Hi, Teacher Luke here,

Today, we're discussing strategies for the new Summarize the Conversation question on the Duolingo English Test. 👇

For this question, you need to write a short summary of the conversation in Interactive Listening. If you haven't checked out my YouTube video on Interactive Listening yet, make sure to do so!

This is an important question on the DET so let's dive into the key points and strategies to ace this summary!

📝 Key Points

First, let's understand this question's structure and scoring.

1. You write a short summary of the Interactive Listening conversation in 75 seconds.
2. You are not allowed to take notes, so be prepared to remember the main points of the conversation.
3. This question contributes to your Literacy and Production Subscores.
4. You will be scored on these points 👉 (a) Grammar, (b) Vocabulary, (c) Task Relevance (the quality of your answer), (d) Fluency (how much you are able to write)

🧐 Strategies

Use these strategies in your practice to improve your summary and do better on the test.

1. Read the situation carefully: Understand the conversation's context and use it to craft your first sentence.

Example first sentence: I asked my professor to explain the concept of cultivating sources.

2. Study opening phrases: Memorize a few opening phrases to save time and get started quickly.

(a) I had a conversation with my (friend/classmate/professor) about ...

(b) I asked my (friend/professor) to (explain/describe/clarify) ...

(c) During a meeting with my (professor/classmate) we discussed/debated ...

3. Use the active voice: Since you "participated" in the conversation, use the active voice and the personal pronouns "I" and "we".

4. Write sentences, not bullet points: Full sentences and paragraphs are essential.

5. Follow a simple structure: Use a structure like (a) opening, (b) main ideas or suggestions, (c) outcome. Example 👇

Opening: I had a conversation with my professor about the low grade I got in my English writing class. 

Main ideas in the conversation: My professor suggested that I use the helpful grammar and writing resources on the university’s website because these online tools can help me improve my advanced grammar and teach me how to organize my academic essays.

Outcome: I agreed with my professor and said that I’d begin using these online resources right away.

6. Practice makes perfect: Use my Practice Platform at https://practice.detready.com/ to practice with over 100 new summary questions along with all the other question types on the DET.

Keep practicing, and be confident!

📚 Do you want to study more with me?

Here's how 👇

1 - My Practice Platform: www.practice.detready.com

"Practice Makes Perfect" Sign up for free! Practice all the question types on the Duolingo Test and check your answers immediately. Including the brand-new Interactive Listening questions! Works great on your computer and phone 📲!

2 - Ultimate Production Score Program: https://learn.detready.com/

Can't get the production score you need? Boost your Production Score on the test by completing Three Complete Courses focused on DET Speaking, Writing, and Describing a Photo.

Keep on learning!

Teacher Luke