How to improve your DET sub scores?

Each question type in the Duolingo English Test contributes to two sub-scores, which is truly crucial to comprehend it in order to create suitable strategies to improve each sub-score because some institutions require DET takers to obtain at least a particular sub-score.

We have four (04) Integrated sub-scores including Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production and twenty (20) scored question types in the Duolingo English Test. There are eleven (11) individual question types and three (03) sets of interactive questions: Interactive Writing (02 question types), Interactive Listening (02 question types), and Interactive Reading (05 question types). To understand deeply about all question types, find out here: "Duolingo English Test question types and how they are scored".

From July 01 2024, we have Individual sub-scores including Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading, which offer test-takers a better understanding of their English skills to improve their scores. If your institution requires a specific score for each Individual sub-score, we simply follow the following table to prepare for your test.

• Reading: Read and Complete, Interactive Reading
• Listening: Listen and Type, Interactive Listening
• Writing: Summarize the Conversation, Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing, Writing Sample
• Speaking: Read Aloud, Listen then Speak, Speak About the Photo, Read then Speak, Speaking Sample

Currently, most institutions still require a certain Integrated sub-score compared to Individual ones. Let's take a look at the table below, which shows in detail what question type contributes to which integrated sub-score. 

As you can see, several question types contribute to the same Integrated sub-score. As a result, in order to boost your Integrated sub-scores, you will need to improve your performance for some question types as follows.

• Literacy: Read and Complete, Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Interactive Reading, Write about The Photo, Interactive Writing, Summarize the Conversation, and Writing sample. 
• Comprehension: Read and Complete, Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Interactive Reading, Listen and Type, Listen and Respond, and Read Aloud.
• Conversation: Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Read then Speak, Listen then Speak, Listen and Respond, Speaking Sample, and Speak about The Photo. 
• Production: Write about The Photo, Interactive Writing, Writing sample, Read then Speak, Listen then Speak, Summarize the Conversation, Speaking Sample, and Speak about The Photo. 

But the question is, how do you know if you are good or not yet good at a particular question type? We have some ideas to recommend. 

• You can take the Duolingo English Practice Test offered for free by Duolingo English Test and tell yourself how you feel because it does not show estimated sub-scores, far less estimated question type scores. 

• You can take our 1st Full Test FOR FREE to know your estimated sub-scores and question types. 

You will have an estimated score for the whole test, each sub-score, especially each question type, as in the following image.

Each estimated sub-score has a scale of 100% points, so you know which sub-score you need to improve after receiving your feedback. For example, if you want to improve your Production, you should advance the following question types: Write about The Photo, Read then Write, Writing sample, Read then Speak, Listen then Speak, and Speak about The Photo. Therefore, go to our Tips and Strategies category to check all strategies to improve each question type to get your sub-desired scores.

To make your Duolingo English Test preparation journey easier, go read our unique 05-preparation-step strategy and apply to your case carefully. 

• Step 1: Get to know DET's fundamental information;
• Step 2: Understand your current level (by taking our 1-hour FREE test);
• Step 3: Create a detailed study plan and commit to it;
• Step 4: Take 1-hour Practice test every week;
• Step 5: Utilise all three tests in a 30-day period.

What are you waiting for!? Here is your guide to take your 1-hour Practice test for free and fully understand your current level after receiving our estimated scores.