Preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to the reading section. Many test-takers struggle with identifying the key details in reading passages, which often leads to misinterpretation and loss of marks. Unlike traditional exams such as IELTS or TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test is adaptive and time-bound, so your ability to quickly scan, analyze, and extract information is critical.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, facts, and resources to help you master the skill of finding key details in Duolingo reading passages.
The reading tasks in the Duolingo English Test evaluate how effectively you can:
Understand the main idea of a passage.
Identify supporting details and examples.
Recognize cause-effect relationships.
Spot contrasting ideas and author’s opinions.
If you overlook key details, you might:
Choose incorrect answers in multiple-choice tasks.
Misinterpret the meaning of a passage.
Lose valuable time rereading instead of moving forward.
💡 Fact: According to Duolingo’s official scoring research (updated in June 2023), reading comprehension accounts for nearly 25% of the overall test score weight. This makes it one of the most important skills to refine.
Skim: Before diving deep, quickly glance through the passage to get the gist. Look at the first and last sentences of each paragraph since they often contain the main idea.
Scan: After skimming, scan for numbers, names, dates, or keywords that may be asked in the questions.
📌 Example: If the question asks about “the year when the policy was introduced,” don’t read every line. Instead, scan for years or time markers.
Since DET is digital, you can’t underline text physically. Instead, develop the habit of mentally highlighting:
Transition words (however, therefore, in contrast).
Dates, numbers, and statistics.
Words in bold, italics, or quotation marks (if any).
These often point to important details that may be questioned.
Many DET reading questions are based on why something happened or what result it led to. Watch for words like because, therefore, as a result, due to.
🔑 Example: “The industrial revolution led to urbanization because factories needed a workforce.”
Key details: industrial revolution → urbanization → workforce.
If you’re unsure of an answer:
Cross out options that are too extreme, unrelated, or opposite of the passage.
Focus on answers that match the tone and wording of the text.
This is especially useful in fill-in-the-blank or multiple-choice tasks.
Duolingo often tests whether you can understand ideas expressed in different words. The passage may say “the discovery was groundbreaking,” but the question option may say “the finding was revolutionary.”
📌 Don’t search for exact words; search for meaning.
Sometimes, the difference between a correct and incorrect answer is hidden in a single word such as “only,” “rarely,” or “never.” These qualifiers change the meaning drastically.
Spend 20–30 seconds skimming.
Use 1–1.5 minutes scanning for answers.
Keep at least 10–15 seconds to double-check before moving on.
⌛ Fact: The average time given for reading tasks is about 1 minute per question (Duolingo Test Guide, April 2024). Practicing under this constraint is key.
Reading Every Word Slowly
This wastes time and leaves you stuck on difficult vocabulary.
Instead, focus on keywords and sentence structure.
Guessing Without Context
Some test-takers jump to conclusions without rechecking the passage.
Always ensure your answer matches the text’s logic.
Ignoring Transition Words
Words like although, but, while signal contrast and can flip the meaning.
Overlooking them often leads to wrong answers.
Not Practicing With Mock Tests
Practicing in exam-like conditions is the only way to build speed and accuracy.
💡 Pro Tip: Take free Duolingo practice tests on Gurully.com to experience real exam-style reading passages with AI-driven feedback.
Passage (short):
In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon. This marked a significant achievement in space exploration and strengthened the United States’ position during the space race.
Question:
When did the U.S. strengthen its position in the space race?
A. 1959
B. 1969
C. 1979
D. 1989
👉 Correct Answer: 1969 (Key detail: date in the passage).
Build Vocabulary Daily: Read 10–15 new words daily with synonyms.
Practice Active Reading: Summarize a paragraph in your own words after reading.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs: DET often uses general topics like technology, history, or social issues.
Set a Timer While Practicing: Mimic exam conditions for better time control.
Q1. How long are Duolingo reading passages?
Reading passages are usually short (40–120 words), designed to test quick comprehension rather than deep analysis.
Q2. Can I go back to a previous question in the Duolingo English Test?
No. Once you submit an answer, you cannot return. That’s why finding key details quickly is crucial.
Q3. What kind of topics appear in DET reading passages?
Common topics include history, science, culture, technology, and daily life. They are written in simple English but may use academic-style phrasing.
Q4. How much time should I spend on a single reading passage?
Ideally, 1–1.5 minutes. Spending longer may hurt your performance in later sections.
Q5. Where can I practice real exam-style reading passages?
You can practice on Gurully.com where you’ll find free Duolingo mock tests, sample questions, and AI-based feedback.
Finding key details in Duolingo reading passages is all about balance: skim smartly, scan effectively, and avoid overthinking. By practicing strategies like identifying keywords, focusing on cause-and-effect, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll see a big improvement in your DET reading score.
Remember: consistency is the key. Dedicate at least 20–30 minutes daily to reading practice, and simulate real exam conditions with free practice tests on Gurully.com. This not only builds your confidence but also trains your brain to spot details quickly under pressure.
With the right approach, you’ll not only score higher but also enjoy the process of becoming a faster and more efficient reader.
Also Read:
Building Your Vocabulary for Word Selection Questions in DET
Tips for Active Listening Practice in Duolingo Test Preparation