Hi everyone, just a couple of words about the attitude of DET to the so-called “templates”. This question interests a lot of candidates, especially those who are prone to using various templates for every kind of test in their lives:) I remember some students of mine who tried to reproduce their favourite templates from IELTS Writing for Duolingo Writing. You want to know the result?))
The result was that the guys got an outstanding message from DET about half a day from the actual test. The email ran something like “Sorry, but we cannot certify your test for the excessive use of pre-learned templates. Please re-sit the test and try to use your own words and phrases”.
I think this email pretty much paints the whole picture. Based upon my tutoring experience (and it is extensive), I can recommend you to avoid using any kind of templates apart from one crucial approach of borrowing rich and beautiful collocations from literature, other guys’ essays and all types of written articles. But this is another kettle of water. This topic we work out in depth with my students during our online tutorig sessions of Duolingo test preparation.
So, if your previous experience whispers to your ear something like “use these templates in your Duolingo test” – whisper gently in response “My dear experience, I will better focus and express my ideas in a written form right out of my own mind, without any standard forms – I can be unique and score high at DET!”))
OK, friends, if you search for a highly skilled linguistic coach who can help you to achieve success at Duolingo English Test, feel free to drop me a line and enroll in our online sessions! I have helped hundreds of students get a high score at DET…