Back
.PNG)
Ahh, Duolingo. It's free, convenient, and incredibly useful. Maybe it's not possible to become fluent in a language with Duo alone, but it's still a great supplement to any language learning diet.
Here are some tips of mine that could help you maximise your use of Duo, without paying a single penny. This is not a guide on how to farm XP and top the leaderboards, because that honestly has nothing to do with learning. I was not paid by Duolingo to produce this guide. I really do think it's a good product. Even though it has its issues, it costs nothing to use, and above all, it's enjoyable.
1. Duolingo For Schools
This is arguably the best kept secret on Duolingo. If you primarily use the mobile app, then you really should set up a classroom, even if just for yourself. You are not required to be a teacher, nor do you have to pay anything to set one up. Just try it. It'll make your experience a lot easier. I'm not going to go into too much detail on this one, but just trust me when I say that having a classroom account is the best way, especially if you're annoyed with the hearts/lives system that's in the mobile versions.
2. Use the Web Version
The web version of Duolingo does lack some of the mobile features, but I think it can be sometimes better for learning. Why? That's because you are able to use the keyboard more often to answer questions. If you find tapping the bubbles too easy, then I would suggest trying it on PC. You are allowed to type on the mobile app, but only for specific questions. Sometimes when switching over to the desktop version after using the app for a while, I'll end up making a lot of mistakes. That's why you should probably get used to actually writing the language, because it'll help you remember spellings, accents, and grammar than if you have to tap word bubbles most of the time.
.PNG)
3. Listening Practice
Sometimes when I study a language in a classroom or through other means, I come back to Duo to practice and find that the content is too easy. I can never seem to move up to a harder level, so the content becomes too easy for me. If this is the case with you, you can always use the easier phrases and grammar as listening practice! This is probably only useful if you aren't advanced yet. I tend to cover up the screen and see if I can understand the vocalised sentences without looking at the transcription. There are usually a few listening exercises in most lessons, but you can get more practice if you turn everything into a listening exercise. I would also recommend doing this when you get a story. The first time you're reading it, just close your eyes and listen to the dialogue play out. Then you can open your eyes and see how much of it you understood.
You know how I said above that the word bubbles can be too easy at times? This doesn't mean that you have to stop using them completely! When you tap on a bubble, Duo will pronounce the word for you. You can use this also as listening practice, in getting your ears used to how the words are pronounced. This is especially useful for French, where words aren't always written exactly how they're said.
.PNG)
4. Speaking Practice Through Repetition
You can also practice your speaking by repeating every single sentence after the speaker, as well as every single word bubble you tap on. Some people will likely do this automatically. It's a way to train your pronunciation. The voices on Duo are very clear and slow, so they're well suited for this kind of activity.
5. Reverse Learning and Laddering
If you're already advanced at your target language, this may be a fun challenge. Try doing the English course for speakers of your TL. You're technically reverse learning, but it can be helpful and fun. You can even try learning a new language from your TL. Depending on the language, there may or may not be many Duo courses available. Most languages have at least and English course, but some others have other languages too.
Back