Describe a time you helped someone who needed it.

A score 160 model answer to a real Duolingo English Test writing question in the official format, with notes on why it scores. Write your own version below it and get an instant rater-style score.

The question

Describe a time you helped someone who needed it. What did you do, and what did you learn from it?

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Score 160 model answer

Last year a woman ahead of me at a pharmacy could not pay for her son's inhaler, and she was doing what people do when they are ashamed, apologising and searching for a card she already knew was empty. I paid. It cost less than my lunch that week, and I told her the machine was running some promotion so that she could accept it without a speech. What I learned surprised me. I had always pictured helping as a large planned act, something you save for and feel proud of afterwards. The useful part was actually speed, because the moment was going to close in about thirty seconds. Since then I try to decide fast, since most chances to help expire while you are still being thoughtful.

Why this answer earns score 160

A single small incident, told with detail, beats a large vague act of generosity.
The invented promotion shows judgement about dignity, which quietly says a lot about the writer.
Answers the second half of the prompt properly: the lesson is specific and slightly against expectation.

Do not memorise model answers; raters recognise recycled essays instantly. Study the moves, then make them with your own ideas, and check where you stand with a scored practice.

Questions about this answer

What score is this model answer?

It is written to score 160, and the notes under it quote the answer's own words to show why.

How long should my answer be?

This model answer is 128 words, and the task asks for at least 50.

What is the most common mistake with a model answer?

Memorising it. Raters recognise recycled answers instantly, so study the moves, then make them with your own ideas.