The speaking experience
What will you be
asked to say?
You will speak about a photo, answer a written question, take part in a simulated conversation, and give a longer response. The format changes, but the aim stays the same: make your meaning clear and give it enough detail.
These original PrepEx examples are untimed teaching excerpts, not official DET questions or full test responses. Explore them here, then open a task to practise with a timer.
01A clear description of the photo
Speak About the Photo
Look at a photo, prepare for 20 seconds, then describe it aloud. The photo stays on screen while you speak.
- On the test
- 1 prompt
- Time allowed
- 20-second preparation; up to 90 seconds
What to focus onPlan in your head during preparation, then use the speaking time to add detail.
Look at the photo. How would you describe this scene?
Explore a possible response for Speak About the Photo
One possible opening
A person is watering plants on a balcony. There is a wooden chair on the left, and several pots stand along the railing. Beyond the balcony, you can see the rooftops of nearby buildings.
Why this works
The opening names the main action and place. It then connects visible details using position words: on the left, along, and beyond. Continue with details you can see, without inventing a story about the person.
An opening, not a full 90-second response. There are many ways to describe this scene; use your own words.
02Answer all parts of the question
Read, Then Speak
Read a question, use 20 seconds to prepare, then speak about the topic for up to 90 seconds. The question stays visible.
- On the test
- 1 prompt
- Time allowed
- 20-second preparation; up to 90 seconds
What to focus onUse preparation to choose your ideas, rather than memorise full sentences.
Read the question and plan your response.
Describe a place where you like to study. Why do you like it?
This short excerpt shows the topic and a reason to develop. Full prompts also include supporting bullet points.
Explore a possible response for Read, Then Speak
One possible opening
I like studying at the library because it is quiet. Last week, I worked there on a difficult assignment. I could focus for an hour without being interrupted.
Why this works
The answer names a place, gives a reason, and uses an experience to explain that reason. You could continue by describing the space or another way it helps you study.
This is a short example opening, not a full 90-second response or a script to memorise.
03A clear answer to each question
Interactive Speaking
Listen to a series of 6–8 questions and record an answer to each. You hear each question once and have 35 seconds to answer.
- On the test
- 1 set of 6–8 questions
- Time allowed
- 35 seconds per answer
What to focus onThe 35 seconds start when the question ends. Waiting to press Record uses that time.
Replay this example as you learn. In the real test, you hear each question once.
Transcript
Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out? Why?
Explore a possible response for Interactive Speaking
One way to answer
I prefer cooking at home because I can choose what goes into my meals. For example, I add more vegetables and use less salt. I also enjoy cooking with my sister at weekends.
Why this works
The opening answers the choice. The next sentences explain it with specific details. If a follow-up asks what you cook together, continue from that detail.
This is a short teaching example. Your answer should use your own ideas and respond to the question you hear.
Inside the conversation
One question at a time.
A new answer each turn.
The complete task contains 6–8 questions. Listen closely and respond to the question you have just heard.
- 01
Listen once
Hear the question from the animated character. There is no replay.
- 02
Use your 35 seconds
The response clock starts when the audio ends. Start recording promptly; there is no separate preparation period.
- 03
Follow the next question
Give a direct answer and develop it. A later question may build on an idea you mentioned earlier.
04A developed answer that stays on topic
Speaking Sample
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.
- On the test
- 1 prompt
- Time allowed
- 30-second preparation; 3 minutes
What to focus onUse preparation to choose a few ideas you can explain in detail.
PrepEx records audio for this task. The real DET records a video that is shared with the institutions receiving your results.
Think about how you would develop this topic.
Describe a skill you learned from someone else. How did you learn it, and why has it been useful?
Explore a possible response for Speaking Sample
One possible opening
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.
Listen back with a purpose
What makes an answer clear?
Answer & develop
Did you answer the whole question? Support your main point with relevant details, a reason, or an example.
Connect & explain
Make the order easy to follow. Use words and sentence structures that express your meaning accurately.
Speak to be understood
Listen for clear pronunciation and a natural pace. Pause between ideas and continue calmly after a mistake.
Use these as listening prompts for your own practice. PrepEx feedback and any practice estimate are independent of official DET results.
- 01
Get to know one task
Read its guide and understand the prompt, preparation time, and response window.
- 02
Record, then listen
Try a timed response. Review your recording and feedback, and choose one thing to improve.
- 03
Try a fresh question
Put that change into practice with a new topic. Develop your own ideas rather than memorising a script.
Based on the current test format
Counts and timings checked September 22, 2026 against the official DET Test Structure and task instructions. Formats can change; check Duolingo’s guidance before test day.