples or explanations,

• and a conclusion.

Think of this task as a short academic essay. The more clearly and completely you develop your ideas, the better you can demonstrate your English ability. With that in mind, let’s examine some sample responses, including official DET samples that received C1 and C2 ratings, as well as our own C2-level responses.

Duolingo C1 level response

Question

Agree or disagree with the following statement: People’s experience can be different based on where they grow up. Explain your position.

I definitely agree that the places and environments we grow up in define our experiences and make them different from people living in other conditions. I know that from my own experience: I grew up in Taskent, Uzbekistan, and while I had a pretty happy childhood, the economic situation of my family and country, in general, was much worse than most of my friends from Spain grew up with. We had access to a different level of education, for example, I was able to go abroad until I was 18, while for the majority of my Spanish friends, it was normal to go to different countries during summer. I would not say that my life was better or worse than someone else, but I indeed feel that all personal experiences are different and shaped by many factors including the country  or city people grew up in and what economic and professional status their parents had.

Duolingo rater feedback

The test taker fully answers the question by clearly stating their agreement and providing personal experiences to support their position. The answer maintains a consistent focus on the impact of upbringing on personal experiences, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task. The test taker’s response is coherent and cohesive, with a logical progression of ideas. They begin by stating their agreement, then provide a personal example to illustrate their point, and finally, they summarize their stance. Transition phrases such as “for example” and “while” are used effectively to connect ideas and create a smooth flow of information. The lexis used is appropriate for the topic, with words like “environments”, “economic situation”, and “personal experiences” accurately conveying the test taker’s ideas. Collocations such as “grow up in” and “shaped by” are accurate and appropriate. The answer includes a variety of grammar structures, including complex and compound sentences, which demonstrate the test taker’s grammatical proficiency. There are a few minor errors, such as, “I was able to go abroad until I was 18” and “I would not say that my life was better or worse than someone else”. However these do not make the answer difficult to understand.

Dr. Byrnes’ comments on why the response earned C1, not C2

Since the Duolingo examiners did not clearly explain why the response did not earn a C2 score, let’s clarify the main issue. The essay has well-developed ideas and is supported with excellent examples; however, it likely fell short of the C2 level mainly due to several grammatical mistakes that can occasionally create confusion.

For example, the sentence “I was able to go abroad until I was 18” conveys the opposite meaning of what the writer intended. It should have been “I was not able to go abroad until I was 18.” Another example is the phrase “worse than most of my friends from Spain grew up with,” which is grammatically inaccurate and should be revised as “worse than what most of my friends who grew up in Spain experienced.”

This lack of linguistic accuracy is likely the main reason the response did not achieve a C2 score. Although the ideas are strong and well organized, C2-level responses require not only advanced ideas but also consistent grammatical precision and natural expression.

This is a revised version with improved grammar and accuracy that would be closer to a C2-level response.

Duolingo C2 Sample Response

Question

Do you agree or disagree with the statement that studying a foreign language should be mandatory for all students in school? Support your position with reasons and specific examples.

I believe that studying a foreign language should be compulsory in school. Firstly, learning a foreign language improves cognitive skills and brain development. It's like exercising the brain, making it more flexible and capable. Studies have shown that people who can speak more than one language often have better problem-solving abilities and improved memory. Secondly, knowing a second language opens up opportunities for cross-cultural communication and understanding. For example, if you travel to a different state or country, being able to speak the local language can make the experience so much more enriching and enjoyable. It allows you to connect with people on a deeper level and appreciate different customs and traditions. Learning a foreign language can also be beneficial for future career prospects, especially if one wants to work with an international company or agency. Such employers want people who can speak multiple languages and an awareness of different cultures. Speaking a foreign language is an extra skill that can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Some people might feel that this is an unnecessary burden for students. But, the benefits make the challenge of learning an additional language worthwhile. In my opinion, having to learn a foreign language will help students’ personal and intellectual growth, and will bring them more opportunities in the future.

Duolongo Rater Feedback:

The response fully achieves the task requirements. The test taker attempts to discuss more complex ideas like the improvement of cognitive skills, opportunities for cross-cultural communication and career-related benefits of learning a foreign language. The answer is fully developed. The main points

are stated in a logical order, and though the test taker makes uses simple cohesive devices [Firstly | Secondly | For example | In my opinion], it is easy to follow the information being presented. The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the task [cross-cultural | enriching | deeper level | competitive edge], and a range of grammatical structures is used. The test taker speaks fluently and naturally. DET Score: 155-160 (C2)

C2 Sample Responses

This is our own C2 level sample responses on an argumentative question one for agree and one for disagree 

Question

Many parents will take away a child’s phone as punishment for bad behavior. Do you support or oppose this idea? Explain why.

Agree

I support the practice of taking away a child's phone as punishment, provided it is used reasonably. Removing something valuable as a form of discipline is a common parenting strategy. Years ago, parents often took away toys or other favorite possessions. This approach works only if the child genuinely values the item being removed. If they do not care about it, the punishment loses its effectiveness. Since smartphones are among the possessions children value most today, temporarily removing this privilege can be an effective way to teach responsibility and encourage better decision-making.

The real issue, however, is determining when this method of punishment should be used. If a child neglects household chores or performs poorly in school because they spend excessive time on social media or gaming, restricting phone access can help them recognize the consequences of their actions. On the other hand, confiscating a phone for every minor mistake, such as using inappropriate language or displaying poor table manners, is unreasonable. Such measures may create resentment rather than promote personal growth. Therefore, while taking away a phone can be an appropriate form of discipline, parents must apply it carefully, fairly, and in proportion to the child's behavior.

Disagree

I oppose the practice of taking away a child's phone as punishment because it often addresses the symptom rather than the underlying problem. Although confiscating a phone may stop undesirable behavior temporarily, it rarely teaches children why their actions were wrong or how they should behave differently. When I was young, my parents sometimes took away my favorite toys as punishment. Instead of reflecting on my behavior, I simply felt angry and waited for the punishment to end. Sometimes I even forgot about the toy and found something else to do. The same is true of smartphones today. Children can borrow a friend's phone, use a computer, or find another distraction. As a result, this form of punishment often creates frustration without fostering genuine responsibility or self-discipline.

A more effective approach is to explain what is expected of children and establish clear rules and limits. This helps them understand the connection between their choices and the consequences of their actions. Therefore, parents should focus on guidance and consistent discipline rather than relying on phone confiscation as their primary method of punishment.

 

Unit 13. Speaking Sample 

Finally, we have arrived at the last portion of the Duolingo English Test: the Speaking Sample.  You will have 30 seconds to prepare and 3 minutes to speak. The question remains visible while you are speaking, so you can continue referring to the prompt if necessary.

Your goal is to:

• introduce your main idea,

• explain your reasons,

• provide examples,

• discuss different perspectives when appropriate,

• and conclude your response clearly.

The two most important factors affecting your score are grammar and topic development. The more relevant and detailed information you provide, the higher your score is likely to be.

Let’s first examine an official DET sample response that received a C1-level score, followed by the feedback provided by DET raters.

Duolingo Sample  C1 level

Q: "Many people enjoy visiting museums. Why do you think people visit museums, and what can we learn from them?

Many people enjoy visiting museums. Tourists, children, students, and community residents visit museums for different reasons. They visit them to have more access to artists' voices, learn more of the culture they are visiting and also learn about other cultures through the different collections that we can find all over the world. Museums let us travel not only through countries but also through time. Visiting other cultures let us open our perspective and undestranding of this world and their habitants, including human beings of all times.

Response Analysis:

The response achieves the task requirements. The test taker answers the question, giving several reasons. The response is topically relevant, and well developed, but the reasons given could be further extended. The use of linkers [including] and pronouns [they | them] creates cohesion. A broad range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. There is some good use of metaphor [Museums let us travel… through time] and only one spelling mistake in total [undestranding]. The test taker uses a range of grammatical structures. There is some evidence of more complex grammatical structures, such as “not only… but also…”. Errors are rare. DET Score: 130-150 (C1)

C2 Sample Responses 

Question:

Do you think schools should require students to wear uniforms? Explain your opinion.

Agree 

I strongly support requiring students to wear uniforms because of the many benefits they provide. First of all, uniforms can create a more equal learning environment. If students are allowed to wear whatever they want, classrooms can quickly become a reflection of economic differences. Some students may wear expensive designer clothes and constantly change their outfits, while others may have to wear the same inexpensive clothes every day. This gap can create unnecessary pressure and may even make students from less wealthy backgrounds feel excluded. When everyone wears the same uniform, students appear equal regardless of their family's financial situation. They are less likely to compare themselves based on clothing or popular brands, which reduces distractions and can even help prevent bullying.

Another important benefit is that uniforms can create a stronger sense of community. When students dress similarly, they are reminded that they belong to the same school and share common goals. This can strengthen school spirit and help students feel more connected to one another.

There are also practical advantages. Uniforms make students' morning routines easier because they do not have to spend time deciding what to wear each day. They can use that time to prepare for school instead. In addition, uniforms can be more affordable for families because parents do not need to constantly purchase new fashionable clothing. For these reasons, I strongly support requiring students to wear uniforms.

Disagree

I do not believe schools should require students to wear uniforms because there are several disadvantages. First of all, uniforms can limit students' ability to express their individuality. Clothing is one of the simplest ways people show their personality, interests, and creativity. When every student is required to wear the same outfit, they lose an opportunity to develop their own sense of identity and make personal choices. Especially for teenagers, learning how to express themselves appropriately is an important part of growing up.

Another problem is that uniforms do not necessarily eliminate inequality or bullying. Even if students wear the same clothes at school, differences in wealth can still appear through other things, such as smartphones, accessories, cars, or after-school activities. Therefore, uniforms may only hide economic differences rather than solve the deeper issue. Instead of focusing on making everyone look the same, schools should teach students to respect one another regardless of their background or appearance.

There are also practical disadvantages. Parents still need to purchase uniforms, and these costs can become a burden, especially if children grow quickly or if schools require specific brands. In addition, uniforms may not always be comfortable for different weather conditions or personal preferences. Given these concerns, I believe schools should not require uniforms.