Duolingo English Test (DET)

Duolingo English Test — Interactive Reading, Set 2

Take the Duolingo English Test — Interactive Reading, Set 2: 20 multiple-choice questions (30 minutes) with instant scoring and a full answer review.…

What this test covers

Sample questions with answers

The first 5 questions of this test, with the correct answer and explanation.

  1. Q1. Read the passage: Volunteering Volunteering is good not only for the people who receive help but also for the volunteers themselves. Studies have found that people who volunteer regularly often report lower stress and a greater sense of purpose. Volunteering can also help young people gain experience and skills, such as teamwork and communication, that are valuable when they apply for jobs. Experts suggest choosing an activity that matches your interests, because people are more likely to continue volunteering when they enjoy what they do. Which word best completes the sentence? "People who volunteer regularly often report a greater sense of ______."

    • A. speed
    • B. hunger
    • C. distance
    • D. purpose ✓

    Answer: D. purpose

    Explanation: The passage says a greater sense of purpose.

  2. Q2. Read the passage: Volunteering Volunteering is good not only for the people who receive help but also for the volunteers themselves. Studies have found that people who volunteer regularly often report lower stress and a greater sense of purpose. Volunteering can also help young people gain experience and skills, such as teamwork and communication, that are valuable when they apply for jobs. Experts suggest choosing an activity that matches your interests, because people are more likely to continue volunteering when they enjoy what they do. According to the passage, how can volunteering help young people?

    • A. It helps them travel abroad for free
    • B. It pays them a good salary
    • C. It replaces school
    • D. It helps them gain skills useful for jobs ✓

    Answer: D. It helps them gain skills useful for jobs

    Explanation: It builds skills such as teamwork and communication.

  3. Q3. Read the passage: Volunteering Volunteering is good not only for the people who receive help but also for the volunteers themselves. Studies have found that people who volunteer regularly often report lower stress and a greater sense of purpose. Volunteering can also help young people gain experience and skills, such as teamwork and communication, that are valuable when they apply for jobs. Experts suggest choosing an activity that matches your interests, because people are more likely to continue volunteering when they enjoy what they do. Which benefit for volunteers is mentioned?

    • A. Higher income
    • B. More free time
    • C. Better eyesight
    • D. Lower stress ✓

    Answer: D. Lower stress

    Explanation: Volunteers often report lower stress.

  4. Q4. Read the passage: Volunteering Volunteering is good not only for the people who receive help but also for the volunteers themselves. Studies have found that people who volunteer regularly often report lower stress and a greater sense of purpose. Volunteering can also help young people gain experience and skills, such as teamwork and communication, that are valuable when they apply for jobs. Experts suggest choosing an activity that matches your interests, because people are more likely to continue volunteering when they enjoy what they do. Why do experts suggest choosing an activity that matches your interests?

    • A. It is cheaper
    • B. Employers require it
    • C. It takes less time
    • D. People are more likely to continue when they enjoy it ✓

    Answer: D. People are more likely to continue when they enjoy it

    Explanation: Enjoyment makes people keep volunteering.

  5. Q5. Read the passage: Volunteering Volunteering is good not only for the people who receive help but also for the volunteers themselves. Studies have found that people who volunteer regularly often report lower stress and a greater sense of purpose. Volunteering can also help young people gain experience and skills, such as teamwork and communication, that are valuable when they apply for jobs. Experts suggest choosing an activity that matches your interests, because people are more likely to continue volunteering when they enjoy what they do. Which is the best title for the passage?

    • A. The History of Charities
    • B. How to Reduce Stress at Work
    • C. How Volunteering Helps Volunteers Too ✓
    • D. Why Jobs Are Hard to Find

    Answer: C. How Volunteering Helps Volunteers Too

    Explanation: The passage focuses on benefits for the volunteers.

The other 15 questions

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  1. Q6. Read the passage: Light pollution In many cities, it is now almost impossible to see more than a few stars at night. The cause is light pollution: artificial light from streetlights, buildings and advertising that brightens the night sky. Light pollution does more than hide the stars. It can confuse birds that migrate at night and disturb the sleep patterns of people and animals. Some towns have reduced it by using lights that point downwards and by switching off unnecessary lighting late at night. Which word best completes the sentence? "Artificial light ______ the night sky."

    • A. brightens
    • B. empties
    • C. darkens
    • D. cools
  2. Q7. Read the passage: Light pollution In many cities, it is now almost impossible to see more than a few stars at night. The cause is light pollution: artificial light from streetlights, buildings and advertising that brightens the night sky. Light pollution does more than hide the stars. It can confuse birds that migrate at night and disturb the sleep patterns of people and animals. Some towns have reduced it by using lights that point downwards and by switching off unnecessary lighting late at night. According to the passage, what causes light pollution?

    • A. Bright stars
    • B. The Moon
    • C. Artificial light from streetlights, buildings and advertising
    • D. Pollution from factories
  3. Q8. Read the passage: Light pollution In many cities, it is now almost impossible to see more than a few stars at night. The cause is light pollution: artificial light from streetlights, buildings and advertising that brightens the night sky. Light pollution does more than hide the stars. It can confuse birds that migrate at night and disturb the sleep patterns of people and animals. Some towns have reduced it by using lights that point downwards and by switching off unnecessary lighting late at night. Which effect of light pollution is mentioned?

    • A. It damages buildings
    • B. It can confuse birds that migrate at night
    • C. It makes stars brighter
    • D. It makes cities warmer
  4. Q9. Read the passage: Light pollution In many cities, it is now almost impossible to see more than a few stars at night. The cause is light pollution: artificial light from streetlights, buildings and advertising that brightens the night sky. Light pollution does more than hide the stars. It can confuse birds that migrate at night and disturb the sleep patterns of people and animals. Some towns have reduced it by using lights that point downwards and by switching off unnecessary lighting late at night. How have some towns reduced light pollution?

    • A. Using lights that point downwards and switching off unnecessary lights
    • B. Banning all streetlights
    • C. Painting roads black
    • D. Building taller buildings
  5. Q10. Read the passage: Light pollution In many cities, it is now almost impossible to see more than a few stars at night. The cause is light pollution: artificial light from streetlights, buildings and advertising that brightens the night sky. Light pollution does more than hide the stars. It can confuse birds that migrate at night and disturb the sleep patterns of people and animals. Some towns have reduced it by using lights that point downwards and by switching off unnecessary lighting late at night. Which is the best title for the passage?

    • A. The History of Streetlights
    • B. Advertising in Cities
    • C. Why We Can No Longer See the Stars
    • D. How Birds Fly at Night
  6. Q11. Read the passage: Libraries online Public libraries have changed a great deal in the digital age. As well as lending printed books, many now offer e-books and audiobooks that members can borrow from home using an app. Libraries also provide free internet access, which is especially important for people who do not have it at home. Some librarians worried that digital services would mean fewer visitors, but many libraries report that people still come in for study spaces, events and help from staff. Which word best completes the sentence? "Many libraries offer e-books that members can ______ from home."

    • A. borrow
    • B. sell
    • C. print
    • D. build
  7. Q12. Read the passage: Libraries online Public libraries have changed a great deal in the digital age. As well as lending printed books, many now offer e-books and audiobooks that members can borrow from home using an app. Libraries also provide free internet access, which is especially important for people who do not have it at home. Some librarians worried that digital services would mean fewer visitors, but many libraries report that people still come in for study spaces, events and help from staff. Why is free internet access at libraries especially important?

    • A. It is required by law
    • B. Library internet is faster than home internet
    • C. Some people do not have internet at home
    • D. It helps libraries sell books
  8. Q13. Read the passage: Libraries online Public libraries have changed a great deal in the digital age. As well as lending printed books, many now offer e-books and audiobooks that members can borrow from home using an app. Libraries also provide free internet access, which is especially important for people who do not have it at home. Some librarians worried that digital services would mean fewer visitors, but many libraries report that people still come in for study spaces, events and help from staff. What did some librarians worry about?

    • A. That apps are hard to use
    • B. That digital services would mean fewer visitors
    • C. That printed books would be stolen
    • D. That e-books are too expensive
  9. Q14. Read the passage: Libraries online Public libraries have changed a great deal in the digital age. As well as lending printed books, many now offer e-books and audiobooks that members can borrow from home using an app. Libraries also provide free internet access, which is especially important for people who do not have it at home. Some librarians worried that digital services would mean fewer visitors, but many libraries report that people still come in for study spaces, events and help from staff. According to many libraries, why do people still visit?

    • A. For study spaces, events and help from staff
    • B. To use printers only
    • C. Because e-books are not available
    • D. To buy coffee
  10. Q15. Read the passage: Libraries online Public libraries have changed a great deal in the digital age. As well as lending printed books, many now offer e-books and audiobooks that members can borrow from home using an app. Libraries also provide free internet access, which is especially important for people who do not have it at home. Some librarians worried that digital services would mean fewer visitors, but many libraries report that people still come in for study spaces, events and help from staff. Which is the best title for the passage?

    • A. Libraries in the Digital Age
    • B. How to Write an E-book
    • C. The Cost of Internet Access
    • D. Why Printed Books Are Disappearing
  11. Q16. Read the passage: Electric scooters Electric scooters that can be rented through a phone app have appeared in many cities. They are convenient for short journeys and produce no exhaust fumes. However, they have also caused problems. Scooters left on pavements can block the way for pedestrians, especially people using wheelchairs, and accidents have increased in some places. In response, several cities have created special parking areas for scooters and introduced speed limits. Which word best completes the sentence? "Electric scooters are ______ for short journeys."

    • A. illegal
    • B. dangerous
    • C. expensive
    • D. convenient
  12. Q17. Read the passage: Electric scooters Electric scooters that can be rented through a phone app have appeared in many cities. They are convenient for short journeys and produce no exhaust fumes. However, they have also caused problems. Scooters left on pavements can block the way for pedestrians, especially people using wheelchairs, and accidents have increased in some places. In response, several cities have created special parking areas for scooters and introduced speed limits. Which advantage of electric scooters is mentioned?

    • A. They are faster than cars
    • B. They produce no exhaust fumes
    • C. They can carry several people
    • D. They are free to use
  13. Q18. Read the passage: Electric scooters Electric scooters that can be rented through a phone app have appeared in many cities. They are convenient for short journeys and produce no exhaust fumes. However, they have also caused problems. Scooters left on pavements can block the way for pedestrians, especially people using wheelchairs, and accidents have increased in some places. In response, several cities have created special parking areas for scooters and introduced speed limits. What problem do scooters left on pavements cause?

    • A. They run out of battery
    • B. They block the way for pedestrians, especially wheelchair users
    • C. They damage the road surface
    • D. They make too much noise
  14. Q19. Read the passage: Electric scooters Electric scooters that can be rented through a phone app have appeared in many cities. They are convenient for short journeys and produce no exhaust fumes. However, they have also caused problems. Scooters left on pavements can block the way for pedestrians, especially people using wheelchairs, and accidents have increased in some places. In response, several cities have created special parking areas for scooters and introduced speed limits. How have several cities responded to problems with scooters?

    • A. Lowering rental prices
    • B. Special parking areas and speed limits
    • C. Banning all scooters
    • D. Building new roads
  15. Q20. Read the passage: Electric scooters Electric scooters that can be rented through a phone app have appeared in many cities. They are convenient for short journeys and produce no exhaust fumes. However, they have also caused problems. Scooters left on pavements can block the way for pedestrians, especially people using wheelchairs, and accidents have increased in some places. In response, several cities have created special parking areas for scooters and introduced speed limits. Which is the best title for the passage?

    • A. How to Build a Scooter
    • B. The History of Wheelchairs
    • C. Electric Scooters: Convenience and Problems
    • D. Why Cars Are Better