A1–C2 · Duolingo English Test

Duolingo English Test Practice Test 4

AI-generated practice paper in the style of Duolingo English Test — original material, not a reproduction of any real exam paper, following the official task types. Listening audio is read aloud by your browser's voice. For Speaking you can record yourself and compare with a model answer, and Writing tasks include a model answer — neither is scored automatically, since that needs real speech and writing evaluation this site does not offer for this exam.

Reading

Read and Select

Look at each word. Is it a real English word?

1.thrive
2.wisance
3.headline
4.hollow
5.captain
6.telib
7.injury
8.attitude
9.wanory
10.cavon
11.spurub
12.yeast
13.noomish
14.flutry
15.reception

Fill in the Blanks

Type the missing letters to complete the word in each sentence.

Even in the driest desert, seeds may lie dormant for years, waiting patiently for a single heavy sho. After weeks of stormy weather, the first bright morning felt like a small but genu gift to everyone in town. Although electric scooters are convenient, several cities have banned them from pavements after a rise in accid. Without a doubt, the most valuable advice my first boss gave me was to admit my mist quickly. Tucked between two high-rise offices, the tiny chapel has stood since 1789, and nobody has ever dared to demo it. Contact lenses must be removed before swimming, since bacteria in pool water can cause a painful inf.

Read and Complete

Type the missing letters to complete the text below.

As old computers and game consoles slowly break down, many classic video games are now in real danger of disappearing forever. Original cartr and discs degr over time, and the companies that made the hard often stopped producing spare parts decades ago. Dedicated archi carefully extract the code from age cartridges and store it safely on modern serv before the physical origi fail completely. Museums and universities are increasingly treating early video games as important cultural artef, wor of the same careful preser as old films or paintings.

Interactive Reading

Read the passage and complete each step.

Few animals are as skilled at hiding as the octopus. Within a fraction of a second, it can change the colour, pattern and even the texture of its skin to match a rock, a patch of sand or a bed of coral. This ability comes from thousands of tiny organs called chromatophores, each one a small sac of coloured pigment surrounded by muscles. When the muscles , the sac stretches and the colour becomes visible; when they relax, the colour almost disappears. Beneath the chromatophores lie other layers that can reflect light or add a shimmering, iridescent quality. Together, these layers let an octopus a staggering range of appearances in under a second. What is more remarkable is that octopuses are believed to be colour-blind, so scientists still argue about how the animal matches colours it may not consciously see. One theory suggests that light-sensitive cells in the skin itself help guide the change, working almost independently of the eyes and brain. The octopus can also raise small bumps called papillae to copy the rough texture of coral or the ridges of a rock. Predators such as sharks and dolphins are often fooled completely, swimming past an octopus that sitting in plain sight. Divers, too, have watching a boulder come suddenly to life and swim away.

16. The passage stops before its final sentence. Which sentence best completes it?

17. Highlight the answer: Which sentence explains what chromatophores are?

18. Highlight the answer: Which sentence gives a theory about how a colour-blind octopus can still match colours?

19. What is the main idea of the passage?

20. What is the best title for the passage?

Listening

Listen and Type

Listen and type the sentence you hear. You can play the audio as many times as you like.

1. Type what you hear.

2. Type what you hear.

3. Type what you hear.

4. Type what you hear.

5. Type what you hear.

6. Type what you hear.

Interactive Listening

Listen to each conversation, then answer.

7. What is the best reply to the last speaker?

8. Which blazer does Anna suggest Jack wear?

Summarize the conversation in one or two sentences.
Show sample answer
Model answer: Jack asks Anna for outfit advice before his interview, and she recommends the navy blazer paired with black trousers.

9. What is the best reply to the last speaker?

10. Which shift does Anna want to take from Ben?

Summarize the conversation in one or two sentences.
Show sample answer
Model answer: Anna asks Ben to swap shifts on Friday, and it works out well since he has evening plans and prefers her morning shift.

Writing

Write About the Photo

Look at each picture and write one or two sentences describing it.

Describe this picture in one or two sentences.
Show sample answer
Model answer: I can see a round ball. It could be used for football or other games, and I remember playing with a ball in the street with my friends until it got dark.
Describe this picture in one or two sentences.
Show sample answer
Model answer: The picture shows a boat on the water. You could use it for fishing or for a relaxing trip on a lake, and I would love to spend a weekend sailing one day.
Describe this picture in one or two sentences.
Show sample answer
Model answer: This is an open umbrella. People carry one when it rains, and I always keep a small one in my bag because the weather here changes so quickly.

Interactive Writing

Answer the question.

If you could travel to any period in history for one week, when would you go? Explain what you would hope to see or experience, and whether you would want to stay longer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: I would visit ancient Egypt during the building of the pyramids. I would love to see how thousands of workers organised such a huge project without modern machines. However, I would not stay longer than a week, because there was no medicine, and I would miss things like hot showers and the internet far too much.

Writing Sample

Write about the topic for up to three minutes.

What would you do to encourage more people in your city to cycle to work?
Show sample answer
Model answer: To encourage cycling, I would first build safe, separate bike lanes on the main roads, because many people are afraid of sharing the road with cars. I would also provide secure parking at railway stations and offices, and maybe shower facilities for workers. The city could offer a discount to people who buy an electric bicycle, which would help those who live far away. Finally, a public campaign that shows the savings in money and time would help. When cycling feels safe and easy, more people will choose it.

Speaking

Speak About the Photo

Look at the picture and speak about it for 30 seconds.

Speak about the picture. Say as much as you can.
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: I can see a cake in this picture. It seems to have layers and something sweet on top. Cakes are often served at birthdays, weddings and other celebrations. My mother makes a lemon cake every year on my birthday, and it is my favourite. I think a party without a cake would feel incomplete.

Read, Then Speak

Read the prompt, then speak about it.

Describe a skill that you would like to improve this year. Why is it important to you, and how will you practise?
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: This year I want to improve my public speaking. At the moment, I get nervous when I have to present in meetings, and my voice becomes very quiet. This is important to me because I would like to get a promotion, and managers need to communicate clearly. I plan to join a local speaking club and practise a short talk every week. I am also going to record myself, so that I can see my mistakes and fix them.

Interactive Speaking

Answer each question in turn.

Have you ever had to speak in front of a group of people?
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: Yes, I had to give a short presentation at work last month.
How did you feel before speaking?
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: I felt quite nervous, and my hands were shaking slightly right before I started.
What do you usually do to prepare for a presentation?
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: I practise out loud several times, and I try to memorise only the key points rather than the exact words.
Tell me about a presentation or speech that did not go as you had planned.
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: Once my slides would not open on the projector, so I had to describe the whole plan from memory, which was stressful but taught me to prepare a backup.
Why do you think public speaking is one of the most common fears people have?
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: Standing in front of a group makes us feel exposed to judgement, and the fear of making a mistake in front of many people at once can feel overwhelming.
Should schools give students more opportunities to practise public speaking? Discuss.
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: Yes, I strongly believe schools should include more speaking practice, because confidence in front of an audience is a skill that helps in almost every career, yet many students barely get a chance to build it before they graduate.

Speaking Sample

Speak about the topic for up to three minutes.

Do you think it is a good idea for people to change careers several times during their lives? Discuss the possible benefits and risks.
Recorded on your device only — play it back and compare with the model answer.
Show sample answer
Model answer: I think changing careers can be a very positive thing. In the past, people often stayed in one job for forty years, but today the world changes so fast that it is normal to try different roles. A new career can give you fresh energy, new skills and a broader view of the world. The main risk is financial, because you may have to start with a lower salary or spend money on new training. There is also the fear of failure. However, I believe it is better to try something you are passionate about than to stay in a job you dislike out of habit.
Keep your streak going

Up next: Duolingo English Test Practice Test 5

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