The topics that may be covered in a Duolingo English speaking test can vary widely. The topics may be based on general knowledge, current events, or even personal experiences. Some examples of potential topics could include:
- Describing a memorable experience or event
- Discussing your hobbies or interests
- Talking about your favorite foods or restaurants
- Sharing your opinions on a current event or news story
- Describing a place you have visited or would like to visit
Keep in mind that the exact topics can vary depending on the specific course and level, as well as the individual user’s interests and experiences.
Sample Answers for Speaking Topics
Describing a memorable experience or event
- “We were in Paris and the Colosseum in Rome. It was such a fun and exciting adventure, and it really brought our family closer together.”
- “What made this experience so memorable was the combination of seeing new places, trying new foods, and spending time with my family. We had so many amazing experiences and made so many great memories together. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime.”
- “During the trip, I felt a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and awe. I was constantly amazed by the different sights, sounds, and cultures we encountered, and I felt really grateful to be able to experience it all with my family.”
- “One of the things I learned from this experience is that traveling can be a great way to bond with your loved ones and learn more about the world. I also learned a lot about different cultures and historical sites, which I found fascinating. Overall, it was a truly enriching experience.”
For the topic “Discussing your hobbies or interests,” the test could include questions such as:
- What are your hobbies or interests?
- Can you tell me more about one of your hobbies or interests?
- How did you become interested in this hobby or interest?
- How do you pursue this hobby or interest?
Here is one possible example of how a user might respond to these questions:
- “Some of my hobbies and interests include reading, writing, and playing music. I love to immerse myself in a good book or story, and I also enjoy creating my own writing and music. It’s a great way for me to express myself and relax.”
- “One of my hobbies that I’m particularly passionate about is playing music. I’ve been playing the guitar for several years now, and I really enjoy the process of learning new songs and techniques. It’s a great way for me to challenge myself and have fun at the same time.”
- “I became interested in playing music when I was in high school. I had a friend who played the guitar, and I was always impressed by his skills and creativity. I decided to try it out for myself, and I quickly became hooked. I’ve been playing ever since.”
- “To pursue my interest in music, I practice regularly and try to learn new songs and techniques. I also attend concerts and music festivals, and I sometimes perform for friends and family. It’s a great way for me to continue developing my skills and sharing my love of music with others.”
For the topic “Talking about your favorite foods or restaurants,” the test could include questions such as:
- What are your favorite foods or restaurants?
- Can you tell me more about one of your favorite foods or restaurants?
- Why do you like this food or restaurant?
- How often do you eat this food or visit this restaurant?
Here is one possible example of how a user might respond to these questions:
- “Some of my favorite foods include pizza, sushi, and tacos. I love trying new flavors and cuisines, and these three foods offer a great variety of taste and texture. I also enjoy the social aspect of eating, and I love sharing meals with friends and family.”
- “One of my favorite restaurants is a local pizza place called Luigi’s. They have the best thin-crust pizza, with lots of fresh toppings and a perfectly crispy crust. I also love the atmosphere of the restaurant, which is cozy and welcoming. It’s a great place to go for a casual meal with friends or family.”
- “I like Luigi’s pizza because of the great flavor and quality of the ingredients. The pizza is always fresh and tasty, and the toppings are always well-balanced and delicious. I also like the friendly and attentive service at the restaurant, which makes the experience even better.”
- “I eat at Luigi’s pizza about once a month. It’s not too far from my house, so it’s a convenient place to go when I’m craving pizza. I usually order the Margherita pizza, which is my favorite, but I also like to try their seasonal specialties and new menu items. It’s always a treat to go to Luigi’s and enjoy their delicious pizza.”
For the topic “Sharing your opinions on a current event or news story” you could use these answers:
- One current event that I’ve been following closely is the ongoing political crisis in my country. I believe that the government needs to take urgent action to address the root causes of the unrest and find a peaceful solution to the situation.
- Another news story that has caught my attention recently is the increase in natural disasters around the world. I think that this is a clear sign that climate change is real and we need to take urgent action to reduce our carbon emissions and protect our planet.
- A third current event that I’ve been following is the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on our society. I think that AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries, but we also need to be careful about the ethical implications of its development and use.
Describing a place you have visited or would like to visit:
- One place that I have visited and would highly recommend is the city of Paris in France. It’s a beautiful and historic city with stunning architecture, world-class museums, and delicious food. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and strolling along the Seine River.
- Another place that I would love to visit is Japan. I’ve always been fascinated by the country’s unique culture and traditions, and I’d love to explore its vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. I’d especially like to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido.
- A third place that I have visited and would recommend is the United States. I had the opportunity to travel to several cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. I was impressed by the diversity and vibrancy of the country, and I enjoyed exploring its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty
More Sample Questions and answers
Talk about a time when you felt happy. Please say:
- What made you happy.
- Where you were.
- Who was there with you.
- And why you felt happy about this.
“I felt happy when I received good news about a project I was working on. I was at home when I received the news and I was alone. I felt happy because the news meant that my hard work had paid off and I was making progress towards my goals”.
Talk about a situation when you were late. Please say
- What you were late for
- Why you were late
- What happened because you were late
- How you felt about it
I was late for a meeting at work because I missed my bus and had to wait for the next one. Because I was late, I missed the first part of the meeting and had to catch up on what was discussed. I felt frustrated and embarrassed because I didn’t want to be seen as unreliable.
Talk about something that you borrowed from a person you know. Please say:
- What you borrowed.
- When you borrowed it.
- Why you borrowed it.
- And when you returned it.
Answer for higher levels of English
I borrowed a book from a friend last week. The book was called “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and it’s one of my favorite novels. I had read it before, but I wanted to re-read it and my friend had just finished it, so I asked if I could borrow it. She was happy to lend it to me, so I picked it up from her house the next day.
I started reading the book right away and I was immediately drawn into the story. The main character, Santiago, is a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to fulfill his personal legend. Along the way, he encounters a variety of interesting characters and learns important lessons about life and the pursuit of his dreams.
I finished the book in just a few days because I couldn’t put it down. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of following your dreams and pursuing your passions. When I finished the book, I returned it to my friend and thanked her for lending it to me. She was happy that I enjoyed it and we had a great conversation about the book and its themes.
Overall, borrowing the book from my friend was a great experience. It allowed me to re-read a book that I love and have a meaningful conversation with my friend about it. I’m grateful that she was willing to lend it to me and I hope to borrow more books from her in the future.