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
Describe the ideal city and what features it should have to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
30s to prepare · 3:00 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
To me, the ideal city would... · First and foremost... · It should also have... · Just as important is... · Ultimately...
Show Model Response
To me, the ideal city would be one that successfully balances convenience, sustainability, and a genuine sense of community, because honestly, a city can have impressive buildings and a strong economy and still feel like an unpleasant place to actually live if those three things are missing.
First and foremost, I think an ideal city needs excellent public transportation. Nothing frustrates people more than spending hours stuck in traffic every single day, so a reliable network of buses, trains, and bike lanes would make daily commuting far less stressful, while also reducing pollution and traffic congestion at the same time.
It should also have plenty of accessible green spaces, like parks, community gardens, and walking trails, spread throughout different neighborhoods rather than concentrated in just one wealthy area. These spaces give people a place to relax, exercise, and socialize, and honestly, they make a huge difference to overall quality of life and mental health, especially in a busy urban environment.
Just as important is affordable housing and strong public services, including good schools, accessible healthcare, and safe neighborhoods. A city might look impressive on the surface, but if regular working families can't afford to live comfortably there, or if children don't have access to a decent education, then it's failing at one of its most basic responsibilities.
Beyond the practical features, I also think an ideal city needs to actively encourage community, through things like local markets, cultural events, and public spaces where neighbors can actually interact with one another, rather than everyone staying isolated in their own homes and only interacting with a phone screen.
Ultimately, I believe a truly great city isn't just measured by its skyline or its economic output, but by whether an average family can live there comfortably, raise children safely, build genuine relationships with their neighbors, and actually enjoy their day-to-day life, not just survive it.
First and foremost, I think an ideal city needs excellent public transportation. Nothing frustrates people more than spending hours stuck in traffic every single day, so a reliable network of buses, trains, and bike lanes would make daily commuting far less stressful, while also reducing pollution and traffic congestion at the same time.
It should also have plenty of accessible green spaces, like parks, community gardens, and walking trails, spread throughout different neighborhoods rather than concentrated in just one wealthy area. These spaces give people a place to relax, exercise, and socialize, and honestly, they make a huge difference to overall quality of life and mental health, especially in a busy urban environment.
Just as important is affordable housing and strong public services, including good schools, accessible healthcare, and safe neighborhoods. A city might look impressive on the surface, but if regular working families can't afford to live comfortably there, or if children don't have access to a decent education, then it's failing at one of its most basic responsibilities.
Beyond the practical features, I also think an ideal city needs to actively encourage community, through things like local markets, cultural events, and public spaces where neighbors can actually interact with one another, rather than everyone staying isolated in their own homes and only interacting with a phone screen.
Ultimately, I believe a truly great city isn't just measured by its skyline or its economic output, but by whether an average family can live there comfortably, raise children safely, build genuine relationships with their neighbors, and actually enjoy their day-to-day life, not just survive it.