How We Teach – The DET Success Method

The DET Challenge: You have very little time (30-90 seconds) to speak or write. The algorithm rewards “content relevance.” Being generic kills your score.

1. The Specificity Spectrum (Photo Description):

• Generic (Score 90): “I see a woman. She is outside.”
• Standard (Score 105): “I see a woman walking in a park. She looks happy.”
• Specific (Score 120): “A young woman is strolling leisurely through a crowded park, looking cheerful.”
• Advanced (Score 130+): “In the foreground, a young woman is strolling leisurely along a path. The golden lighting suggests it is late afternoon, and her casual attire implies she is enjoying a relaxed weekend.”

2. The “3-Second Rule” for Speaking

On Duolingo, you cannot hesitate. We teach you how to identify the “Anchor Subject” in an image or prompt immediately so you can start speaking with specific details instantly.

3. Breaking the “Generic” Habit

The algorithm penalizes repetitive, simple words. We train you to replace “good,” “bad,” and “nice” with specific descriptors that trigger higher vocabulary scores.

Lesson Application: We analyze your Speaking Samples frame-by-frame to add the detail the algorithm wants.

The DET Challenge: “Write about the topic” gives you 5 minutes to write 50+ words. Logical flow is critical for the Literacy and Production sub-scores.

1. The 5-Minute Essay Structure

Sentence 1: Direct Answer + Opinion.

Sentence 2: “This is primarily because…” (Reason).

Sentence 3: “For instance…” (Concrete Example).

Sentence 4: “Furthermore…” (Secondary Point/Extension).

Sentence 5: “Therefore…” (Conclusion/Summary).

2. Connector Speed Training

• Basic (Score 95): And, But, So
• Intermediate (Score 110): Also, However, Therefore
• Advanced (Score 125): Additionally, Consequently, Nevertheless
• Sophisticated (Score 140+): Moreover, Conversely, Thus demonstrating…

3. Speaking Logic

For the “Speak about the topic” task, we teach you to use “Signposting Language” to help the AI transcribe and categorize your ideas correctly. Clear structure = Higher clarity score.

The DET Challenge: The algorithm explicitly measures “Lexical Sophistication” (use of C1/C2 words). This is the fastest way to jump from 110 to 130.

1. The “Real vs. Fake” Word Strategy

For the “Read and Select” task, we train you to recognize common English prefixes and suffixes so you can identify real words with 100% accuracy, boosting your Literacy and Comprehension scores.

2. Collocation Mastery

The AI recognizes natural word pairings. We teach you to say “commit a crime” (natural) instead of “do a crime” (unnatural). This is vital for the “Fill in the Blanks” task.

3. Topic-Specific Vocabulary Banks

Technology (artificial intelligence, automation), Environment (biodiversity, conservation), Education (pedagogy, curriculum). We provide lists specifically curated for recent Duolingo exam topics.

4. Precision Over Length

Unlike human examiners who might forgive a slightly wrong long word, the AI punishes incorrect usage. We teach you precise C1 vocabulary that fits the context perfectly.

The DET Challenge: To get a Production score over 120, you must use complex sentence structures. Simple sentences cap your score at 105.

1. The “Complex Sentence” Checklist

We train you to avoid simple “Subject-Verb-Object” sentences. Instead, we build reflexes for: Relative Clauses (who/which), Subordinating Conjunctions (Although/While/Since), and Conditional Structures (If/Unless).

2. Dictation Mastery

For “Listen and Write,” grammatical range helps you guess words you didn’t hear clearly. We teach you the grammar rules that allow you to reconstruct the sentence perfectly.

3. Variety Without Mistakes

The “80% Confidence Rule”: The DET penalty for grammar errors is strict. We teach you to use the most complex structures that you can produce accurately, ensuring you get the complexity bonus without the error penalty.

The Secret Sauce: Duolingo is graded by AI but verified by humans. Teacher Leda teaches you to satisfy both.

1. Satisfying the Algorithm

The AI looks for keywords, sentence length, and vocabulary difficulty. We teach you to include these “signals” in your speaking and writing to ensure the algorithm rates you highly.

2. Satisfying the Proctor

A human proctor watches your video. We teach you the correct eye movement, posture, and behavior to ensure your test is certified and not flagged for “suspicious behavior.”

3. Speaking Clarity

The AI cannot grade what it cannot transcribe. We focus heavily on clear pronunciation and enunciation so the computer recognizes every word you say.

4. Test Day Psychology

Because the test is adaptive (it gets harder when you answer correctly), feeling “overwhelmed” is actually a good sign! We prepare you for this mental pressure.

Step 2: Enrollment & Onboarding

Within 24-48 Hours: Welcome email, Student Program access, and Course Information & Class Specifics.

Materials Received Immediately: DET Strategy Guide, “Real vs Fake” Word Lists, Vocabulary bank, and Grammar Bank exercises.

Step 3: Your First Class (60 Minutes)

Structure: 1. Introduction & Goal Setting; 2. Full Overview of the Test 3. SCORE Framework for DET; 4. Immediate practice on “Speaking about the Photo”; 5. Homework Assignment.

Step 4: Ongoing Classes (Typical Structure)

Opening (5 mins): Homework review (Writing corrections). Feedback (15-20 mins): Line-by-line analysis of your writing/speaking errors. Strategy (15-20 mins): Deep dive into specific tasks (e.g., Interactive Reading). Drills (15-20 mins): Timed practice with Teacher Leda. Wrap-Up (5 mins): Next steps.

Student Portal & Resources

Digital Platform: Full DET curriculum, hundreds of “Real vs Fake” word exercises, Speaking Photo banks, and model answers for Writing tasks.

Downloadables: The DET Success Workbook, C1 Vocabulary Lists, and Templates for describing images and graphs.

Progress Tracking & Timeline

Regular Assessments: We use practice tests to track your estimated score range (e.g., 105-115).

Example Journey: Score 105 → 125+ (4-8 Weeks)

Weeks 1-2: Understanding the question types & templates; Weeks 3-4: Vocabulary & Grammar Range; Weeks 5-6: Speed & Fluency; Weeks 7-8: Intensive Test Simulation.

Class Types: Private vs. Small Group

Private: $75-95 per session. 100% personalized attention on your specific weak points (DET or IELTS).

Small Group: $349/month. 4-6 students. Learn strategies together, practice speaking with peers, and get affordable expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still teach IELTS? Yes! Leda is an ex-examiner. We specialize in DET, but offer world-class IELTS prep for those who need it.

Is the DET easier than IELTS? It is shorter and cheaper, but not “easier.” You need specific strategies to beat the adaptive difficulty. We teach you those strategies.