Top 200 Vocabulary Word List for the Duolingo English Test | Must Know Words for Common Examination Instructions

The 200-word examination instruction list

Duolingo English Test instructions tell you whether to recognise a word, complete a passage, highlight a span, summarise a conversation or record a spoken response. Read the current task before responding. A follow-up question may change which part of the topic you need to develop.

The bank includes question instructions, answer-format phrases and vocabulary that helps you interpret the task. Use the official directions for the question and test version you are taking.

Exam requirements · Worked examples · Fencing Method

Duolingo English Test question types

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
1	Read and Select	Decide whether the displayed item is an actual English word as the prompt directs.
2	Fill in the Blanks	Complete the missing letters in a word using the sentence context.
3	Read and Complete	Complete missing letters across the short passage.
4	Listen and Type	Type the sentence you hear according to the replay and timing rules shown.
5	Interactive Reading	Work through the linked reading tasks for the supplied passage.
6	Complete the Sentences	Choose the words that make the sentences in the passage work.
7	Complete the Passage	Choose the sentence that fills the gap and connects to the surrounding text.
8	Highlight the Answer	Select the words in the passage that answer the question.
9	Identify the Idea	Choose the option that best captures the passage’s central idea.
10	Title the Passage	Choose a title that represents the passage as a whole.
11	Interactive Listening	Work through the scenario, questions and conversation as directed.
12	Listen and Complete	Supply the requested details from the scenario in the response spaces.
13	Listen and Respond	Choose a suitable reply to the spoken turn in the conversation.
14	Summarize the Conversation	Write the main purpose and relevant outcome of the exchange.
15	Write About the Photo	Write a connected description based on the image shown.
16	Interactive Writing	Write an initial response and then answer a related follow-up prompt.
17	Speak About the Photo	Describe the image in a spoken answer during the response time.
18	Read, Then Speak	Read the prompt and give the requested spoken response.
19	Interactive Speaking	Answer a sequence of spoken questions as the conversation develops.
20	Writing Sample	Write a developed response to the prompt for the sample.
21	Speaking Sample	Give a developed spoken response to the sample prompt.
22	Initial response	Answer the first prompt directly before adding relevant support.
23	Follow-up prompt	Respond to the new question and connect it to your earlier ideas when relevant.
24	Actual English word	Judge whether the displayed spelling is a real English word.

Interface, timing and response directions

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
25	Missing letters	Use grammar and meaning to reconstruct the word in context.
26	Highlight	Select the exact relevant span rather than choosing an unrelated detail.
27	Response window	Use the time during which you can submit the answer.
28	Preparation countdown	Use the time before a spoken response to organise a brief answer.
29	Record your answer	Speak into the microphone when the response window is active.
30	Listen once	Use a single playing when that is the instruction for the item.
31	Replay	Use another playing only when the interface permits it.
32	Turn-taking	Listen to the current question or contribution and respond to it directly.
33	Simulated conversation	Treat each turn as part of the same situation.
34	Scenario	Identify who is involved, their goal and the relevant setting.
35	Setting	Describe where the action appears to occur using evidence from the image.
36	Foreground	Identify what is nearest the viewer in the picture.
37	Background	Identify the features behind the main subject that add relevant context.
38	Visible detail	Describe what can be observed in the image.
39	Plausible inference	Use cautious wording for a conclusion suggested by the image or context.
40	Develop the answer	Add a reason, example or explanation relevant to the prompt.
41	Sample response	Read the task as a complete written or spoken answer for the sample.
42	Timer	Check how long remains for the current task.
43	Adaptive test	Expect some test content to adjust according to the provider’s design.
44	Practice test	Use the provider’s current rehearsal to learn the response controls.
45	Certified result	Use the provider’s certified score report where the institution requires it.
46	Test rules	Read and follow the current instructions for your device, room and conduct.
47	Check the exact span	Mark only the passage text needed to answer the question.
48	Main outcome	Summarise what was decided or what the speaker needs to do next.
49	Logical continuation	Add a response that follows naturally from the preceding question or turn.
50	Explain your choice	Give a reason tied to the decision or preference the prompt asks about.

Reading, listening and language in context

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
51	Drop-down choice	Select the suitable option from the list attached to a gap.
52	Speaker contribution	Attribute a main point or viewpoint to the relevant speaker where helpful.
53	Overall discussion	Capture what the speakers were discussing and the important points they made.
54	Appropriate response	Address the person, purpose and practical circumstances stated in the prompt.
55	Social situation	Match the spoken wording and formality to the relationship described.
56	Correct transcription	Match the spoken words and order in your written response.
57	Check the transcription	Compare your typed wording with the sentence you heard while the item permits review.
58	Select from the text	Use the interface to pick the exact visible item requested.
59	Relevant supporting point	Include a detail that helps explain the main message.
60	Written conversation summary	Summarise the main point and outcome of the conversation in writing when that is the prompt.
61	Word ending	Check which form or ending fits the surrounding grammar.
62	Word family	Use related forms to decide whether the sentence needs a noun, verb, adjective or adverb.
63	Collocation	Choose words that naturally occur together in the context.
64	Cohesive reference	Work out what a linking expression or pronoun refers to.
65	Suitable reply	Choose a response that answers both the words and the practical purpose.
66	Supporting detail in the scenario	Use the detail that explains the purpose or outcome of the conversation.
67	Speaker attitude	Use the speaker’s wording and tone to infer their stance where asked.
68	Sentence stress	Give appropriate prominence to important words in spoken language.
69	Word order	Arrange the pieces so the sentence works grammatically.
70	Polite register	Use courteous wording suitable for the situation.
71	Recorded turn	Use the available recording window for your complete spoken response.
72	Academic tone	Use clear, respectful language appropriate to an academic exchange.
73	Support with an example	Add an example that demonstrates the reason you gave.
74	Response time	Use the timer and task directions provided by the test interface.
75	Main purpose	Identify what the text as a whole is trying to accomplish.
76	Most directly supports	Pick the evidence with the clearest connection to the named claim.
77	Function of a detail	Decide how a detail supports or develops a larger point in the material.
78	Words in context	Choose the sense or expression that fits the local wording and purpose.
79	Reference within the text	Resolve a reference by locating the word or idea it points back to.
80	Illustrative example	Choose a particular case that demonstrates a broader point.
81	Sentence conventions	Choose grammar and punctuation that make the constructed sentence clear.
82	Clause boundary	Identify where one clause ends and the next begins before arranging the sentence.
83	Sentence structure	Use word order and grammatical roles to make a complete sentence.
84	Independent clause	Identify words with a subject and verb that can stand as a sentence.
85	Dependent clause	Identify a clause that needs a main clause to complete its function.
86	Sentence fragment	Recognise words punctuated as a sentence without a complete main clause.
87	Pronoun reference	Match the pronoun to the person or thing it represents.
88	Rhetorical purpose	Identify the job a detail does in the author’s argument.
89	Nonessential clause	Identify a clause that can be removed without changing the intended reference.
90	Parenthetical detail	Identify supplementary information set off from the main sentence.
91	Signpost	Notice a word or phrase that marks a shift in direction or topic.
92	Main idea	Find the central point that explains why the paragraph was included.
93	Detail	Find the particular fact needed to answer the question.
94	Writer’s view	Identify the opinion the writer expresses.
95	Contrast	Show how the items differ on a shared point of comparison.
96	Interpret	Say what a statement, result or display means in context.
97	Support	Supply evidence that helps establish the claim.
98	In context	Use the meaning that fits this passage or situation.
99	Best supported	Prefer the conclusion backed most directly by the evidence.
100	Claim	An assertion that can be tested against evidence or reasoning.
101	Example	A particular case used to make a general idea clear.
102	Context	The surrounding information that helps determine meaning.
103	Option	One of the choices the question offers.
104	Retain the wording	Keep the words in the spoken model when practising the repeat task.
105	Exact word selection	Judge the specific displayed word or select the word that completes the passage.
106	Partial credit	Check whether the scoring rules award points for separately correct elements.
107	Plan mentally	Use the allowed preparation time and follow the current test rules on materials and conduct.
108	Hyphenated word	Check the official counting rule for words joined with a hyphen.
109	Coherence	Make ideas easy to follow in a sensible order.
110	Cohesion	Link sentences and paragraphs so their relationships are clear.
111	Grammatical range and accuracy	Use suitable sentence forms with control and clarity.
112	Point of view	State your position on the issue when the prompt calls for it.
113	Distinguish the speakers	Identify how speakers agree, disagree or add to one another’s points.
114	Relevant example	Use an example that genuinely supports the paragraph’s point.
115	Topic sentence	Open a paragraph with a sentence that identifies its main point.
116	Fluency and coherence	Keep speaking at a workable pace while organising ideas clearly.
117	Keep the original sequence	Preserve word order when the instruction asks you to repeat or transcribe.
118	Avoid unsupported selections	Check the evidence for each choice before selecting it in a multiple-answer item.
119	Words and phrases	Identify the language that carries the meaning needed for the answer.
120	Gap	Check what kind of word or value can fit the blank.
121	Transcript	Use the written recording script to check a listening answer during practice.
122	Complete sentences	Use connected sentences where the writing task requires a full response.
123	Reason	The basis for a statement, choice or result.
124	Response	The answer you produce or select.
125	Most logically completes	Choose the ending that follows from the text or notes.
126	Most precisely	Choose the wording whose meaning fits the context most closely.
127	Central idea	Choose the option that captures the main point at the right scope.
128	Best illustrates	Choose the example or quotation that most directly shows the idea.
129	Question focus	Identify exactly which detail, idea or explanation the question asks you to locate.
130	Function of a sentence	Identify how a sentence develops, explains or limits the passage’s central idea.
131	Overall structure	Track how the text’s main parts are organised.
132	Cross-text connections	Compare how two texts address the same point.
133	Text before the gap	Use the earlier section to identify the idea or reference the missing sentence must pick up.
134	Text after the gap	Check that the following sentence still connects once the gap is filled.
135	Point of agreement	Find what both sources would endorse based on the evidence.
136	Connect the key turns	Relate the main request, response and outcome in the conversation summary.
137	Speaker’s intention	Identify what the speaker wants to happen in the situation.
138	Introduce	Choose wording that supplies the context needed for the stated audience.
139	Emphasise	Choose wording that gives the requested idea or contrast prominence.
140	Generalise	State a broader point only to the extent that the examples support it.

Core instructions and answer checks

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
141	Recognise	Find a familiar feature in a new example.
142	Identify	Name or pick out the item the question specifies.
143	Select	Choose only the number of options requested.
144	Choose	Commit to the option that fits the stated criteria.
145	Match	Pair each item with the option that corresponds to it.
146	Complete	Fill in what is missing while keeping the supplied structure.
147	Label	Attach the correct name to the indicated part.
148	Locate	Find the specified detail, point or region.
149	Indicate	Make the chosen feature or answer clear.
150	Answer	Respond directly to the question being asked.
151	Give	Supply the requested fact, example or result.
152	State	Express the required point directly and clearly.
153	Name	Supply the correct term, person or item.
154	List	Set out the requested items separately.
155	Define	Give the precise meaning used in the subject or question.
156	Describe	Report the relevant characteristics, events or pattern.
157	Outline	Give the main steps or points in brief.
158	Summarise	Select the central points and leave out minor details.
159	Explain	Connect the result to its cause, mechanism or reasoning.
160	Compare	Set the items side by side on the same relevant feature.
161	Analyse	Break down the evidence and explain how its parts relate.
162	Infer	Use clues to reach a conclusion the material implies.
163	Predict	Use available evidence to say what is likely to happen.
164	Suggest	Offer a plausible answer suited to the information given.
165	Justify	Give evidence or reasoning that supports your answer.
166	Evaluate	Weigh relevant evidence or criteria before reaching a judgment.
167	Assess	Judge the extent, value or strength of something using evidence.
168	Discuss	Develop a structured response that considers the relevant issues.
169	Distinguish	Give the feature that lets the reader tell two things apart.
170	Illustrate	Make an idea clear with a relevant example or diagram.
171	Demonstrate	Show how a fact, process or result can be established.
172	Determine	Work from the given information to establish an answer.
173	Check	Test the answer against the original instruction or condition.
174	Correct	Repair the specific error while preserving the intended meaning or result.
175	Revise	Change a response so it better meets the task.
176	Arrange	Put items into the order or grouping requested.
177	Sequence	Put stages into a meaningful order.
178	Group	Put items with a shared feature together.
179	Replace	Swap the specified part for a suitable alternative.
180	Omit	Leave out the indicated item or detail.
181	Include	Make sure the requested part appears in the response.
182	Exclude	Keep the named item or category outside your answer.
183	Refer to	Use the specified passage, figure or notes when responding.
184	Based on	Ground the answer in the material named in the question.
185	According to	Use what the specified source says.
186	Most likely	Choose the conclusion with the strongest support among the options.
187	Relevant	Connected to the specific question or criterion.
188	Specific	Precise enough to identify a particular fact or example.
189	Explicit	Stated directly in the source.
190	Implicit	Suggested by the source and recoverable from clues.
191	Evidence	A fact, detail or observation that supports a claim.
192	Conclusion	The result reached after considering the reasoning or evidence.
193	Assumption	A premise taken as given for the purpose of the question.
194	Condition	A requirement that must be satisfied.
195	Constraint	A restriction that shapes the possible answers.
196	Criterion	A standard used to choose or judge an answer.
197	Click the response field	Use the interface control shown for the specific task.
198	Click to Record	Use the displayed recording control when the item requires you to start it.
199	Request a change	Make the desired action clear and give any necessary reason.
200	Author’s claim	Find what the named author argues or asserts.

What the examination requires

Set aside about an hour for the test

Duolingo’s official guide describes an onboarding stage, adaptive testing and written and spoken responses. The provider says some questions change in difficulty and the number of questions can vary. Check the current technical setup, identification, room and conduct rules directly before taking the test.

Interactive Reading and Listening change the requested output

Interactive Reading can ask you to complete text, highlight the answer, identify the idea or choose a title. Interactive Listening moves through a scenario and conversation before a summary. Follow each screen’s requested action. A highlighted span, chosen reply and typed summary are different forms of response.

Interactive Writing has an initial and a follow-up task

The official task page gives five minutes for the first response and three minutes for the follow-up. Read the new instruction carefully. If it asks you to explain a consequence, develop that consequence rather than simply repeating your first answer.

Interactive Speaking and the samples have distinct jobs

The provider describes Interactive Speaking as six to eight questions heard one at a time, with 35 seconds to record each answer. Use the current recording and submission prompts. The Writing Sample and Speaking Sample are shared with institutions receiving your results. Check each institution’s acceptance and score requirements separately.

• Identify the action in the instruction before you answer.
• Check which person, source, text or situation it applies to.
• Use the number, form and scope requested by the item.

Worked examples of common examination instructions

These original practice examples show what changes when the task asks for a different response.

Highlight the smallest complete answer

An original passage reads ‘The evening class was moved to Room 204 because the projector in Room 106 stopped working.’ A question asks why the class moved. Highlight the relevant reason in the text. Highlighting only Room 204 answers a location question and leaves out the cause.

Choose a title with the scope of the passage

An invented passage gives three ways libraries help learners after school. A title about the library’s quiet study rooms is too narrow if the other points are group support and access to equipment. A good title represents the common purpose of all the main points.

Summarise the outcome of a conversation

Suppose two students discuss booking a study room, find that their first choice is taken and agree to meet at a different site. A useful summary gives the original goal and the final arrangement. Include the obstacle if it explains the outcome. A transcript of the whole exchange is unnecessary.

Use a follow-up to develop a new angle

A first prompt asks about your favourite study space. A follow-up asks how that place affects your concentration. A direct reply identifies the feature that helps you focus, such as predictable noise levels, then explains the effect. Naming the place again does not answer the new question.

Separate visible details from plausible inferences

In an original practice image, two people hold umbrellas at a bus stop. You can describe the umbrellas and where the people are standing. If the ground looks wet, you might infer recent rain. Use a cautious expression for that inference and keep it distinct from what you can see.

Use the Fencing Method to practise instructions

Start with a short, accurate statement. Add a precise detail and the relationship the instruction asks for. Try the same action with a new task to check that you can apply it again.

1. The people are waiting.
2. Two people are waiting at a bus stop.
3. Two people are waiting at a bus stop under umbrellas, and the wet ground suggests it has been raining.
4. Try a different picture. Add one visible detail, then qualify any inference you make.

Read the eduKate Fencing Method for Vocabulary.

Practise and check your answers

Practise the exact output before increasing length

For interactive reading, use a short text to practise three jobs. Choose a missing sentence, identify the main idea and select an exact answer span. For interactive listening, practise the suitable reply and the written summary separately. Check what each response has to preserve.

Use new questions for follow-up practice

Answer a question about a familiar topic, then have a partner ask about a reason, consequence or example. Respond to the new question in the first sentence. After a timed attempt, review whether your detail supports that answer or repeats a point from the earlier prompt.

Practice 1. A question asks you to choose a title. Which detail should you prioritise?

Look for the central idea across the passage, then choose a title that covers its scope.

Practice 2. The follow-up asks what changed after an event. What belongs in your first sentence?

Identify the change directly, then give a relevant detail or example.

Practice 3. How do you handle a natural reply in a simulated conversation?

Respond to what the person just asked or said while keeping the scenario in mind.

Practice 4. What should you check before recording?

Use the current item’s recording directions and timer, then answer the prompt directly.

Frequently asked questions

Is the number of questions fixed for every test taker?

The provider describes variable length in the adaptive test. Use the official structure to learn the kinds of tasks.

Are Interactive Speaking and the Speaking Sample the same?

They are separate tasks. Interactive Speaking asks a series of questions. The Speaking Sample asks for a developed response to a prompt.

How can I learn the current controls?

Use the provider’s current official practice test and task walkthroughs.

Official sources and next reading

• Duolingo English Test official structure
• Duolingo English Test Interactive Speaking
• Duolingo English Test Interactive Writing
• Duolingo English Test Interactive Listening update
• Duolingo English Test Highlight the Answer directions

Related guide in this series · TOEFL iBT test instructions

Read eduKateSG’s 200-word vocabulary guide for more ways to group and practise vocabulary.

Back to the 200-word list · Back to contents