Duolingo English Test Read, Then Speak: practice prompt 6

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

Describe something you have changed your habits about in the last year. What made you change, and has it lasted?

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.

The habit I changed this year is that I stopped taking my phone into the bedroom. What made me change was noticing that I was losing about forty minutes every night to scrolling, and then complaining constantly about being tired, which was obviously the same problem twice. So I bought a cheap alarm clock, which felt ridiculous, and the phone now charges in the kitchen. Has it lasted? Mostly. There was a bad fortnight in April when I brought it back in, and I could feel the difference within days, so it went out again. I sleep about an hour longer than I used to and I read actual books again, which I had somehow stopped doing without ever deciding to.

Why this earns score 160

Answers the question, the reason and the follow up, including an honest relapse.
Admitting the fortnight it failed is more convincing than claiming perfect success.
A rhetorical question mid answer is a natural spoken device that keeps the rhythm moving.

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?

Answers the question, the reason and the follow up, including an honest relapse.