Duolingo English Test Write About the Photo Practice #11 — Upper Level

Free DET (Duolingo English Test) Write About the Photo practice #11 — Upper level. Just DET Writing questions, no grading — solve it yourself and check the answer or model response.

How to practice: This set collects only the Write About the Photo question type from the real DET (Duolingo English Test) — DET Writing questions. No grading, no timer — solve it yourself, then tap each question to reveal the answer or model response.
Q1
A busy newsroom with rows of journalists working at monitors. Some are on phone calls, others are typing rapidly. A large digital display on the wall shows brea
Describe what you see in this photo.
Show Model Answer
This photo captures the controlled urgency of a modern newsroom. Rows of journalists are seated at workstations, some engaged in phone conversations while others are focused on their screens. A prominent digital display mounted on the wall broadcasts live breaking news headlines, indicating that the team is responding to a developing story. The atmosphere conveys both professionalism and pressure. This kind of environment is where editorial decisions are made rapidly, balancing the need for speed with the equally important obligation to verify information before publication. The image reflects the demanding nature of contemporary journalism.
Q2
A street protest with a diverse crowd of people holding handwritten signs with messages about free press and media transparency. Some protesters are being filme
Describe what you see in this photo.
Show Model Answer
The photo depicts a public demonstration centered on issues of press freedom and media accountability. A diverse group of protesters fills the street, many holding handwritten signs with messages advocating for transparency in media and the protection of independent journalism. Several journalists are visible at the edges of the crowd, capturing the event on camera, which creates an interesting layering — the media covering a protest about the media itself. The presence of city buildings in the background grounds the scene in an urban context, suggesting this is a large, organized civic demonstration rather than a spontaneous gathering. The image raises important questions about the relationship between public trust and journalistic institutions.
Q3
A person sitting on a couch, scrolling through a news app on their phone. The room is dimly lit and several browser tabs are visible on a laptop open on the cof
Describe what you see in this photo.
Show Model Answer
This photo presents a scene that is immediately recognizable to many people in the digital age. A person is seated on a couch in a dimly lit room, scrolling through a news application on their smartphone. A laptop on the adjacent coffee table shows multiple open browser tabs, suggesting that this individual is cross-referencing several sources rather than relying on a single outlet. The person's expression — thoughtful and mildly concerned — hints at the emotional weight that constant news consumption can carry. The image speaks to the challenge of information overload: the sheer volume of digital content available today requires active critical thinking to navigate responsibly, a skill that media literacy advocates argue should be taught formally.

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