Duolingo English Test Read, Then Speak: practice prompt 8

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 a place where you feel completely comfortable. What is it like, and what makes it feel that way?

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 place where I feel completely comfortable is the reading room of my city library, on the second floor, at the table by the window. It's an old building with high ceilings, wooden tables that are scratched to pieces, and lamps that are too dim to be practical but somehow exactly right. Nobody talks. You can hear the traffic outside but only faintly. What makes it feel that way, I think, is that nothing is expected of you there. Nobody is going to ask you a question or need a decision. I go on Saturday mornings, often with work I could easily do at home, purely because I get more done there and I feel calmer while doing it.

Why this earns score 160

Describes the place and explains what makes it feel that way, which is the whole prompt.
Sensory detail (the lamps, the faint traffic) is the easiest way to sound descriptive rather than vague.
Ends with a reason rather than a summary, which keeps the last sentence useful.

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?

Describes the place and explains what makes it feel that way, which is the whole prompt.