How to practice: This set collects only the Speaking Sample question type from the real DET (Duolingo English Test), covering DET Speaking questions. No grading and no timer, so solve it yourself, then tap each question to reveal the answer or model response.
Q1
What is your favorite meal, and do you enjoy cooking? Why or why not?
30s to prepare · 3:00 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
I think... · One reason is... · For example... · On top of that... · Overall...
Show Model Response
I think my favorite meal has to be a simple pasta with tomato sauce, garlic, and lots of fresh vegetables. It's not fancy at all, but honestly, there's something about a warm bowl of pasta that just makes me feel comfortable, especially after a long, tiring day. And yes, I really do enjoy cooking, for quite a few reasons actually.
One reason is that cooking helps me relax in a way that few other activities can. When I'm chopping vegetables or stirring a sauce, I have to focus on exactly what I'm doing in that moment, which means I can't really think about work stress or anything else that's bothering me. It's almost like a form of meditation, except at the end of it, I get to eat something delicious.
For example, every Sunday afternoon, I try to set aside an hour or two just to cook something new. Sometimes I follow a recipe I found online, and sometimes I just experiment with whatever ingredients I happen to have in the fridge. I still remember the first time I successfully made a curry from scratch without a recipe. It wasn't perfect, but I felt so proud of myself.
On top of that, cooking has made me a lot more conscious about what I eat. When you make your own food, you know exactly what's going into it, so it becomes much easier to eat healthier and avoid the excess salt, sugar, and preservatives you often find in processed food.
Overall, I'd say cooking is more than just a way to feed myself. It's become a genuine hobby, something I look forward to, and honestly one of the best ways I know to unwind after a hectic week. And of course, sharing a home-cooked meal with family or friends makes the whole experience even more rewarding.
One reason is that cooking helps me relax in a way that few other activities can. When I'm chopping vegetables or stirring a sauce, I have to focus on exactly what I'm doing in that moment, which means I can't really think about work stress or anything else that's bothering me. It's almost like a form of meditation, except at the end of it, I get to eat something delicious.
For example, every Sunday afternoon, I try to set aside an hour or two just to cook something new. Sometimes I follow a recipe I found online, and sometimes I just experiment with whatever ingredients I happen to have in the fridge. I still remember the first time I successfully made a curry from scratch without a recipe. It wasn't perfect, but I felt so proud of myself.
On top of that, cooking has made me a lot more conscious about what I eat. When you make your own food, you know exactly what's going into it, so it becomes much easier to eat healthier and avoid the excess salt, sugar, and preservatives you often find in processed food.
Overall, I'd say cooking is more than just a way to feed myself. It's become a genuine hobby, something I look forward to, and honestly one of the best ways I know to unwind after a hectic week. And of course, sharing a home-cooked meal with family or friends makes the whole experience even more rewarding.