What's a Real English Word? Duolingo English Test

Hi 👋 Teacher Luke here,

Is the vocabulary question on the Duolingo English Test making you nervous?

Image source: englishtest.duolingo.com/prepare

Don't worry! Here are my top tips to help you master this question 💪

🤔 What's a Real English Word?

First things first, "what is a 'real' word?" I get asked this question a lot!

Don't overthink it!

A real English word is simply a word with a meaning. For example,

• Love = ❤️
• cactus = 🌵
• construction = 🏗

Unreal words are words that do not have a meaning. For example,

• valatie ❌
• trovan ❌
• prinanter ❌

These unreal words look like English words, but they're not because they do not have a meaning.

You will see 18 words (real and unreal), and you need to identify and select the real English words.

✅ Strategies

Understanding the DET vocabulary section is vital. Here's how to succeed:

• Be Ready: As soon as you see the question, the one-minute timer will begin. So be alert!
• All Word Categories Matter: Verbs, adjectives, adverbs, plurals are all 'real'. Select any word that is real. For example, swim, swam, swims, swimming
• Don't Guess: Do not guess because all words in the list (real and unreal) follow English spelling rules. It is therefore impossible to guess whether a word is real or not. Just select the words you know are real.
• Double Check Your Answers: Always review your answers; it can make all the difference!
• Build Your Vocabulary: Keep learning new words. Websites like the Oxford Learner's Dictionary and the Duolingo app can help. 📚
• Practice with a Timer: Try practicing under real-time constraints at practice.detready.com

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Don't just take the test – MASTER it! 💪

I can't wait to hear about your high scores.

Teacher Luke