What do you need to do?
Read a topic, prepare for 30 seconds, and speak for up to three minutes. On the real DET, a video of your answer is shared with the institutions receiving your results.
Keep in mindUse preparation to choose a few ideas you can explain in detail.
What should your answer do?
Help the listener follow your ideas from beginning to end. Explain each point before starting another. If the question asks about an experience, tell what happened and why it mattered.
PrepEx records audio for this task. The real DET records a video that is shared with the institutions receiving your results.
How to answer
- Read the whole question.
Decide what you want to say and choose two or three points that answer it.
- Plan the order in your head during preparation.
Choose one experience or example you can explain.
- Start with a direct answer.
Develop the first point with a reason and an example.
- Move to your next point with a simple link such as another reason or after that.
Explain the connection.
- Keep adding useful detail while you have time.
Finish with a sentence that brings your answer to a natural end.
Give an idea room to grow
An original PrepEx teaching example.
Describe a skill you learned from someone else. How did you learn it, and why has it been useful?
Show answer and explanation
Example answer
My uncle taught me how to repair a bicycle. At first, I only watched him change a tyre. Then he asked me to try while he explained each step. Now I can fix simple problems myself, which saves me time on my journey to work.
Why this works
The answer names the skill, explains the learning process, and gives a practical benefit. To develop it further, describe a difficulty you had and how you solved it.
This is a short part of a possible answer. A longer response needs more explanation, not a memorised script.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Jumping between many topics. Stay with a few ideas and explain each one.
- Repeating a point to fill time. Add an example, a reason, or a useful detail instead.
- Ending after a very short answer. Ask yourself what happened, why it mattered, or what you learned.
How to improve your next answer
- Listen to your recording and name its main points. Check that each one helps answer the question.
- Find a place where your meaning is hard to follow. Practise a clearer link or example, then try another topic.
Use your result to choose what to practise next
Look at the answers and feedback as well as the number. Choose one thing to work on, then try a new question.
A PrepEx score is a practice estimate, not an official DET score. Only Duolingo can give you an official test result.
Check the rules before test day
Read the official Speaking Sample guide and the current DET Test Structure. If the test changes, follow Duolingo's latest instructions.
Task instructions and timing checked September 21, 2026. The examples and study tips on this page were written by PrepEx.