Beginning July 1, 2025, the Duolingo English Test is updating the Interactive Listening question.
At the beginning of each Interactive Listening conversation, you will listen to a scenario and answer 3-4 fill-in-the-blank questions about it (Listen and Complete). You will then proceed with the rest of the Interactive Listening conversation, which contains 5-6 Listen and Respond questions followed by a summarization task.
You will be given 6 minutes and 30 seconds to answer all questions before the summarization task in each Interactive Listening conversation. You will have 75 seconds for each summarization task. There are two Interactive Listening conversations on the test.
How many times can I play the scenario audio?
The scenario audio has unlimited replays. You can even replay the scenario audio during Listen and Respond. It is available at the top of the page if you scroll up. The timer will continue to count down while you replay the scenario audio.
On Listen and Complete, will I be penalized for wrong grammar, incorrect spelling, or inappropriate punctuation?
No! Minor spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors do not matter as long as the errors that you make do not change the meaning.
Do I need to write down the answer exactly as I hear it?
No! You can paraphrase the answer. Some questions might even require you to paraphrase.
Is there a minimum number of words I should write?
No.
Is there a limit to how much I can write on Listen and Complete?
Yes. You should write just enough to answer the question. You should not add any extra irrelevant information that is not necessary to answer the question.
If you find yourself unable to type more, try paraphrasing!
Is there a separate timer for Listen and Complete and Listen and Respond?
No. There is a single timer (6 minutes and 30 seconds) for both Listen and Complete and Listen and Respond.
How much time should I spend on Listen and Complete?
It’s up to you! We recommend practicing at englishtest.duolingo.com/practice to get a feel for how much time you should be spending on Listen and Complete.
Most test takers spend less time on Listen and Complete than on Listen and Respond.
Is anything changing about Listen and Respond?
No! You will continue to be able to play the audio from Oscar or Bea only once.
The scenario, however, is changed so you listen to it instead of reading it. During Listen and Respond, the scenario will be available in the audio format at the top of the page when you scroll up.
Is anything changing about Summarize the Conversation?
No!