How to Take a 30-Minute Duolingo English Test Diagnostic

Before building a DET study plan, run a short diagnostic. You do not need to complete a full mock test every day.

Try this 30-minute Duolingo English Test diagnostic:

Minutes 0–5: choose three task types

Select one objective task, one writing or speaking task, and one task you normally avoid.

Minutes 5–20: complete timed practice

Use the real task instructions and timing. Do not pause to look up vocabulary or rewrite answers.

Minutes 20–27: review the evidence

Record accuracy, completion, time pressure, and the exact point where your process failed.

Minutes 27–30: choose one next action

Examples:

- Review unstressed articles in Listen and Type.

- Reduce planning to 20 seconds before a speaking response.

- Check noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms in completion tasks.

Classify each error as knowledge, recognition, process, timing, or control. “Careless” is not specific enough to guide tomorrow's practice.

A diagnostic is useful only when it changes what you do next.

What did your last practice session reveal?