Mastering vocabulary is one of the most crucial elements of success in the Duolingo English Test (DET). Among the various question types, the Word Selection is particularly vocabulary-intensive. This task challenges test-takers to distinguish real English words from non-words, making a strong vocabulary not just helpful—but essential.

Expanding vocabulary isn’t about memorizing long lists of words; it’s about learning smart and practicing consistently. Let’s explore practical and effective tips to grow a solid vocabulary bank, especially tailored for the Duolingo test.

1. Read Every Day – With Purpose

Exposure to rich and diverse content improves vocabulary naturally. Reading materials such as online articles, short stories, editorials, and academic journals builds word recognition and context understanding.

Tip: Focus on reading content slightly above current skill level to push boundaries and learn new words.

2. Use a Thematic Word List

Organize vocabulary by themes like education, technology, environment, or health. The Duolingo test often includes words from specific academic or day-to-day contexts, so studying words in categories makes retention easier and more test-relevant.

Example Themes:

Academic: thesis, curriculum, hypothesis
Daily Life: groceries, commute, appliance

3. Learn Roots, Prefixes & Suffixes

Understanding how words are formed helps decode unfamiliar vocabulary. For example:

Prefix: un- (meaning not) → unhappy
Suffix: -able (meaning capable of) → readable
Root: scrib (meaning write) → describe, inscribe

Recognizing word parts enables educated guessing during the test.

4. Play Word Games Regularly

Games like Scrabble, Wordle, Boggle, or vocabulary quiz apps can turn vocabulary building into a fun routine. These are especially helpful for reinforcing spelling, pronunciation, and recall under pressure.

5. Use Flashcards with Examples

Apps like Anki, Quizlet, or even handmade flashcards help in memorizing difficult words. Always include an example sentence to understand context rather than just definitions.

Example:
**Word: “Reluctant” Meaning: Unwilling or hesitant Sentence:** She was reluctant to speak in front of the class.

6. Practice Word Selection Daily

Simulating the actual test format is vital. Try identifying real English words from mixed lists. This strengthens familiarity with real vs. made-up words, the exact skill tested in Duolingo Word Selection tasks.

7. Listen Actively to English Media

Podcasts, YouTube interviews, TED Talks, and audiobooks expose learners to vocabulary in spoken form. Hearing how words are used in real-life situations boosts retention and pronunciation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cramming Word Lists: Learning hundreds of words without context is ineffective. Focus on usage and examples.

Ignoring Pronunciation: Mispronouncing words can lead to confusion and affect performance in speaking sections too.

Not Reviewing Learned Words: Vocabulary needs regular revision. Without spaced repetition, words are easily forgotten.

Over-relying on Translation: Think in English when learning words. Avoid translating everything from the native language.

FAQs

Q1. What kind of words are asked in Duolingo Word Selection? The test includes commonly used English words (not overly technical or rare). Words are often from academic, daily, and conversational contexts.

Q2. How many words should be selected in the Word Selection task? There is no fixed number. Choose only the real English words from the list—selecting a non-word may result in a penalty.

Q3. Are plurals or different tenses considered new words? Yes, different forms like "run" and "running" or "mouse" and "mice" are treated as individual valid words. Recognize them all during practice.

Q4. How to know if a word is fake? Practice with word lists and develop an eye for root patterns. Over time, non-words start to look obviously wrong due to unnatural spellings or structures.

Q5. How to improve vocabulary quickly before the test? Focus on high-frequency word lists, practice with real test simulations, and revise regularly using spaced repetition tools.

Final Thoughts

Building vocabulary for Duolingo’s Word Selection task is not about learning "big" words—it’s about understanding and identifying real words confidently. Consistent reading, smart use of tools, and regular practice can make a huge difference in test performance.

Platforms like Gurully offer free Duolingo practice tests that include vocabulary-building tools and question types similar to the actual exam. It's a great place to start applying these tips in a test-like environment.

Also Read:

How To Build List of Vocabulary for Duolingo English Test

Tips for Expanding Your Vocabulary for Duolingo Word Selection