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 changes do you think are most important for creating a more sustainable future? Give specific examples and explain your reasoning.
30s to prepare · 3:00 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
I believe the most important change would be... · This matters because... · For example... · At the same time... · Ultimately, I think...
Show Model Response
I believe the most important change we need for a more sustainable future is a fundamental shift in how we generate and consume energy, moving decisively away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This matters because energy production is responsible for such a massive share of global greenhouse gas emissions that almost no other single change would have as significant an impact.
For example, countries that have invested heavily in renewable infrastructure, like several nations in Northern Europe, have managed to reduce their carbon emissions dramatically over the past two decades while still maintaining strong, functioning economies. This proves that sustainability and economic growth aren't necessarily opposing goals, as some people tend to assume; they can actually work hand in hand when there's genuine political will and long-term investment behind the transition.
At the same time, I think this energy shift needs to be paired with changes to how cities are designed. Sprawling urban areas that force people to rely almost entirely on cars for every errand generate far more emissions than compact, walkable cities with strong public transportation systems. Investing in better urban planning would reduce emissions while also improving air quality and overall quality of life for residents.
Beyond energy and infrastructure, I also think we need meaningful changes to global food systems, since industrial agriculture and mass deforestation contribute enormously to environmental degradation. Encouraging more sustainable farming practices, and honestly, even shifting some consumption habits toward less resource-intensive foods, could meaningfully reduce the pressure we're putting on ecosystems worldwide.
Of course, none of these changes happen overnight, and there are real economic and political obstacles standing in the way, particularly for industries and workers whose livelihoods currently depend on fossil fuels or unsustainable practices. That transition needs to be handled fairly and gradually.
Ultimately, though, I think the scale of the climate challenge means we can't afford to wait for perfect solutions. Making consistent, large-scale progress on energy, urban planning, and agriculture together would move us substantially closer to a genuinely sustainable future.
For example, countries that have invested heavily in renewable infrastructure, like several nations in Northern Europe, have managed to reduce their carbon emissions dramatically over the past two decades while still maintaining strong, functioning economies. This proves that sustainability and economic growth aren't necessarily opposing goals, as some people tend to assume; they can actually work hand in hand when there's genuine political will and long-term investment behind the transition.
At the same time, I think this energy shift needs to be paired with changes to how cities are designed. Sprawling urban areas that force people to rely almost entirely on cars for every errand generate far more emissions than compact, walkable cities with strong public transportation systems. Investing in better urban planning would reduce emissions while also improving air quality and overall quality of life for residents.
Beyond energy and infrastructure, I also think we need meaningful changes to global food systems, since industrial agriculture and mass deforestation contribute enormously to environmental degradation. Encouraging more sustainable farming practices, and honestly, even shifting some consumption habits toward less resource-intensive foods, could meaningfully reduce the pressure we're putting on ecosystems worldwide.
Of course, none of these changes happen overnight, and there are real economic and political obstacles standing in the way, particularly for industries and workers whose livelihoods currently depend on fossil fuels or unsustainable practices. That transition needs to be handled fairly and gradually.
Ultimately, though, I think the scale of the climate challenge means we can't afford to wait for perfect solutions. Making consistent, large-scale progress on energy, urban planning, and agriculture together would move us substantially closer to a genuinely sustainable future.