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Episode: Duolingo English Test Prep Course: Mastering Fill in the Blanks

Author: DETPractice.com
Duration: 00:13:23

Episode Shownotes

Welcome to Duolingo English Test Prep Hub, this episode focuses on the Fill in the Blanks question type in the Duolingo English Test. It covers the question format, importance, and various problem-solving techniques to help test-takers improve their performance. The episode provides detailed explanations and example questions to enhance understanding

and preparation for this crucial test part. Text-based version: DET Prep Course: Fill in the Blanks Brought to you by DETPractice, your one-stop Duolingo English Test Prep Platform.

Full Transcript

00:00:00 Speaker_00
All right, so today we are diving into the fill-in-the-blanks section of the Duolingo English test.

00:00:07 Speaker_00
I know test prep might not sound like fun, but this prep guide you sent over, it's got some really cool strategies that can help you be a better English speaker overall. Think of it like a mental workout for your language skills.

00:00:23 Speaker_02
Yeah, this section of the test is really interesting because it goes beyond just vocabulary. It's about quickly making sense of information and applying logic, which are valuable skills in everyday life.

00:00:39 Speaker_00
Be on test day.

00:00:40 Speaker_02
Absolutely.

00:00:40 Speaker_00
All right, so picture this. You've got a sentence, max 20 words, with a word missing, some letters, and you have a mere 20 seconds to fill in that blank.

00:00:55 Speaker_02
20 seconds.

00:00:55 Speaker_00
Talk about pressure.

00:00:57 Speaker_02
That is pressure.

00:00:59 Speaker_00
And you're going to face this challenge six to nine times throughout the test.

00:01:04 Speaker_02
All right. It's designed to test. your ability to think on your feet. We can break down some techniques to help you stay calm when that countdown starts ticking.

00:01:15 Speaker_00
So the guide really emphasizes understanding the context of the sentence. And they give an example about the word wickedness.

00:01:22 Speaker_02
Wickedness.

00:01:23 Speaker_00
undermining social cohesion.

00:01:26 Speaker_02
Oh, interesting.

00:01:27 Speaker_00
And I honestly, when I first saw that example, I don't think I would have thought of that word right away.

00:01:31 Speaker_02
Right.

00:01:32 Speaker_00
But when you see it in the context of the entire sentence.

00:01:35 Speaker_02
Right.

00:01:35 Speaker_00
It clicks.

00:01:36 Speaker_02
That's because the sentence itself gives you clues.

00:01:40 Speaker_01
Okay.

00:01:40 Speaker_02
If you can grasp the overall message.

00:01:43 Speaker_01
Yeah.

00:01:43 Speaker_02
You can often kind of predict the missing word.

00:01:47 Speaker_01
Right.

00:01:48 Speaker_02
even if you don't know the exact word.

00:01:50 Speaker_01
Okay.

00:01:50 Speaker_02
It's like a logic puzzle.

00:01:51 Speaker_00
Yeah.

00:01:52 Speaker_02
Where you use process of elimination to figure out the answer.

00:01:56 Speaker_00
And it's not even just helpful for tests. Yeah. Like imagine reading a complex news article. Right. Or a contract. Yeah. With all that legal jargon. Oh, yeah. This skill can really help you- Absolutely. Decode those texts. For sure.

00:02:10 Speaker_00
But what happens if the context isn't obvious?

00:02:13 Speaker_02
That's a great question. Are we doomed?

00:02:17 Speaker_00
Not at all. The guide also talks about zeroing in on keywords. So there's an example about election votes, and just seeing the words votes and winner, you can pretty much tell that the missing word has to be something like outnumber.

00:02:35 Speaker_02
Like a word association, you see one word, your brain starts making connections.

00:02:40 Speaker_00
Makes those connections.

00:02:41 Speaker_02
So for this technique, wouldn't you say you have to have a decent vocabulary?

00:02:45 Speaker_00
It definitely helps to have a strong vocabulary, but even with a limited vocabulary,

00:02:51 Speaker_02
Identifying keywords can still point you in the right direction.

00:02:54 Speaker_00
Okay.

00:02:55 Speaker_02
And that actually leads to the next technique.

00:02:56 Speaker_00
All right.

00:02:57 Speaker_02
Logical inference.

00:02:58 Speaker_00
Okay.

00:02:59 Speaker_02
Remember that example with the soccer game?

00:03:01 Speaker_00
The one where there was rain?

00:03:02 Speaker_02
Yeah, with the rain.

00:03:03 Speaker_00
Yeah.

00:03:03 Speaker_02
And the sentence was talking about a huge something showing up despite the downpour.

00:03:10 Speaker_00
Yeah. And you can tell just from- Even without seeing the word. It has to be crowd.

00:03:14 Speaker_02
Exactly crowd.

00:03:15 Speaker_00
Yeah.

00:03:16 Speaker_02
It's like your brain fills in the blank.

00:03:18 Speaker_01
Yeah.

00:03:18 Speaker_02
Based on what makes sense.

00:03:19 Speaker_01
Yeah.

00:03:20 Speaker_02
In the situation.

00:03:21 Speaker_01
Yeah.

00:03:21 Speaker_02
So it's using common sense.

00:03:23 Speaker_00
Right.

00:03:23 Speaker_02
And the information you have.

00:03:25 Speaker_00
OK.

00:03:26 Speaker_02
To figure out the most logical solution.

00:03:27 Speaker_00
And this is useful in everyday life.

00:03:29 Speaker_02
Absolutely.

00:03:30 Speaker_00
To not just tests.

00:03:31 Speaker_02
Whether you're interpreting instructions. Right. Or trying to figure out a cryptic text message. Or just making sense of the world around you.

00:03:41 Speaker_00
So we've got context, keywords, logic. It's like, we're detectives.

00:03:47 Speaker_02
We are linguistic detectives.

00:03:48 Speaker_00
But let's be real. OK. Sometimes you stare at the blank and your mind just goes blank.

00:03:54 Speaker_02
It happens.

00:03:54 Speaker_00
Yeah.

00:03:55 Speaker_02
So that's when understanding word classes can be super helpful.

00:04:00 Speaker_01
Right.

00:04:01 Speaker_02
So the guide uses an example where the sentence discusses pondering life's purpose and then compares it to a personal something.

00:04:11 Speaker_01
Right.

00:04:12 Speaker_02
But that missing word comes after the adjective, personal. So you know you need a noun.

00:04:17 Speaker_00
And then philosophy fits perfectly.

00:04:19 Speaker_02
Philosophy, perfect fit, both in meaning and dramatically.

00:04:24 Speaker_00
It's like we've got a secret decoder ring.

00:04:27 Speaker_02
Exactly. For English grammar.

00:04:29 Speaker_00
It helps you narrow down the possibilities.

00:04:31 Speaker_02
Okay.

00:04:32 Speaker_00
And speaking of decoding, don't forget about word roots and affixes. Right. Even if you don't recognize a word right away, breaking it down can give you clues.

00:04:45 Speaker_02
Like that example.

00:04:46 Speaker_00
About the painter feeling pleased with her work.

00:04:49 Speaker_02
Oh, right.

00:04:50 Speaker_00
You can just feel the satisfaction. You can feel it. Through that word, what if you don't have all of the root words?

00:04:58 Speaker_02
Well, the guide actually suggests familiarizing yourself with common prefixes and suffixes that are often tested on the Duolingo English test.

00:05:08 Speaker_00
So it's about recognizing patterns.

00:05:10 Speaker_02
Exactly.

00:05:11 Speaker_00
And using those patterns to make educated guesses.

00:05:15 Speaker_02
That's right.

00:05:16 Speaker_00
This is starting to feel less like test prep and more like a crash course.

00:05:22 Speaker_02
I like that.

00:05:22 Speaker_00
And being an English language ninja.

00:05:24 Speaker_02
That's a great way to put it.

00:05:25 Speaker_00
Right.

00:05:25 Speaker_02
It's like you're building up your linguistic toolbox. And just like any tool, the more you use it, the better you get.

00:05:33 Speaker_00
The more skilled you become.

00:05:34 Speaker_02
Exactly. Yeah. Okay, so we've got all these techniques, but I'm all about seeing these things in action. Absolutely.

00:05:43 Speaker_00
Let's apply these strategies to real examples from the guide.

00:05:48 Speaker_00
So remember that example where someone needed to get party invitations out quickly, and the sentence talked about spreading the word fast, and we had to figure out the missing word to describe how to distribute those invitations? I remember that one.

00:06:05 Speaker_00
It's like the sentence is practically screaming for the word circulate.

00:06:11 Speaker_02
Yes, circulate just fits perfectly in that context. So that's a great example of how even if you don't know the exact word right off the bat, the contest can guide you to the right answer.

00:06:24 Speaker_00
Like the sentence is giving you a little nudge in the right direction.

00:06:29 Speaker_02
I like that.

00:06:29 Speaker_00
Okay.

00:06:30 Speaker_02
Okay. Let's try another one.

00:06:31 Speaker_00
Let's try another one.

00:06:33 Speaker_02
How about the one where it's talking about feeling energized after a good meal?

00:06:37 Speaker_00
Yeah, after a good meal. So that's a good illustration of logical inference.

00:06:41 Speaker_02
Right, because the whole sentence is about how the meal fuels you for the rest of the day.

00:06:48 Speaker_00
So even if you're not familiar with the word energize, you can kind of figure it out based on the context.

00:06:55 Speaker_02
Party meal equals energy.

00:06:57 Speaker_00
Yeah, it's like a little equation for your well-being.

00:07:01 Speaker_02
All right, you ready for another one?

00:07:04 Speaker_00
I think so. Hit me.

00:07:06 Speaker_02
How about the example about the film that uses a storm to symbolize a character's inner turmoil?

00:07:14 Speaker_00
Oh, yeah. That one's a little trickier.

00:07:17 Speaker_02
That one's a little trickier.

00:07:18 Speaker_00
Yeah.

00:07:18 Speaker_02
But it's a good illustration of how breaking down the word, using root words and affixes can be so helpful.

00:07:29 Speaker_00
Because I remember for that example.

00:07:30 Speaker_02
I kind of stumbled on the word symbolically.

00:07:34 Speaker_00
Symbolically.

00:07:35 Speaker_02
Like I didn't immediately get it.

00:07:37 Speaker_00
Yeah. That's not a word you use every day. Yeah. But you probably recognize the word symbol.

00:07:42 Speaker_02
Yeah.

00:07:42 Speaker_00
And then the Ossically tells us that it's describing how the storm was used.

00:07:46 Speaker_02
Yeah, it all kind of clicks into place.

00:07:49 Speaker_00
It clicks into place.

00:07:51 Speaker_02
When you break down that word.

00:07:52 Speaker_00
Yeah, it's secret.

00:07:52 Speaker_02
Okay, let's do one more.

00:07:53 Speaker_00
One more.

00:07:53 Speaker_02
That example about personal philosophy, where the missing word came after.

00:07:58 Speaker_00
Right, it went after personal.

00:08:00 Speaker_02
And I remember, I was like, Okay, it has to be a noun.

00:08:04 Speaker_00
A noun, yes. Philosophy.

00:08:06 Speaker_02
And then boom, philosophy.

00:08:07 Speaker_00
Just popped in my head.

00:08:09 Speaker_02
Pops right in.

00:08:09 Speaker_00
Yeah.

00:08:10 Speaker_02
So that's a good example of word class matching. Understanding how the word functions within this sentence can really help you narrow things down.

00:08:22 Speaker_00
So we've seen all these techniques in action and they can help someone ace the Duolingo English test. Sure. But what I find really cool is that these strategies can help anyone become a better communicator.

00:08:38 Speaker_02
I completely agree.

00:08:39 Speaker_00
These aren't just test taking tricks, they're tools to empower you to be a better user of language.

00:08:46 Speaker_02
Absolutely.

00:08:47 Speaker_00
Imagine being able to confidently decipher a complex text.

00:08:51 Speaker_02
That'd be great.

00:08:52 Speaker_00
Express your thoughts clearly, even hold your own in a debate.

00:08:57 Speaker_02
Yeah, all thanks to a little language detective work.

00:09:00 Speaker_00
You know, some people might feel a little intimidated by these techniques, especially if English isn't their first language.

00:09:07 Speaker_02
It's understandable.

00:09:08 Speaker_00
What would you say to encourage them?

00:09:11 Speaker_02
I would say, don't be discouraged. Think of it like learning any skill it takes. Practice patience, but the rewards are worth it.

00:09:21 Speaker_00
Right. And these techniques can actually be more beneficial for non-native speakers.

00:09:26 Speaker_02
Absolutely.

00:09:27 Speaker_00
Because it gives them a framework for approaching the language.

00:09:31 Speaker_02
Like a roadmap.

00:09:32 Speaker_00
Yeah, it's like a roadmap.

00:09:33 Speaker_02
For navigating English.

00:09:34 Speaker_00
Yeah. And the more you use them, the more intuitive they become.

00:09:38 Speaker_02
Right. It's like learning to ride a bike.

00:09:40 Speaker_00
OK.

00:09:40 Speaker_02
At first it feels awkward and wobbly.

00:09:43 Speaker_00
Right.

00:09:43 Speaker_02
But then it becomes like second nature.

00:09:47 Speaker_00
Yeah. I love that analogy.

00:09:49 Speaker_02
It's all about building confidence and fluency.

00:09:51 Speaker_00
Yes.

00:09:52 Speaker_02
Through practice. Through practice. Yeah.

00:09:54 Speaker_00
And you might even discover a new appreciation for the language.

00:09:58 Speaker_02
A love of language.

00:09:59 Speaker_00
And along the way.

00:10:00 Speaker_02
Yeah, you never know what you'll discover.

00:10:03 Speaker_00
So we've really explored a lot of techniques for this fill in the blank section. But what's really striking me is how these techniques go way beyond just a test.

00:10:13 Speaker_01
Right.

00:10:13 Speaker_00
They really empower you to become a more confident and insightful user of language.

00:10:21 Speaker_02
That's a great point.

00:10:21 Speaker_00
Like in any language.

00:10:23 Speaker_02
I think that's a really brilliant observation.

00:10:25 Speaker_00
Really?

00:10:25 Speaker_02
These techniques are really tapping into fundamental principles of communication and critical thinking that go beyond any specific language or test.

00:10:34 Speaker_00
It's like we're unlocking these secret doorways in our mind to find new ways to approach information and problem solving and even creativity.

00:10:45 Speaker_02
And the more you practice these techniques, the more they become a part of how you think and how you process information.

00:10:51 Speaker_00
It's like we're building mental muscles for language, comprehension, and expression. So whether you're trying to get a top score on the Duolingo test, or you're just trying to navigate a tricky email at work, or even making sense of a news article.

00:11:07 Speaker_02
All of that.

00:11:08 Speaker_00
These strategies can really help level up your communication game.

00:11:12 Speaker_02
And remember, language learning is a journey, not a destination.

00:11:16 Speaker_00
So true.

00:11:17 Speaker_02
There's always more to discover.

00:11:19 Speaker_00
Speaking of journeys, you know, we've talked a lot about context being key to understanding language, but what about the context of our own lives?

00:11:29 Speaker_02
Oh, that's an interesting question.

00:11:31 Speaker_00
Where do you see these techniques being valuable?

00:11:35 Speaker_02
Yeah, I think these skills are really important. Anytime clear communication and critical thinking are essential,

00:11:42 Speaker_00
Like in the workplace.

00:11:44 Speaker_02
Oh, absolutely.

00:11:45 Speaker_00
For example, imagine being able to quickly grasp the nuances of a report.

00:11:50 Speaker_02
Right.

00:11:50 Speaker_00
Or confidently decode a client's needs in a meeting.

00:11:54 Speaker_02
Yeah, that would be a game changer.

00:11:56 Speaker_00
Or even in our personal relationships.

00:11:58 Speaker_02
Oh, for sure.

00:11:58 Speaker_00
Being able to truly understand someone else's perspective.

00:12:03 Speaker_02
Right, to read between the lines.

00:12:05 Speaker_00
Yes. It's like, we have superpowers.

00:12:08 Speaker_02
Superpowers for connection.

00:12:09 Speaker_00
For human connection.

00:12:11 Speaker_02
That's a good one.

00:12:12 Speaker_00
And it all comes back to these techniques we've been talking about, you know?

00:12:15 Speaker_02
Paying attention to context.

00:12:17 Speaker_00
Yes.

00:12:18 Speaker_02
Identifying key information.

00:12:20 Speaker_00
Using logic.

00:12:21 Speaker_02
Using logic to fill in those gaps.

00:12:23 Speaker_00
And just recognizing how words work together to make meaning.

00:12:28 Speaker_02
Exactly.

00:12:29 Speaker_00
And these skills are constantly evolving.

00:12:32 Speaker_02
They are. They're always growing. And the more we use them, it's like a positive feedback loop for your brain.

00:12:41 Speaker_00
For your brain.

00:12:42 Speaker_02
Yeah.

00:12:42 Speaker_00
So to all our listeners out there, we challenge you to take these techniques beyond the test.

00:12:50 Speaker_02
Beyond the test.

00:12:51 Speaker_00
Apply them to the world around you.

00:12:54 Speaker_02
To your everyday life.

00:12:55 Speaker_00
and see how they can enhance your communication, deepen your understanding, and maybe even spark a little bit of linguistic joy.

00:13:03 Speaker_02
I love that, a little linguistic joy.

00:13:06 Speaker_00
Along the way.

00:13:07 Speaker_02
That's what it's all about.

00:13:08 Speaker_00
And if you stumble upon any fascinating language puzzles, be sure to share them with us.

00:13:14 Speaker_02
Yeah, we'd love to hear from you.

00:13:15 Speaker_00
We're always excited to dive into new linguistic adventures.

00:13:19 Speaker_02
We are.

00:13:20 Speaker_00
Until next time, happy exploring.