If you're preparing to take any language proficiency test, the best way to prepare is to understand the test’s structure. The Duolingo English Test has become an increasingly popular option, but its format is different from traditional proficiency exams. You should make sure you understand how it works before taking it.
Continue reading to learn all about two of the question types you will encounter during your Duolingo English Test: Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete.
Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete both ask you to type missing letters to finish words. The difference is the amount of text: one sentence or a whole passage. This guide explains how both question types work, how to approach them and where to practise using official Duolingo English Test resources.
In this guide, we will take you through the question formats and how to best prepare for test day.
What are Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete?
‘Fill in the Blanks’ and ‘Read and Complete’ are two similar question types you’ll meet during the test. Both ask you to complete words by typing their missing letters. However, ‘Fill in the Blanks’ gives you 20 seconds to complete one word in a sentence, while ‘Read and Complete’ gives you 3 minutes to complete several words in a longer passage. Both question types contribute to your Reading, Literacy and Comprehension subscores.
Let’s explore each in more detail.
1. Duolingo Fill in the Blanks
In Fill in the Blanks, you’ll see a sentence containing one incomplete word. Some letters are already filled in, and you must type the missing letters to complete the word.
For each sentence, you have 20 seconds to submit your answer, so you need to read the sentence, identify the intended word, and enter the missing letters quickly.
Take the example from the picture below:
From the context of the sentence, you should be able to identify the word “early” and complete the missing letters.
2. Duolingo Read and Complete
Read and Complete follows a similar principle to Fill in the Blanks, but instead of completing one word in a sentence, you’ll work with an entire passage containing several incomplete words.
For each passage, you will have three minutes to complete the missing words throughout the text. In this exercise, you will need to understand the meaning of the whole passage to identify what words would fit in that context.
For example, the passage below about food productivity features several missing words relating to the topic. Understanding the overall topic can help you identify the missing letters.
How to approach these question types: Strategy tips
The official Duolingo English Test help centre recommends reading the entire text before focusing on the missing letters. Here are some practical ways to apply that advice efficiently:
Read the full text first: Avoid focusing on the incomplete word as soon as you see it. For Fill in the Blanks, read the full sentence. For Read and Complete, read the passage once to understand its overall meaning before filling in the gaps.
Use meaning, grammar and the letters provided: Think about what you already know about the topic, the sentence's meaning and the grammar surrounding the incomplete word. Check whether you need a noun, verb or another word type, then make sure your answer fits the letters already shown.
Pay attention to spelling: Pay attention to spelling: Recognising a word is only part of the task. You must also enter the missing letters correctly. While the Duolingo English Test generally accepts both British and American spelling, you should use American spelling for ‘Read and Complete’ questions.
Keep track of time: Keep an eye on the timer in the upper-left corner of the screen to make sure you answer in time, and avoid spending too long on a single gap. You have 20 seconds for a Fill in the Blanks question and three minutes for a Read and Complete passage. In the passage, avoid spending too long on one word. Return to difficult gaps before time runs out.
Never leave a word blank: The Duolingo Official Guide says that an incorrect answer doesn't carry a greater penalty than leaving the answer blank, and that some question types can award partial credit for an incomplete answer. If you are not certain of an answer, use context and the available letters to make your best attempt rather than skipping it.
How to practise Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete
Start with the official Duolingo English Test practice resources. They allow you to familiarise yourself with the question formats before taking the official test.
Visit the Duolingo English Test website to explore the available preparation materials and practice tests.
To make your practice sessions more effective, try these tips:
Take the official practice test: Simulating the full Duolingo English Test is the best way to get familiar with the overall test experience. Take the full test to identify which question types you find most difficult and use that information to guide your studies.
Practise each question type separately: Start with Fill in the Blanks to get comfortable completing individual words, then move on to Read and Complete. Once you feel comfortable with both sections, return to the full practice test.
Review the words you find difficult: Note unfamiliar vocabulary and spelling patterns, then review them in context. Words you learn during practice may come in handy on your official test.
Practise under timed conditions: Always respect the 20-second limit for individual Fill in the Blanks questions and the three-minute limit for Read and Complete.
You can further immerse yourself in the language by reading articles and news sites, following English-language social media accounts, and reading books on themes you enjoy. But don’t limit yourself to familiar topics: read about subjects outside your comfort zone to build your vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you get for the Fill in the Blanks question type?
You have 20 seconds for each Fill in the Blanks sentence.
How much time do you get for Read and Complete question types?
You get 3 minutes for each Read and Complete passage.
How are the Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete sections scored?
For both question types, your answers will be automatically compared to the correct responses and graded as incorrect, correct, or partially correct. Both your Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete scores will count towards your Reading subscore, and therefore influence your Literacy and Comprehension integrated subscores.
How often do Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete questions appear?
According to the Duolingo English Test Official Guide (2026), the test typically includes 6–9 Fill in the Blanks questions and 3–6 Read and Complete questions. The exact number varies because each test experience is unique.
Should you leave a word blank if you are unsure of the answer?
No. The official guide recommends answering every word. An incorrect response isn't penalised more than an unanswered one. Use the sentence or passage and the letters provided to make your best guess.
Start practising for the Duolingo English Test
Ready to put these strategies into practice? Visit the official Duolingo English Test practice page to practise questions or take a free practice test. Watch the official video on “Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete” to familiarise yourself with both question types before test day.
Good luck!
