Duolingo English Speaking Test Topics to Ace Your Upcoming Exam

Do you know each year around 300,000 candidates take the Duolingo English Test, with India producing the highest number of test-takers? Duolingo English Test’s popularity has surged in recent years with around 4,900 academic programs officially accepting the test scores to pass the eligibility criteria. This is because it is a cost-effective option that allows users to choose between online and offline exam options, making it more convenient and flexible than its competitors. In this blog, we have outlined the common Duolingo English-speaking test topics and a few sample questions and answers to help structure your response. Moreover, we have included practical tips to help you prepare thoroughly and ace the English-speaking test.

Top 10 Universities Accepting Duolingo Tests

With the Duolingo English Test rising in popularity, more and more institutions have started accepting it as an eligible exam for English proficiency. This provides international applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in English proficiency, without being restricted to offline exam options. 

The following list outlines the top 10 universities in the world according to QS Rankings that accept the Duolingo English Test scores for admission. 

University	Country	QS World Rankings
Imperial College London	England, UK	2
New York University	United States of America	43
University of Glasgow	Scotland, UK	78
UC Berkeley	United States of America	12
University of Melbourne	Australia	13
University of Toronto	Canada	25
Texas A&M University	United States of America	66
University of Auckland	New Zealand	65
Carnegie Mellon University	United States of America	58
University of Alberta	Canada	96

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Frequently Asked Duolingo English Speaking Test Topics

The Duolingo English Test’s speaking section tests candidates on their ability to form structured answers, articulate concisely, and communicate clearly. The English-speaking test covers a range of topics such as art and childhood life to more technical questions such as government and technology. These topic-specific questions also assess the candidate’s ability to organize their thoughts quickly and answer each subject confidently. 

By knowing about the following frequently asked Duolingo English-speaking test topics, candidates can improve their fluency and build more structured responses.

Topics	Tips to Structure Your Response
Art	Discuss your favorite art pieces and what drew you towards them. You can also include details about your favorite artists and popular art exhibitions you would like to visit someday. Discuss the impact of art on yourself and the society.
Business	Talk about the enterprises you are fond of. You can also elaborate on the latest business trends and your opinions on them. Moreover, you can speak about the successful business person you look up to.
Childhood	Discuss your favorite childhood memories and why are they dear to you. You can also share about how your childhood has shaped your adult life.
Family	Describe your family, total family members, if you live in a joint or nuclear family. You may also elaborate on the traditions you follow as a family or any particular memories you are fond of.
Friends	Talk about your best friend or people you are close with. Share about their best qualities, how you met them, and things you love to do together.
Government	Discuss the role of government. You can also share your views about the latest policies, or initiatives you would like the government to undertake.
Hobby	Share about your favorite hobbies and why you like them. If you have been pursuing your hobbies for a long while, you may also elaborate on your journey.
Language	Discuss the languages you know, and the benefits of learning new languages. You can also talk about some of the challenges you faced while learning a new language.
Movie	You can discuss your favorite movies and their impact on society. You can talk about any prestigious awards the film might have won.
School	Share how your school life used to be, the things you liked and you didn’t.You can also mention details about the importance of school life and how it aids children’s early development.
Sport	Talk about a sport you enjoy playing, how long you have been playing it, and its benefits. You can also discuss about challenges or stereotypes associated with the sport.
Technology	Discuss about latest innovations, how they have been useful to you, and what kind of features would you develop if you were building them.
Travel	Talk about your most loved travel destinations. You can also add details about a particular event that created an impact on you, or places you would like to see.
Weather	Discuss your favorite weather, what you like to do during that time, and any particular memory you are fond of.

Sample Duolingo English Speaking Topics Questions & Answers 

The speaking section for the Duolingo Exam Test is aimed at testing candidates’ ability to think and respond with clarity and fluency in English. Interviewers may ask multiple questions ranging from childhood experiences to the latest government policies to ensure you can both critically analyze and form your responses rationally. 

Here is a list of sample Duolingo English-speaking topics with answers to help you prepare for your upcoming exam.

1. Tell us about an ongoing change in your city.

Sample Answer: The open grounds and natural water bodies are undergoing a huge transformation in my city. About 10 years ago, ample open grounds and lakes were beaming with aquatic life. However, in recent years, most of these spaces have been used to build apartments. This has contributed to narrow alleys, congested spaces, and unsanitary living conditions. 

Though it has contributed to several housing areas, I believe multiple apartments in a restricted space have taken away from the greenery of the city. Moreover, this has resulted in the decline of wildlife populations in my city.

2. Describe your favorite subject in school.

Sample Answer: I enjoyed studying biology during my school days. I was fascinated by how microorganisms looked under the microscope and the cell structure of plants and animal skin. Moreover, we had a lab that consisted of specimens in a jar, and I used to be thrilled by it. Biology felt like a subject that connected me to the world around me and enhanced my knowledge. I especially enjoyed conducting experiments, drawing diagrams, and making reports on them.

3. Tell us about a small business you want to have in the future.

Sample Answer: I would love to start a jewelry business that is nature-inspired. I am drawn to nature, from delicate petals to the pattern of dewdrops, I would love to create pieces that capture the natural essence. Each jewelry piece would combine the tranquility found in nature and reflect a timeless beauty. I am passionate about creating a brand for people who share a similar love for nature and appreciate meaningful and beautiful jewelry.

4. Tell us about your favorite hobby.

Sample Answer: I am quite fond of dancing. I have been training in both classical and contemporary dance styles since the age of seven. Last year, I represented India in the ‘XYZ Dance Competition’ held in Melbourne. Performing on an international stage was a dream come true moment for me. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking since the competition was fierce. 

Although I did not win any accolades, it was a meaningful experience for me that pushed me to refine my skills and continue participating in both national-level and international-level competitions. 

5. Tell me about an article you recently came across.

Sample Answer: I recently came across an article detailing the impact of climate change on polar bears. The Arctic has witnessed an increased rate of rising temperatures resulting in melting glaciers. This is drastically shrinking the ice beds, a natural habitat for polar bears. Due to this, several polar bears find it significantly difficult to hunt seals, their primary source of food. The lack of stable ice floors has pushed polar bears to swim long distances, resulting in increased malnutrition. Oftentimes, this has also resulted in the death of many polar bears. The article showed the impact of climate change through a new perspective, and it made me reflect on its broader impacts on natural biodiversity.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for more widely accepted standardized English tests, check out our blogs on TOEFL vs IELTS.

6. Describe a family member you look up to.

Sample Answer: I look up to my older sister, she is one of the kindest people I have known who goes out of her way to help others. A few years ago, while going to our relative’s home, she found children begging on the roadside. This prompted her to buy them food and engage in lively conversation. Moreover, I would also like to emulate her work ethic, she recently completed her medical degree, a childhood dream of hers showcasing her commitment to her goals.

7. Tell me about a place you would love to visit.

Sample Answer: I have watched several shows regarding Japan’s cherry blossom season and would love to experience the same in person. Additionally, I am fancied by the country’s cultural heritage with a blend of modern technology. I am excited to explore Kyoto’s ancient temples and experience the serenity of traditional Japanese gardens and sakura forests. Beyond this, I would also like to explore vibrant cities like Akihabara and Shibuya and immerse myself in J-pop. Moreover, I want to try Japanese street food and try authentic ramen and sushi.

8. Describe a goal that you hope to achieve in the future.

Sample Answer: One of my goals for the future is to develop my Spanish-speaking skills. I enrolled in a basic Spanish language course during my school days and would like to enhance it further. I believe it would not just help me enhance my communication skills but also open up opportunities for me to engage in cultural exchange and travel. 

I plan on working on my skills by regularly practicing them through language learning apps and joining online groups. Moreover, I would like to leverage this opportunity and engage with Spanish-speaking people to understand their country and cultures.

9. What is the role of the government in education?

Sample Answer: The government plays a vital role in shaping and supporting education systems, with several key responsibilities that are essential for fostering a robust educational environment. First and foremost, the government provides funding for public education, ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to operate effectively. This funding helps cover essential costs, such as teacher salaries, classroom materials, and infrastructure maintenance, ultimately contributing to a higher quality of education.

Additionally, governments set educational standards and curricula to ensure that students across various regions receive a consistent and high-quality education. Moreover, the government is responsible for ensuring equal access to education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, geographic location, or any other barriers. This commitment to equity is essential for fostering social mobility and empowering individuals to achieve their potential.

10. Tell us about a book you recently read.

Sample Answer: Recently, I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, and it left a profound impact on me. In the story, Nora Seed finds herself in a strange library between life and death, and each book represents a different path her life could have taken depending on the choices she made. Haig beautifully weaves themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of mental health throughout the narrative. As Nora navigates through various versions of her life, she learns valuable lessons about happiness and fulfillment, ultimately realizing that every experience—good or bad—contributes to who we are.

What resonated with me the most was the message that it’s never too late to make changes and pursue what truly makes us happy. The book prompted me to think about my own life choices and my growth potential, which I found incredibly empowering. 

11. Tell me about your favorite movie.

Sample Answer: My favorite movie is The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. In this powerful film, Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman raising a young son, tells the true story of how he overcomes many challenges to provide a better life for them. The journey is fraught with hardships, including homelessness and financial instability, yet Chris’s unwavering determination and resilience shine through.

What makes this movie particularly inspiring is its emphasis on perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Every time I watch The Pursuit of Happyness, I am reminded of the importance of hard work, dedication, and maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of the circumstances.

12. Describe an art or craft activity that you enjoyed doing when you were in school. 

Sample Answer: One art activity I loved in school was creating paper collages. We would cut out images, patterns, and shapes from magazines and layer them onto a large sheet to create a new scene or story. I enjoyed the freedom of mixing colors and textures, and each collage felt like a unique masterpiece. It was a fun, creative break from regular classes, and I loved how I could express myself without needing any drawing skills.

Pro Tip: If you are still stressed about how to do your best in the Duolingo English test speaking topics, check out our guide on Duolingo exam pattern to confidently prepare for your upcoming exam.

Tips to Ace Your Duolingo Test

Acing your upcoming Duolingo English test speaking topics requires frequent practice, attention to detail, and understanding the strategic approach to each question. Here are some of the practical tips that will help you crack your upcoming exam.

• Take Mock Tests: Simulating the test environment through mock tests is an effective way to manage your time and build confidence. Choose tests that provide detailed feedback on your performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Practice Speaking Regularly: Dedicate a specific time each day to work on your speaking skills. Consider finding language exchange partners or utilizing speaking activities on platforms like Duolingo to enhance your practice.
• Focus on Pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of words and sounds in your target language. Listening to native speakers, using pronunciation apps or guides, and repeating phrases aloud can help improve your clarity.
• Familiarize Yourself with Different Question Types: The speaking section of Duolingo features various question types, such as describing images or responding to texts. Practice these formats to develop effective answering strategies.
• Identify and Address Weak Areas: Focus on specific areas that need improvement. If pronunciation is a challenge, spend extra time on difficult sounds and words. Utilize online resources and apps for targeted practice.
• Speak Out Loud: Regularly speaking out loud enhances fluency and builds confidence, reducing anxiety during tests. Choose various topics to discuss and consider recording yourself to assess your performance.
• Engage with Language Practice Platforms: Use platforms like Duolingo or Arno to receive valuable feedback and practice opportunities. These tools can help you track your progress and pinpoint areas needing improvement.
• Record and Review Your Progress: Recording your responses and listening to them is a powerful way to monitor improvement over time. Analyzing your recordings can help you identify errors and enhance your fluency and coherence.

Conclusion

Passing the Duolingo English Test is quite possible with constant practice and applying the right strategies. By daily practicing some sample questions and their responses for the Duolingo English test speaking topics, you can refine the quality of your answers, build more structured responses, and enhance your vocabulary and pronunciation. Remember to stay calm and articulate your thoughts clearly during your exams. Moreover, if you are looking for alternative English exams check out our guide on the IELTS exam syllabus to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern to ace it.

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