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Duolingo English Test Read, Then Speak: practice prompt 2

One real-format Read, Then Speak prompt with a model spoken answer and notes on why it scores. You get 20 seconds to prepare, then speak about the prompt for at least 30 seconds and up to 90. Keep going until the time is nearly up.

The prompt

Some people say the best way to know a city is to walk it. Do you agree? Describe how you like to explore a new place.

20 seconds to prepare, up to 90 seconds to speak.

Hear a strong answer

One way this question can be answered well, spoken at the pace and length the task expects. Listen for where the pauses fall, then try it again in your own words and with your own examples.

I agree with that, mostly. You notice completely different things on foot: which streets are busy at which hour, where people stop to talk, what a neighbourhood smells like in the evening. None of that reaches you through a car window. When I arrive somewhere new, my habit is to pick a direction and walk for about an hour with no destination at all, then find somewhere to sit and watch for a while. I do it on the first morning, before I've read anything about where I'm supposed to go. The one place I'd disagree is cities that were built for cars, where walking just shows you car parks. In those places I'd take the local bus instead and do the same thing from a window seat.

Why this earns score 160

  1. Agrees, explains how they explore, and adds a limit, so the response develops instead of restating the prompt.
  2. The disagreement at the end shows independent thinking, which raters reward.
  3. A steady, unhurried structure is easier to follow than a rush of unconnected points.

Questions about this answer

What score is this model answer?

It is written to earn the top of the Duolingo English Test scale, score 160, and the notes under it say why.

How long do I get for this prompt?

20 seconds to prepare and up to 90 seconds to speak.

What should I watch for in my own answer?

Agrees, explains how they explore, and adds a limit, so the response develops instead of restating the prompt.

Answer it yourself, then see your score

Record your own answer and get a score with your transcript in about a minute. Your first test is free, no sign-up.

Record my answer

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