Introduction

The Duolingo English Test (DET) challenges test-takers with its adaptive 'Read and Complete' questions, which assess grammar, vocabulary, and contextual understanding under tight time constraints. Scoring 140+ demands more than fluency—it requires precision in decoding gaps, inferring word types, and mastering American English spelling.

At Dreamy DET, we've reverse-engineered these questions using insights from top scorers. This guide breaks down a proven 5-step strategy, enriched with real examples and free tools to help you avoid costly mistakes. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Skim the Passage for Context

Before filling gaps, quickly read the entire text to grasp its tone (formal, informal) and theme.

Example:

A passage titled 'Heritage Tourism' might include words like 'historical,' “preservation,' or 'cultural.' Use this context to predict missing terms.

Dreamy DET Tool:
Our Adaptive Read & Complete Drills simulate real-test passages with instant feedback on theme identification.

Step 2: Analyze Words Before & After the Gap

Top scorers dissect grammar clues:

• Noun gaps: Look for articles (a/an/the) or adjectives nearby.
• Verb gaps: Check subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'supports' → third-person singular).
• Adjective/Adverb gaps: Identify descriptive contexts.

Case Study:

'Caving, also known as spelunking, involves exploring ______ landscapes.'

• Clues: 'Exploring' (verb) + 'landscapes' (noun) → Adjective needed.
• Answer: Subterranean (American spelling!).

Step 3: Prioritize American English Spelling

The DET penalizes British spellings in fill-in-the-blank tasks. Common pitfalls:

• Traveler (US) vs. Traveller (UK)
• Color (US) vs. Colour (UK)

Dreamy DET Solution:
Use our Vocabulary Checker Tool to practice 50+ US/UK spelling differences flagged in DET exams.

Step 4: Validate Answers with Reverse-Reading

After filling gaps, reread the passage to ensure:

• Logical flow (e.g., 'not only… but also” structures).
• Grammatical consistency (e.g., plural nouns, verb tenses).

Common Mistake:

Incorrectly writing 'transfers' instead of 'travelers' due to misinterpreting context.

Step 5: Drill with Timed Practice

Allocate 3 minutes per question during practice to build speed.

Dreamy DET Tests:

• Timed Read & Complete Challenges: Simulates exam pressure with detailed analytics.
• Pro Tip: Download our Free Answer Templates for common structures like 'not only… but also.'

Final Tip: Focus on High-Value Words

Prioritize gaps with 2-3 starting letters (e.g., 'hist______' → historical). These often yield quicker wins than single-letter clues.

See the scores students get after using Dreamy DET strategy：

Ready to practice? Tackle our Advanced Read & Complete Pack with all the curated questions and video walkthroughs.