Preparing for the Duolingo English Test? While the test offers a convenient way to demonstrate your English proficiency, some question types may be unfamiliar at first, especially those that require quick decisions.
One of these is Read and Select, where you have just five seconds to decide whether a word is real English or made up.
You select YES or NO, then move to the next word.
Keep reading to learn how this question type works, how it’s scored, and how you can practise effectively so you feel more confident on test day.
What is Duolingo Read and Select?
While taking Duolingo English Test, the Read and Select question type tests your ability to recognise real English words, including distinguishing them from made-up words with similar spellings.
How the task works
The format is simple: in Read and Select, you will see one word at a time, either a real English word or a made-up word. You will have five seconds to decide whether the word is real. You must then select YES if it is a real English word or NO if it is not.
As soon as you select an answer, the next word appears.
Screenshot: Read and Select showing one word, the YES/NO buttons and the timer.
How often does it appear?
According to the Official Duolingo Test Guide, there are 15–18 Read and Select questions per test. The actual number of questions varies from test to test as each test experience is uniquely tailored to the applicant.
How is it scored?
Because the Read and Select section is a Yes/No question type, your answer is marked as either correct or incorrect, and you have a 50% chance of selecting the right option.
The Duolingo guide states that you won’t be penalised more for marking an incorrect answer than for skipping a question, so never skip without attempting to answer. If you are unsure of the correct option, make your best guess based on your knowledge of the English language.
Which subscores does it contribute to?
Read and Select contributes to your Reading, Literacy and Comprehension subscores.
How to answer Read and Select questions: strategy tips
Read and Select is a simple task, so there is no need to overcomplicate the procedure. The key is to recognise words accurately and decide within the time limit.
To achieve the best performance in this section, follow these tips:
Read carefully before choosing
- Some fake words are designed to look very similar to real English words.
- Pay attention to spelling, including small differences that may change a familiar-looking word into a made-up one.
- Avoid clicking too quickly just because a word looks familiar.
Make a decision within 5 seconds
- Use the available time to examine the word, but avoid getting stuck on one uncertain answer.
- Build familiarity with common English spelling patterns and vocabulary before test day.
- Emphasise that the task is about recognising real English words, not guessing what a word might mean from a sentence, since the words appear individually.
Answer every question
- According to Duolingo, skipping a question counts as incorrect.
- While attempting a guess does not guarantee you will receive a score for the question, it gives you a 50% chance of selecting the correct answer.
Do not look for a pattern
- The number of real and fake words is not fixed in each set.
- Treat each word independently instead of trying to predict whether the next answer should be
How to practise Duolingo Read and Select
To arrive well-prepared on test day, you can organise your studies around these strategies:
Start with the official practice test
You can simulate the full test experience on the official Duolingo English Test website.
There, you can practise Read and Select on its own or try it as part of the full practice test. The test simulator is an important tool to familiarise yourself with the interface and the five-second decision window.
Build vocabulary recognition
The best way to build your vocabulary is to read various types of English texts, including news articles, blogs, books, and other everyday material. As long as you pay attention to the words you read, even making a playlist on Spotify can introduce you to new words.
Make an effort to notice spelling patterns, become familiar with words you encounter repeatedly in your simulated tests, and keep a personal vocabulary list for unfamiliar words in English.
Practise under timed conditions
Use short practice sessions to build accuracy while making decisions quickly, and review any mistakes after practice: was the word unfamiliar, or did you miss a small spelling difference?
Focus on improving recognition and careful reading rather than memorising a pattern of YES and NO answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do you have for each Read and Select question?
You have five seconds per word to decide whether it is a real English word and select YES or NO.
How many Read and Select questions are on the DET?
The Official Duolingo Test Guide lists an average of 15–18 Read and Select questions, but the exact number varies from test to test.
What happens if you skip a Read and Select question?
According to Duolingo, a skipped question is marked incorrect. An incorrect response is not penalised more than a skipped question, so if you are unsure, make your best guess. As long as you select an option, you have a 50% chance of answering correctly.
Which subscores does Read and Select affect?
The Read and Select section counts towards your Reading, Literacy and Comprehension subscores.
Practise before test day
Remember that understanding the test format and practising within the time limit is the best strategy to approach Read and Select questions and the Duolingo English Test as a whole with more confidence.
Are you ready to practise? Try out some Read and Select questions and explore the Duolingo English Test practice options. If you need a quick refresher, watch the official Read and Select instruction video, and good luck!
