Duolingo Exam latest updates: 2025 updated guide

Rina Rathod

21 Aug 2024

Hello Dear Students!

In 2025, significant revisions were made to the Duolingo English Test in order to improve the quality of the exam and the evaluation of English proficiency. 

Whether you are a first-time candidate or an experienced test-taker, it is essential to be aware of these changes. 

This is the detailed overview of the updates incorporated in the Duolingo English Test in 2025.

1. New Question Types

Among the notable future developments in the 2025 Duolingo English Test is improvement in the quality of some new question types that will help assess language skills more appropriately.

• Read and Select: This question tests you on distinguishing real English words from non-English words according to the specified list. Earlier on, this task was less cumbersome as it required picking words from one list only, but now, one will have to pick words from two sources, increasing the contextual difficulty level. 

  

What is the "Read and Select" Question?

• Direction: “Is this a real English word?”
• Time Limit: 5 Seconds.
• Frequency: 15 to 18 times.
• Sub scores: Literacy and Comprehension.
• Skill Tested: Reading.
• Important Points:

-        So you will need to look at every word and make a judgment on whether it is a word in English.

-        Answer YES or NO depending on if the word is English or not.

-        YES and NO must be selected before the next question will appear.

-        Note that it is needed to choose YES or NO. No other options are allowed. All the unanswered questions shall be counted as wrong.

-        Pay attention to the fact that some words may appear to be ‘real’, but may just contain some minor variations with the actual English words.

Example:

1. Is this a real English word?

nevleor

• Yes
• No

Correct answer: No

• Fill in the Blanks: In contrast to the preceding ‘Read and Complete’ question, where numerous gaps in a paragraph were to be filled, this new type only requires one for a particular sentence. This proves your comprehension breakdown of certain syntax combined with certain elements of diction.

What is the "Fill in the Blanks" Question?

• Directions: “Fill in the blank with the appropriate word.”
• Time limit: 20 seconds.
• Frequency:  6-9 times.
• Sub scores: Literacy and Comprehension.
• Skill Tested: Reading.
• Important Points:

-      In this task, you will read a sentence with a missing part and attempt to fill it in.

-         You will be able to use the backspace or delete key to erase a letter.

-         Read the whole sentence and then look at the word that is incomplete.

-         Look at the rest of the text to help you complete the missing part of the word. 

Example:

I was just able to c _ _ _ _ a glimpse of the president as his motorcade passed by.

Correct answer: “catch”

2. Enhanced Writing Task

In order to present a more profound assessment of the skills related to the productive language, the tasks of speaking and writing have been altered to incorporate more speaking and writing assessments.

• Interactive Writing: This section has also been expanded and now contains more such prompts which ask for extended answers. You are advised to make use of as much vocabulary and complicated sentences as possible as a way of showing your writing skills.

  

What is an Interactive Writing task?

·    Instructions: “Now thy shall speak on a topic below for 5 minutes,” followed by, “Make a rebuttal for 3 minutes,”

·        Duration: Step 1: this is done for a period of 5 minutes, Step 2: for this second Inner Circle contribution, it’s 3 minutes

·        Frequency: 1 time.

·        Sub Scores: Literacy and Production

·        Skill Tested: Writing.

·        Minimum Word Count: Step 1: 120 words, Step 2: 90 words

 Example:

Initial Writing Task:

“In recent years, tattoos have received a wide acceptance, with many individuals considering them as an art form and a way of expressing themselves. What are some advantages and disadvantages of getting tattoos? Give relevant reasons in your response.”

Sample Response:

In my opinion, one of the major benefits of getting a tattoo is the ability to express one's individuality and personal beliefs. Tattoos can serve as a visual representation of a person's identity, values, or significant life experiences. For instance, many people choose to get tattoos to commemorate loved ones, celebrate milestones, or express their artistic creativity. This form of self-expression can be empowering and provide a sense of belonging within certain communities.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider when getting a tattoo. One significant concern is the permanence of tattoos. While they are intended to be lifelong, personal tastes and circumstances can change over time. A design that seemed meaningful at one point may no longer hold the same significance years later. Additionally, the process of tattoo removal can be painful, costly, and may not always be completely effective.

Another drawback is the potential for health risks. If proper hygiene and safety standards are not followed, there is a risk of infections and complications. It's essential to choose a reputable tattoo artist and ensure that all equipment is sterilized.

Follow-Up Response:

“How can the presence of visible tattoos limit or lessen professional opportunities for an individual? Take a stance on whether this is a positive aspect or a negative aspect of the choice to get a tattoo.”

Sample Response:

Having visible tattoos can have a double edged effect on a person's professional opportunities. On the brighter side, these tattoos might be considered as a show of the person’s self-assertiveness and even originality which most likely will be in industries such as fashion or design or even art. In these industries, tattoos can break the ice in the case of such people helping their careers because they are different which can create jobs for them. However the opposite may be true back in more respectable or conservative occupations, which is a paradox. Where some companies would have dress codes prohibiting them from having pure nakedness which would invite tattoos showing on their skins. This bias can be detrimental for people seeking to work in those sectors which entails or includes finance, law or even corporate level jobs. Although tattoos are growing more accepted in society, there are still instances where backlashes are found especially when it comes to promotions or careers in general. Hence, it is apparent that visible tattoos are in many ways beneficial for individual development and management pertaining to such incisions, but more conservative careers and occupations may suffer. Therefore these pros and cons need to be assessed when choosing whether to have any tattoos especially those that will always be visible.

3. Frequency of Question Types:

4. Refined Scoring and Feedback

The scoring algorithm has been changed to give better evaluations on what language command you have.

• Those Individual Sub scores assess certain language abilities, while the Integrated Sub scores represent an actual picture of language application in real life. Each Integrated Sub score is determined as a mean of two Individual Sub scores. 

Conclusion:

In view of the Duolingo English Test that you are preparing yourself for, it is important that you take these new changes into consideration and be updated. The new question types may look difficult in the beginning but with steady practice, they will easily be handled. 

Do not lose focus and continue working on your skills to make them better. 

Do not forget that being in touch with D Vivid Consultant will ensure that you have timely information to aid your triumph.

Do not stop making efforts, and we wish you the best!