Common Error Patterns Tested in Duolingo Writing Section
- Brijesh Dhanani
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is increasingly being accepted by universities and institutions around the world as a reliable measure of English language proficiency. Among its various components, the writing section is particularly important as it tests your ability to communicate ideas clearly, coherently, and accurately.
Many test-takers underestimate this section and make recurring mistakes that lower their overall scores.
In this article, we will explore the most common error patterns found in the Duolingo Writing section, and how you can avoid them to improve your score.
1. Grammatical Errors
One of the most frequent issues in the writing section involves grammatical accuracy. While minor errors may be forgiven, consistent misuse of grammar indicates a lack of proficiency.
Common Grammar Mistakes:
Subject-verb agreement: “She go to school every day” instead of “She goes to school every day.”
Tense confusion: Switching between past and present without reason.
Incorrect article usage: “A apple” instead of “An apple.”
👉 Grammar forms the foundation of any language. Duolingo assesses how naturally and accurately you can use English grammar structures. To learn more about grammar, refer to the English grammar Wikipedia page.
2. Punctuation Misuse
Poor punctuation can make your writing confusing or unclear. In the Duolingo Writing Sample and Write About the Photo tasks, punctuation helps organize your thoughts and convey meaning accurately.
Typical Punctuation Errors:
Missing periods or commas
Overuse of exclamation marks
Misplacing quotation marks
Run-on sentences due to lack of proper punctuation
Proper punctuation ensures clarity and improves readability. Learn more about standard punctuation marks via the Punctuation Wikipedia article.
3. Spelling Mistakes
Duolingo's writing section is very sensitive to spelling errors, especially since it uses automated scoring as well as human evaluators.
Why spelling matters:
Spelling errors change meanings.
They reflect carelessness or unfamiliarity with common vocabulary.
Repeated spelling mistakes can significantly lower your writing score.
For a broader understanding of the role of spelling in language, explore English orthography.
4. Word Choice and Vocabulary
Using the wrong word or repetitive vocabulary can hinder your score. DET wants to see a variety of vocabulary and accurate word usage.
Word Choice Problems:
Using "big" instead of "significant" in formal writing
Confusing homonyms (e.g., “their” vs. “there”)
Using informal phrases in academic contexts
To improve this area, reading articles, expanding your vocabulary, and practicing synonyms can be highly effective. Learn about vocabulary acquisition for deeper insights.
5. Sentence Structure Errors
Duolingo evaluates how well you can form sentences. Writing sections require grammatically varied and structurally sound sentences.
Common Structure Errors:
Fragments: “When I went to school.” (incomplete sentence)
Run-on sentences: Two or more independent clauses improperly joined.
Lack of transitions between ideas
Understanding sentence types — simple, compound, and complex — can greatly enhance your writing clarity. Read more on sentence structure.
6. Lack of Coherence and Cohesion
Your writing must flow logically from one point to the next. Poor organization, missing connectors, or abrupt topic changes show a lack of coherence.
Tips to Improve:
Use connectors like however, therefore, moreover, in contrast
Start with an introduction, followed by examples, then conclude
Maintain a consistent tone and purpose
Explore cohesion in writing to better understand how to link ideas effectively.
7. Incorrect Capitalization
While this may seem minor, incorrect use of capital letters is a common and easily avoidable mistake.
Typical Examples:
“i went to USA last year.” (should be “I went to the USA…”)
Capitalizing random words like “She Went To the Market.”
Understanding when to capitalize proper nouns, the first word in a sentence, and titles is essential.
8. Repetition and Redundancy
Repeating the same ideas or words makes your writing dull and lowers your score. Duolingo values concise and impactful writing.
Example:
Redundant: “It is an important and very essential matter.”
Better: “It is an essential matter.”
Avoid repeating vocabulary and phrases unnecessarily. Use a thesaurus to find varied expressions.
9. Failure to Address the Prompt
Many test-takers write off-topic responses. This shows a lack of comprehension and automatically reduces your task relevance score.
Solution:
Read the prompt carefully.
Identify keywords.
Stay focused on the question and avoid going off on tangents.
Final Tip: Practice Is Key
Recognizing these error patterns is just the first step. To truly improve, consistent practice is essential. One of the best platforms for realistic and free Duolingo English Test practice is Gurully.
✅ Why Gurully?
Simulated DET Writing Tasks
Immediate feedback on grammar and spelling
Practice based on real Duolingo test format
Practicing on Gurully not only familiarizes you with the test format but also helps you avoid these common pitfalls and improve your writing score efficiently.
Conclusion
Understanding the most common error patterns in the Duolingo Writing section allows you to prepare smarter. Whether it's grammar, vocabulary, or coherence, targeting these issues can significantly boost your performance. Use platforms like Gurully’s DET practice tests to refine your skills and build confidence before test day.
For more official information on DET, you can also visit the Duolingo English Test Wikipedia page.
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