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Duolingo English Test practice questions

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Question 1Literacy

The scientist's findings were considered ___ because no other study had ever reported such results.

  1. monotonous
  2. unprecedented Correct answer.
  3. superficial
  4. redundant

Explanation

The clause that follows explains the blank: nothing like these results had ever been reported, so the word must mean 'never seen before.' 'Unprecedented' carries precisely that sense of novelty. The other options describe tone, repetition, or depth rather than the absence of prior examples.

Question 2Literacy

The collection of rare manuscripts ___ housed in the library's basement.

  1. were
  2. have been
  3. is Correct answer.
  4. are

Explanation

The grammatical subject is the singular noun 'collection'; the phrase 'of rare manuscripts' is only a modifier and cannot control the verb. A singular subject in the present tense takes the singular form 'is.'

Question 3Literacy

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. We arrived late; the train, had been delayed.
  2. We arrived late the train had been delayed by snow.
  3. We arrived late; the train had been delayed. Correct answer.
  4. We arrived late, the train had been delayed by snow.

Explanation

Two independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction must be separated by a semicolon or a period. Option 3 uses the semicolon correctly and places no stray comma inside the second clause.

Question 4Literacy

The new policy will ___ everyone in the department equally.

  1. effect
  2. effects
  3. affects
  4. affect Correct answer.

Explanation

After the modal 'will,' the base form of the verb is required, and the verb meaning 'to influence' is 'affect.' 'Effect' is normally a noun meaning 'a result,' so it cannot fill this verb slot.

Question 5Literacy

Sea otters eat sea urchins. Where otters were hunted to near extinction, urchin populations exploded and devoured the kelp forests. When otters were reintroduced, the kelp returned. Which statement best expresses the main idea?

  1. Sea otters protect kelp forests by controlling sea urchins. Correct answer.
  2. Kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems in the ocean.
  3. Sea urchins have become endangered in many coastal regions.
  4. Hunting sea otters was banned during the twentieth century.

Explanation

A main idea must cover the whole passage rather than one detail. Every sentence links otter numbers to the survival of kelp, which makes the otter-urchin-kelp relationship the unifying point.

Question 6Literacy

She is widely regarded ___ one of the finest cellists of her generation.

  1. with
  2. as Correct answer.
  3. for
  4. like

Explanation

The verb 'regard' takes the fixed pattern 'regard someone as something,' so the preposition 'as' is required before the complement. This is a matter of established collocation rather than free choice of preposition.

Question 7Literacy

There were ___ people at the concert than we expected.

  1. less
  2. little
  3. lesser
  4. fewer Correct answer.

Explanation

'People' is a count noun, so a comparative quantity word for countable items ('fewer') is needed. 'Less' is reserved for mass or uncountable nouns such as 'traffic' or 'noise.'

Question 8Literacy

Choose the word closest in meaning to 'brief' in the sentence 'She gave a brief summary of the report.'

  1. lengthy
  2. short Correct answer.
  3. sudden
  4. polite

Explanation

In this context 'brief' describes a summary that does not take long, so 'short' is the closest equivalent. The other choices either reverse the meaning or shift to an unrelated quality.

Question 9Literacy

The museum's new wing opened to praise from critics, yet attendance in its first six months fell well below projections. Ticket prices had risen by forty percent the same year. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. The museum's older exhibits were unpopular with visitors.
  2. The critics' praise was based on inaccurate information.
  3. Cost may have limited attendance at the new wing. Correct answer.
  4. The wing was closed after its first six months.

Explanation

A supported inference must follow from what the text actually states. The passage pairs weak attendance with a sharp price increase, which makes higher prices a plausible cause, though it is offered tentatively, not as proof.

Question 10Literacy

The committee rejected the proposal because it contained too few details about costs. What does 'it' refer to in this sentence?

  1. the details
  2. the committee
  3. the proposal Correct answer.
  4. the costs

Explanation

A pronoun normally points to the nearest preceding noun that fits the meaning and grammar of the clause. Only the proposal can 'contain details,' so 'it' refers to the proposal despite the intervening word 'committee.'

Question 11Literacy

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

  1. After reading the manuscript, the ending was surprising to the editor.
  2. After reading the manuscript, surprise was felt by the editor at the ending.
  3. After reading the manuscript, the ending surprised the editor.
  4. After reading the manuscript, the editor was surprised by the ending. Correct answer.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must describe the subject of the main clause, since that subject is understood as the doer of the action. Only in option 2 is the subject ('the editor') the person who did the reading.

Question 12Literacy

Which option is a complete sentence?

  1. Because the storm knocked out power across the region.
  2. The storm knocking out power across the region.
  3. The storm knocked out power; across the region, which caused delays.
  4. The storm knocked out power across the region. Correct answer.

Explanation

A complete sentence needs an independent clause with a subject and a finite verb that can stand alone. Option 3 supplies a subject ('The storm'), a tensed verb ('knocked out'), and an object, with no subordinating word attached.

Question 13Literacy

A formal report describes a low-cost but effective solution. Which word best replaces 'cheap' in that report?

  1. cheapo
  2. cut-rate
  3. inexpensive Correct answer.
  4. dirt-cheap

Explanation

Formal writing favors neutral words that carry no evaluative coloring. 'Inexpensive' states low cost without the suggestion of poor quality that informal alternatives often imply.

Question 14Literacy

The new model is lighter, faster, and ___ than its predecessor.

  1. costing less money
  2. priced more cheaply
  3. less expensive Correct answer.
  4. a lower price

Explanation

Items in a series joined by 'and' must share the same grammatical form. The list is built from comparative adjectives ('lighter,' 'faster'), so the third item must also be a comparative adjective.

Question 15Literacy

Unlike most metals, gallium melts at roughly 30 °C, so a spoon made of it will liquefy in a warm hand. Because it stays liquid over a wide temperature range and is far less toxic than mercury, it is used in high-temperature thermometers. According to the passage, why is gallium used in thermometers?

  1. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.
  2. It expands more than mercury when heated.
  3. It is nontoxic and remains usable at high temperatures. Correct answer.
  4. It melts at the same temperature as mercury.

Explanation

The answer must restate information the passage explicitly gives as the reason. The final sentence names two properties, low toxicity and usefulness across a wide temperature range, as the basis for the thermometer application.

Question 16Literacy

After discovering the billing error, the customer decided to ___ a formal complaint with the company.

  1. do
  2. file Correct answer.
  3. say
  4. take

Explanation

English uses established verb-noun partnerships, and 'complaint' conventionally pairs with 'file' (or 'lodge'). The other verbs do not form an idiomatic phrase with 'complaint' in this sense.

Question 17Literacy

The proposal promises 'unprecedented efficiency' and 'revolutionary transparency,' though it offers no figures, no timelines, and no independent review. Its authors, evidently, believe that enthusiasm is a substitute for evidence. Which word best describes the author's tone?

  1. indifferent
  2. skeptical Correct answer.
  3. nostalgic
  4. admiring

Explanation

Tone is revealed by the writer's attitude toward the subject. Listing the missing figures and reviews, then calling enthusiasm a 'substitute for evidence,' signals doubt about the proposal rather than approval or detachment.

Question 18Literacy

Economists note that although a city's population grew by fifteen percent over a decade, the number of cars registered there rose by only three percent. Which conclusion is best supported by this information?

  1. The city's population will soon stop growing.
  2. Fewer residents own cars than a decade ago.
  3. Public transport in the city has become less reliable.
  4. Many new residents do not rely on private cars. Correct answer.

Explanation

The best inference accounts for the gap between two measured trends without adding unsupported claims. If population rose far faster than car registrations, many of the newcomers must not be registering private cars.

Question 19Literacy

Far from being ___, the new evidence actually ___ the theory it had been expected to overturn.

  1. conclusive ... duplicates
  2. helpful ... contradicts
  3. irrelevant ... ignores
  4. damaging ... reinforces Correct answer.

Explanation

'Far from being X, the evidence actually Y' requires X and Y to be opposites, and the clause about overturning tells us what everyone expected. The evidence turned out supportive ('reinforces') rather than harmful ('damaging') to the theory.

Question 20Literacy

The sentence 'The professor told the student that her thesis needed revision' is ambiguous about whose thesis is meant. Which revision removes the ambiguity most effectively?

  1. The professor told the student she needed to revise her thesis.
  2. The professor told the student that her thesis would need revision.
  3. The professor told the student, 'Your thesis needs revision.' Correct answer.
  4. The professor told the student to revise her own thesis.

Explanation

The ambiguity comes from the pronoun 'her,' which could point to either the professor or the student. Quoting the professor's actual words replaces the pronoun with 'your,' which can only refer to the student being addressed.

Question 21Literacy

The senator's remarks were so ___ that reporters could quote them to support opposite conclusions.

  1. perfunctory
  2. candid
  3. vehement
  4. equivocal Correct answer.

Explanation

The result clause defines what is needed: statements open to more than one interpretation. 'Equivocal' means deliberately vague or capable of two readings, which is exactly what allows opposite quotations.

Question 22Literacy

Neither the interns nor the manager ___ aware of the schedule change.

  1. were
  2. was Correct answer.
  3. are
  4. have been

Explanation

With 'neither ... nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it, which here is the singular 'manager.' A singular subject in the past tense takes 'was.'

Question 23Literacy

Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

  1. The librarys' roof was repaired last spring.
  2. The libraries roof was damaged in the storm.
  3. Its been five years since the librarys roof was repaired.
  4. The library's roof was repaired last spring. Correct answer.

Explanation

A singular noun forms its possessive by adding apostrophe plus -s, so 'library' becomes 'library's.' The possessive pronoun 'its' takes no apostrophe, and a plain plural takes none either.

Question 24Literacy

Contrary to popular belief, goldfish do not have a three-second memory. In laboratory studies, they have learned to press a lever for food and have remembered the task weeks later. Which statement best paraphrases the passage?

  1. Goldfish remember a task only when food is presented as a reward.
  2. Goldfish remember learned tasks far longer than most people assume. Correct answer.
  3. Goldfish cannot learn complex tasks.
  4. Goldfish can remember a task for no more than three seconds.

Explanation

A paraphrase restates the whole point in new words without adding or reversing information. The passage contrasts a common misconception with evidence of memory lasting weeks, which option 3 captures.

Question 25Literacy

The drug showed promise in early trials; ___, its long-term effects remain unknown.

  1. therefore
  2. similarly
  3. for instance
  4. however Correct answer.

Explanation

The second clause limits or qualifies the optimism of the first, so a contrastive connector is required. 'However' signals that qualification, and it is correctly set off by a semicolon before and a comma after.

Question 26Literacy

The scientist's explanation was so ___ that even readers without a technical background could follow it.

  1. lucid Correct answer.
  2. abstruse
  3. verbose
  4. provisional

Explanation

Lucid means clear and easy to understand, which fits the idea that non-experts could follow the explanation. The other choices describe obscurity, wordiness, or temporary status rather than clarity.

Question 27Literacy

The engineers attributed the failure ___ a faulty sensor.

  1. with
  2. for
  3. on
  4. to Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb attribute is followed by the preposition to when naming the cause or source of something. The standard pattern is attribute X to Y.

Question 28Literacy

Each of the proposed amendments ___ approval from two-thirds of the members.

  1. are requiring
  2. have required
  3. requires Correct answer.
  4. require

Explanation

The subject each is singular, even when followed by a plural phrase such as of the proposed amendments. A singular subject takes the singular verb requires.

Question 29Literacy

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

  1. She brought: bread, cheese, and apples.
  2. She brought three things: bread, cheese, and apples. Correct answer.
  3. She brought three things, namely: bread, cheese, and apples.
  4. The ingredients she brought were: bread, cheese, and apples.

Explanation

A colon may introduce a list after a complete independent clause. In the correct sentence, She brought three things is a complete clause, and the colon appropriately introduces the list.

Question 30Literacy

The new policy had a significant ___ on employee morale.

  1. affection
  2. efficacy
  3. affect
  4. effect Correct answer.

Explanation

Effect is a noun meaning result or impact, which fits after the adjective significant. Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence.

Question 31Literacy

The museum is free on Sundays, ___ visitors must still reserve tickets in advance.

  1. unless
  2. because
  3. therefore
  4. although Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence contrasts free admission with the requirement to reserve tickets, so a concession word such as although is appropriate. Because, therefore, and unless express different logical relationships.

Question 32Literacy

This year's engine is significantly ___ than last year's, using less fuel for the same output.

  1. most efficient
  2. efficient
  3. efficiently
  4. more efficient Correct answer.

Explanation

The word than signals a comparative construction, so the comparative form more efficient is required. Most efficient is superlative, efficient is the base adjective, and efficiently is an adverb.

Question 33Literacy

The jury announced ___ verdict after four hours of deliberation.

  1. their
  2. its Correct answer.
  3. it's
  4. they're

Explanation

Its is the possessive form of it and correctly modifies verdict. It's means it is, they're means they are, and their is plural.

Question 34Literacy

Walking through the exhibit, ___.

  1. the paintings were impressive to the visitors.
  2. the exhibit left the visitors impressed.
  3. the visitors were impressed by the paintings. Correct answer.
  4. the paintings impressed the visitors.

Explanation

The introductory participle walking must describe the subject of the main clause. Only the visitors can walk through the exhibit, so the visitors must be the subject.

Question 35Literacy

The workshop teaches participants to draft proposals, deliver presentations, and ___.

  1. the negotiation of contracts
  2. negotiating contracts
  3. negotiate contracts Correct answer.
  4. contract negotiation

Explanation

Items in a series should share the same grammatical form. The first two items are base verbs, so the third should also be the base verb negotiate.

Question 36Literacy

If I ___ you, I would apologize immediately.

  1. was
  2. had been
  3. am
  4. were Correct answer.

Explanation

In a present hypothetical condition, standard formal English uses were for all subjects, especially in the fixed pattern If I were you. The clause describes an unreal situation, not a past event.

Question 37Literacy

The researcher ___ work won the prize will speak tomorrow.

  1. who
  2. which
  3. whom
  4. whose Correct answer.

Explanation

Whose is the possessive relative pronoun needed to show that the work belongs to the researcher. Who and whom refer to people but do not show possession, and which refers to things.

Question 38Literacy

By the time the guests arrived, the chef ___ the entire meal.

  1. prepares
  2. has prepared
  3. had prepared Correct answer.
  4. was preparing

Explanation

The past perfect had prepared shows that the meal was completed before another past event, the guests' arrival. The simple present and present perfect do not fit the past narrative.

Question 39Literacy

A formal academic essay should replace the informal word "kids" with which word?

  1. offspring
  2. children Correct answer.
  3. youngsters
  4. brats

Explanation

Children is the neutral, formal term for young people and is appropriate in academic writing. Brats is insulting, youngsters is informal, and offspring is usually used for animals or in technical contexts.

Question 40Literacy

The library extended its weekend hours after a survey showed that most students studied late. Use of the library on Saturdays rose by forty percent within two months. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. The extended hours likely contributed to increased Saturday use. Correct answer.
  2. The survey caused students to study more.
  3. Students preferred studying at home.
  4. The library had previously been closed on weekends.

Explanation

The passage links extended weekend hours to a rise in Saturday library use, so the safest conclusion is that the new hours likely contributed to the increase. The other choices go beyond the evidence.

Question 41Literacy

Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor but support about a quarter of marine species. Warming water can bleach corals, leaving them vulnerable to disease. Scientists are now testing heat-resistant corals. Which sentence best states the main idea?

  1. Coral reefs cover a large portion of the ocean floor.
  2. Bleaching is harmless to coral reefs.
  3. Coral reefs are ecologically vital but threatened, prompting restoration efforts. Correct answer.
  4. Scientists test corals only for research purposes.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes the ecological importance of reefs, the threat from warming water, and scientists' efforts to develop heat-resistant corals. That combines importance, threat, and response.

Question 42Literacy

The proposal, rushed through in a single afternoon, promised sweeping benefits while omitting costs, timelines, and any mention of the risks. Which word best describes the author's tone?

  1. Neutral
  2. Skeptical Correct answer.
  3. Nostalgic
  4. Enthusiastic

Explanation

The author highlights the proposal's rushed preparation and its omission of costs, timelines, and risks. This critical framing shows skepticism rather than approval or nostalgia.

Question 43Literacy

Which sentence best combines "The report was long" and "It was clear" to show contrast?

  1. Although the report was long, it was clear. Correct answer.
  2. The report was long because it was clear.
  3. The report was clear, so it was long.
  4. The report was long, and it was clear.

Explanation

Although signals concession and contrast, which fits the idea that the report was clear despite being long. The other options use coordination, cause, or result rather than contrast.

Question 44Literacy

The meeting was ___ until Monday because the chair was ill.

  1. taken off
  2. put off Correct answer.
  3. put on
  4. called off

Explanation

Put off means postpone, which fits moving the meeting to Monday. Called off means canceled, and put on means scheduled or staged.

Question 45Literacy

The new evidence flies in the face of the earlier theory. What does the underlined expression mean?

  1. Ignores the theory
  2. Supports the theory
  3. Contradicts the theory Correct answer.
  4. Complicates the theory slightly

Explanation

To fly in the face of something means to oppose or contradict it directly. The expression suggests strong conflict, not mild complication or support.

Question 46Literacy

Every time the team practiced on the new field, they won. Therefore, practicing on the new field caused their victories. Which flaw is most evident in this argument?

  1. It attacks the character of the team.
  2. It confuses a necessary condition with a sufficient one.
  3. It generalizes from an overly large sample.
  4. It assumes that correlation implies causation. Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument moves from the repeated co-occurrence of practice and wins to a causal claim. That is the classic correlation-causation flaw, since other factors could explain the victories.

Question 47Literacy

Which sentence contains an ambiguous modifier?

  1. The dog chased the ball across the yard.
  2. The teacher praised the student who won.
  3. They saw the man with the telescope. Correct answer.
  4. The chef prepared the meal quickly.

Explanation

In They saw the man with the telescope, the phrase with the telescope could describe either the man or the act of seeing. The other sentences have modifiers with clear attachment.

Question 48Literacy

Which sentence correctly uses a reduced relative clause?

  1. The report was submitted yesterday incomplete.
  2. The report submitted yesterday was incomplete. Correct answer.
  3. The report submitting yesterday was incomplete.
  4. The report was submitting yesterday incomplete.

Explanation

Submitted yesterday is a reduced passive relative clause meaning that was submitted yesterday, and it correctly modifies report. The other forms use the wrong participle or place the modifier incorrectly.

Question 49Literacy

The study's results were ___ by later experiments, which produced the same findings.

  1. corroborated Correct answer.
  2. contradicted
  3. refuted
  4. undermined

Explanation

Corroborated means supported or confirmed, which fits later experiments producing the same findings. Refuted, contradicted, and undermined all mean weakened or opposed.

Question 50Literacy

The city should ban cars from the downtown because pedestrian injuries have risen there. Which assumption does the argument rely on?

  1. All pedestrian injuries occur downtown.
  2. Public transportation is always free.
  3. Banning cars would reduce pedestrian injuries downtown. Correct answer.
  4. Drivers never obey traffic laws.

Explanation

The argument recommends a car ban as a response to rising pedestrian injuries, so it assumes that the ban would actually reduce those injuries. Without that link, the recommendation does not follow.