How to Use These Examples Effectively
Don't just read these answers — study the structure. Every model answer follows the same 3-part framework: Position → Development → Close, developing one specific example rather than listing several shallow reasons. Once you recognize the pattern, you can replicate it on any prompt in under 5 minutes.
For each prompt type, there is a score-level comparison showing the same topic answered at sub-100, ~110, and 120+ level, so you can see exactly what changes between levels. Then 10 full model answers at 120+ level follow.
To understand the full strategy behind these answers — the rubric, the 3-part template, and the 30-second-prep + 5-minute timing rhythm — see the companion guide: DET Writing Sample: The 3-Part Essay Template That Gets 120+ Every Time.
To practice writing your own timed responses with AI scoring, go to Prepingo - Writing Sample Practice.
Quick Format Reminder
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Appearances on test | 1 time |
| Preparation time | 30 seconds — no typing yet |
| Writing time | 5 minutes |
| Target word count | 130–150 words for a 120+ target |
| Subscores affected | Writing, Literacy, Production |
| Personal opinions | Allowed and often expected |
| Unique detail | Raw response text is shared with the universities receiving your score |
Prompt Type 1: Recount (Tell a Story From Your Past)
Recount prompts ask you to describe a personal experience or memory. The key to scoring well here is committing to one specific, real (or realistic) moment rather than describing a general habit or vague period of time.
Score-Level Comparison: Same Prompt, Three Levels
Prompt: "Describe a time when you had to solve a difficult problem. What happened?"
| Level | Response |
|---|---|
| Sub-100 | "One time I had a problem with my computer. It did not work. I tried many things. Finally I fixed it. I felt happy." |
| ~110 | "Last year, my laptop suddenly stopped working before an important exam. I did not know what to do at first. I tried restarting it several times, and eventually it started working again. I was very relieved because I needed it for my exam." |
| 120+ | "One difficult problem I faced was when my laptop crashed the night before a major university exam, deleting an unsaved essay I had spent hours writing. Rather than panicking, I called a classmate who walked me through a data recovery tool, and together we managed to restore most of the file within an hour. Although I still had to rewrite the conclusion from memory, the experience taught me the importance of saving my work regularly and staying calm under pressure." |
Recount Vocabulary and Transitions
| Generic | C1 Alternative |
|---|---|
| one time | on one occasion / I vividly remember when / a particularly memorable moment was |
| I felt happy/sad | I felt an overwhelming sense of relief / I was genuinely disheartened |
| I tried | I attempted / I made a deliberate effort to / I set out to |
| finally | eventually / after some trial and error / in the end |
| it taught me | this experience taught me / looking back, I realized |
10 Model Answers: Recount
- Difficult problem: "One difficult problem I faced was when my laptop crashed the night before a major exam, deleting an unsaved essay. Rather than panicking, I called a classmate who walked me through a data recovery tool, and we restored most of the file within an hour. This experience taught me the importance of saving my work regularly."
- Memorable trip: "One of the most memorable trips I have taken was a solo train journey through northern Spain during university. I had planned very little in advance, which meant I had to navigate unfamiliar train schedules and communicate in broken Spanish at every stop. Although it was stressful at first, the trip taught me to trust my own judgment in unfamiliar situations."
- Learning a skill: "When I first tried to learn how to swim as an adult, I struggled far more than I expected, having never learned as a child. My instructor's patience, combined with weeks of early morning lessons, gradually built my confidence in the water. By the end of the summer, I could swim laps without stopping, which remains one of my proudest achievements."
- Helping someone: "Several years ago, my elderly neighbor asked for help after being unable to reach her prescription during a snowstorm. Despite the poor weather, I walked to the pharmacy and delivered her medication that evening. Seeing her relief made me realize how small acts of assistance can matter enormously to someone else."
- Overcoming fear: "I once had an intense fear of public speaking, which became impossible to avoid once I started university seminars. My turning point came during a presentation where, despite shaking hands, I forced myself to make eye contact with the audience instead of reading from my notes. That single presentation changed how I approached every talk afterward."
- A difficult decision: "One of the hardest decisions I have made was turning down a job offer in my hometown to pursue further studies abroad. My family was supportive, but leaving a stable opportunity felt like a significant risk at the time. Looking back, that decision opened doors to experiences I would not have had otherwise."
- A mistake and what you learned: "During my first job, I once sent an important client email without proofreading it, which contained a factual error my manager had to correct publicly. Although embarrassing at the time, the incident taught me to always double-check my work before submitting anything, no matter how routine the task feels."
- A change in perspective: "Volunteering at a local shelter during my final year of school completely changed how I viewed community work. Before that, I assumed volunteering mattered mostly for the people receiving help, but I quickly realized how much the experience shaped my own sense of purpose. I have continued volunteering regularly ever since."
- A memorable teacher or mentor: "My high school chemistry teacher stood out because of how patiently she explained concepts I struggled with, often staying after class without being asked. Her encouragement was a major reason I eventually chose to study science at university. I still think of her approach whenever I try to explain something difficult to someone else."
- Achieving a goal: "After months of inconsistent training, I finally completed my first half-marathon last spring, a goal I had set for myself after years of putting off regular exercise. The final few kilometers were far more difficult than I expected, but crossing the finish line gave me a sense of accomplishment that motivated me to set an even more ambitious goal for the following year."
Prompt Type 2: Describe (Share Information About a Topic)
Describe prompts ask you to explain a topic without necessarily giving a personal opinion. The strongest responses combine a general point with a specific illustrative detail or example, rather than staying abstract throughout.
Score-Level Comparison
Prompt: "Describe the role that public transportation plays in a city."
| Level | Response |
|---|---|
| Sub-100 | "Public transportation is important. It helps people go to work. It is cheap. Many people use it every day." |
| ~110 | "Public transportation plays an important role in cities because it helps people travel to work and school without needing a car. It is usually cheaper than driving. In big cities, many people rely on buses and trains every day to get around." |
| 120+ | "Public transportation plays an essential role in modern cities by giving residents an affordable, reliable alternative to private car ownership. In cities like Tokyo or London, extensive subway and bus networks allow millions of commuters to reach work and school daily without contributing to traffic congestion. Beyond convenience, well-developed public transportation also reduces a city's carbon emissions, making it an increasingly important part of sustainable urban planning." |
Describe Vocabulary and Transitions
| Generic | C1 Alternative |
|---|---|
| plays a role | plays an essential/pivotal role / is a key component of |
| helps people | enables residents to / gives people access to |
| many people use it | millions of commuters rely on / it is widely used by |
| it is good/important | it is invaluable / it is increasingly essential |
| for example | for instance / a clear illustration of this is |
10 Model Answers: Describe
- Public transportation: "Public transportation plays an essential role in modern cities by giving residents an affordable alternative to private car ownership. In cities like Tokyo or London, extensive subway networks allow millions of commuters to reach work daily without adding to traffic congestion. Beyond convenience, it also reduces a city's carbon emissions, making it central to sustainable urban planning."
- Social media's impact: "Social media has fundamentally changed how people communicate and access information. Platforms allow individuals to stay connected with friends and family across long distances instantly, something that would have required letters or expensive phone calls a generation ago. At the same time, the constant stream of information has made it more important than ever to develop strong critical thinking skills when evaluating what is shared online."
- The importance of exercise: "Regular exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental health. Activities such as running or swimming improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic illness over time. Equally important, studies consistently show that regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mood, making it beneficial for mental wellbeing as much as physical fitness."
- Renewable energy: "Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are becoming increasingly central to how countries meet their electricity needs. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources produce electricity without releasing harmful greenhouse gases, making them essential to reducing a nation's environmental impact. Countries like Germany and Denmark have already invested heavily in wind infrastructure, demonstrating that a large-scale transition to renewable energy is achievable."
- The value of libraries: "Public libraries remain a valuable resource in communities, despite the rise of digital information. Beyond lending books, many libraries now offer free internet access, tutoring programs, and community events, making them accessible to people who might not otherwise have these resources. This makes libraries particularly important for lower-income families and students who need a quiet, reliable place to study."
- Technology in education: "Technology has transformed modern education by making learning materials more accessible than ever before. Online platforms allow students to access lectures, textbooks, and tutoring from anywhere, which has been particularly valuable for students in remote areas with limited access to schools. However, this shift also requires students to develop stronger self-discipline, since online learning offers far less direct supervision than a traditional classroom."
- The role of family: "Family plays a foundational role in shaping a person's values and habits from an early age. Children typically learn their first lessons about communication, responsibility, and empathy by observing how family members interact with one another. Even as people grow older and become more independent, the support of family often remains one of the most important sources of stability during difficult periods."
- Tourism's economic impact: "Tourism plays a significant economic role in many countries, particularly those with limited industrial development. Popular destinations often rely on tourist spending to support local businesses, from restaurants to small hotels, creating employment for a large percentage of the population. However, this dependence can also make local economies vulnerable to sudden disruptions, such as those seen during global travel restrictions."
- The importance of reading: "Reading regularly plays an important role in developing both vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Exposure to varied sentence structures and unfamiliar words through books helps readers communicate more precisely in their own writing and speech. Beyond language skills, reading fiction in particular has been shown to improve empathy, since it exposes readers to perspectives very different from their own."
- Urban green spaces: "Green spaces such as parks play an increasingly important role in densely populated cities. Beyond providing a place for exercise and relaxation, urban parks have been shown to reduce air pollution and lower surrounding temperatures during hot summer months. As more people move into cities worldwide, maintaining accessible green spaces has become a key priority for urban planners."
Prompt Type 3: Argue (State and Defend an Opinion)
Argue prompts ask for a clear opinion, defended with reasons. High-scoring responses commit to one side decisively rather than hedging between both, and support that position with one specific, well-developed reason.
Score-Level Comparison
Prompt: "Do you think students should be required to learn a second language? Why or why not?"
| Level | Response |
|---|---|
| Sub-100 | "Yes, I think students should learn a second language. It is useful. It helps you get a job. It is good for the brain." |
| ~110 | "I believe students should be required to learn a second language because it is useful in many jobs today. Many companies want employees who can communicate with international clients. It also helps students understand other cultures better." |
| 120+ | "In my opinion, students should be required to learn a second language, primarily because it significantly expands their future career opportunities. In an increasingly globalized job market, employers frequently favor candidates who can communicate with international clients or colleagues without relying on translators. While some argue that mandatory language classes take time away from other subjects, the long-term professional and cognitive benefits of bilingualism make this requirement worthwhile." |
Argue Vocabulary and Transitions
| Generic | C1 Alternative |
|---|---|
| I think | I am convinced / I would argue / in my view |
| it is good | it is worthwhile / it is beneficial / the advantages outweigh the drawbacks |
| some people say | some might argue / a common counterargument is |
| but I disagree | however, I remain convinced / despite this, I believe |
| because | primarily because / largely due to the fact that |
10 Model Answers: Argue
- Second language requirement: "In my opinion, students should be required to learn a second language, primarily because it significantly expands their future career opportunities. Employers increasingly favor candidates who can communicate with international clients without relying on translators. While mandatory language classes take time away from other subjects, the long-term professional benefits of bilingualism make this requirement worthwhile."
- Homework's value: "I believe homework remains a valuable part of education, despite growing criticism of it. Completing assignments independently reinforces concepts taught in class and builds the self-discipline students need for higher education. While excessive homework can cause unnecessary stress, a reasonable amount still plays an important role in reinforcing learning outside the classroom."
- Remote work: "I am convinced that remote work benefits both employees and employers overall. Without a daily commute, employees often report better work-life balance and increased productivity during focused working hours. Although some argue that remote work weakens team collaboration, video conferencing tools have largely closed that gap, making remote work a net positive for most industries."
- Social media age limits: "In my view, governments should impose stricter age limits on social media platforms. Younger users are particularly vulnerable to the mental health effects associated with constant comparison and cyberbullying online. While enforcement remains a genuine challenge, the potential harm to adolescent wellbeing justifies stronger regulation of who can access these platforms."
- City living vs. countryside: "I would argue that living in a city offers more advantages than living in the countryside, particularly for young professionals. Cities provide far greater access to job opportunities, public transportation, and cultural events than most rural areas can offer. Although rural living offers a quieter lifestyle, the practical and career benefits of city life make it the stronger choice for most people starting their careers."
- School uniforms: "I support the use of school uniforms, mainly because they reduce visible economic differences among students. When all students dress similarly, peer pressure related to expensive clothing brands is significantly reduced, allowing students to focus more on academics. While critics argue uniforms limit self-expression, the reduction in social pressure they provide outweighs this drawback for most school-age children."
- Standardized testing: "In my opinion, standardized testing places too much emphasis on memorization rather than genuine understanding. Students often prepare for these exams by memorizing formulas or facts without developing the critical thinking skills needed to apply that knowledge elsewhere. Although standardized tests provide an easy way to compare students, this convenience comes at the cost of measuring what actually matters in education."
- Zoos and animal welfare: "I believe modern zoos, when properly regulated, serve an important conservation purpose despite valid ethical concerns. Many accredited zoos participate in breeding programs that have helped prevent the extinction of endangered species. While confinement clearly limits an animal's natural behavior, well-managed zoos still provide more conservation value than simply leaving endangered populations unprotected in the wild."
- Four-day work week: "I support a shift toward a four-day work week, primarily because research consistently shows it improves employee productivity and wellbeing without reducing output. Companies that have trialed shorter work weeks often report similar or improved performance, since well-rested employees tend to work more efficiently. While a shorter week does not suit every industry, the evidence strongly favors broader adoption where feasible."
- Fast fashion: "I am convinced that consumers should reduce their reliance on fast fashion, mainly due to its significant environmental cost. The industry is responsible for a substantial share of global water pollution and textile waste, largely driven by the constant production of cheap, short-lived clothing. Although fast fashion remains more affordable in the short term, its long-term environmental impact makes more sustainable alternatives worth the extra cost."
Now Practice With These Examples on Prepingo
Studying model answers builds recognition. Writing your own responses under a real 30-second-prep, 5-minute timer builds the reflex. Go to app.prepingo.io → Writing Sample Practice to practice all three prompt types with instant AI scoring and vocabulary feedback.
The AI will flag every generic word or underdeveloped sentence you use and suggest a stronger alternative — the same upgrade process shown in the vocabulary tables above, but applied to your own responses in real time.
For the full strategy guide — the 3-part template, sentence starters, and the complete scoring rubric — see: DET Writing Sample: The 3-Part Essay Template That Gets 120+ Every Time.
Frequently Asked Questions: DET Writing Sample Examples
What makes a Writing Sample response score 120+?
Three things: committing to one specific, well-developed example instead of listing several shallow reasons, using varied grammatical structures like subordinate clauses, and connecting ideas with transitions rather than presenting them as a list. Every 120+ example in this article demonstrates all three.
How long should a high-scoring Writing Sample response be?
130–150 words across 2–3 developed sentences or short paragraphs, finished with enough time to proofread before the 5-minute timer ends. The model answers in this article average 70–90 words each — study them for depth of development as much as for length.
What are the 3 prompt types shown in this article?
Recount (tell a personal story), Describe (share information about a topic without necessarily giving an opinion), and Argue (state and defend an opinion). Each type rewards a slightly different structure, which is why this article groups model answers by type rather than by topic.
Can I memorize these example answers for the DET?
No — memorized responses are flagged as rehearsed, and because the Writing Sample response is sent directly to universities, an obviously memorized answer can also look worse to a human reader. Use these examples to internalize the structure and vocabulary patterns, then produce a spontaneous response built around your own specific example on test day.
What is the difference between a 110 and 120+ response?
Depth of development, not English knowledge. The 110 responses in the score comparisons above use similar ideas to the 120+ responses but stop before adding a specific detail or example. The 120+ responses commit to one concrete detail and connect it to the main point with a transition.
Where can I practice the Writing Sample with real-time feedback?
Go to Prepingo - Writing Sample Practice. You get a live 30-second-prep, 5-minute timer across all three prompt types with instant AI feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and subscore estimates.