Do you want to score high on the Duolingo English Test (DET) but have only one month of time to prepare? Don’t worry! With a systematic study plan, you can score well on the test in just four weeks. This guide will provide a realistic, week-by-week study plan that will get you ready to face the Duolingo English Test with confidence.
Week 1: Setting Up Foundations
Week one is all about getting used to the format of the Duolingo English Test and knowing what works for you. It is important to begin with the fundamentals before immersing yourself in rigorous practice. Here’s what you do:
Day 1-2: Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format
Start by doing extensive research on the format of the Duolingo English Test. The test has multiple sections: a timed adaptive test, a sample of speaking and writing, and a reading and listening section. Be familiar with the time allocations, question formats, and marking scheme. Check Duolingo’s main website for current information and example questions.
Day 3-4: Measure Your Current Level
Take a practice test to see where you stand with your current level of English proficiency. This will reveal to you where you need to improve. Once you’ve taken the test, note down your weaknesses and strengths. This will provide you with a definite picture of where you should focus your efforts in the next couple of weeks.
Day 5-7: Improve Vocabulary
A good vocabulary is a must for all sections of the Duolingo test. Begin by spending some time every day studying new words and expressions. Try daily vocabulary practice through Duolingo’s app or flashcards for optimal memorization. The more vocabulary you have, the more assured you’ll be when appearing for the test.
Week 2: Building Core Skills
By the second week, you would have become familiar with the format of the tests and also know your areas of improvement. Now, it’s time to move on to building core skills in greater depth.
Day 8-9: Listening Skills
The listening part of the Duolingo English Test might be challenging, particularly with audio recordings that could have different accents and speaking speeds. Listen to English podcasts, watch news programs, and listen to audiobooks. Practice the listening questions on the Duolingo mock test. Concentrate on context, tone, and detail in the audio.
Day 10-11: Practice Speaking
The speaking section involves answering questions on the screen. To perform well in this section, practice English speaking daily. Record yourself reading news articles or giving a summary of short videos. Pay attention to pronunciation, clarity, and fluency. Don’t panic if you commit errors—make corrections along the way.
Day 12-13: Enhance Reading Comprehension
Next, spend time improving your reading comprehension. Read short articles, stories, or news pieces in English. After reading, summarize the main points to test your understanding. The key is to practice skimming and scanning for information. When answering reading questions on the test, be quick but accurate.
Day 14: Writing Practice
For the writing part, try to structure your thoughts neatly and briefly. Compose essays or short answers based on questions you may come across on the Duolingo test. Practice answering questions against a time limit to get test-like conditions. Ensure that your answers are grammatically accurate and formatted nicely.
Week 3: Practice and Improve
Week three is purely stamina building and reinforcing your weaker areas that require more practice. You must now take full-length practice tests and begin practicing the actual exam environment.
Day 15-16: Take Full-Length Practice Tests
It is now time to begin practicing with the full-length test mocks. Attempting the full tests will give you an idea of how to deal with time management when you take the actual test. Look at how much time is allocated to each section, and attempt each section without panicking. Review your performance later, noting where you did worst.
Day 17-18: Target Specific Weaknesses
According to your practice test scores, use the next two days to practice in your weaknesses. For instance, if you underperformed in listening or writing fluency, spend additional time on those areas. You can use online materials such as YouTube tutorials or Duolingo’s language exercises to improve your skills.
Day 19-21: Practice Under Mock Exam Conditions
The more practice you do under simulated test conditions, the more ready you’ll be. See if you can do at least two practice tests this week, putting your phone away and getting rid of distractions. Test yourself in a quiet place and set a strict timer. This will acclimatize you to the pressure and give you confidence.
Week 4: Review and Final Preparation
The final week is about fine-tuning your skills, reviewing the material, and ensuring you’re ready for the test. At this point, your goal is to consolidate everything you’ve learned.
Day 22-23: Focus on Speed and Accuracy
Throughout this week, time yourself on each practice exercise. Focus on improving your speed without losing accuracy. This is especially relevant to the reading and writing sections, where timing is crucial in order to get good scores.
Day 24-25: Review Key Concepts
Sit back and spend some time revisiting any material that you struggled with or found challenging. Go through vocabulary, grammar rules, and weaker spots from past practice tests. If you had trouble with particular types of questions, such as fill-in-the-blanks or multiple choice, drill them until you feel comfortable with them.
Day 26-28: Last Full-Length Practice Test
Take one final DET practice test. At this point, you should be able to finish each section within the time limit, and you should feel comfortable with your answers. After taking the test, check your work and make any final minute changes.
Day 29-30: Relax and Prepare Mentally
In the last two days before the test, take a break from intense studying. Focus on relaxation and mental preparation. Get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy meals, and stay hydrated. Avoid cramming the day before the test—allow your brain to rest and absorb everything you’ve learned.
Final Tips for Success
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to improving your English skills. Stick to the study schedule and practice every day, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.
Use Duolingo’s Features: The Duolingo English Test has its own practice materials, including sample questions and mock tests. Make sure to use these to get a feel for the actual test.
Monitor Progress: Monitor your progress by recording your scores on practice tests. This way, you will be able to notice improvement and be more motivated.
Remain Positive: Having a positive attitude can make a significant difference on the day of the test. Have faith in your preparation, and do not worry about minor errors.
Also Read:
Duolingo English Test vs PTE Academic: An Emerging Alternative Comparison
Benefits of the Duolingo English Test: Why Choose DET Over Other Exams
