In today’s world, speaking English well is key for success in school and work. The Duolingo English Test is a great way for people who don’t speak English as their first language to show their skills. It’s made by Duolingo, a well-known language-learning app.
More than 5,500 universities, like Harvard and Stanford, accept this test. They see it as a good way to measure English skills.
The Duolingo English Test checks your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills online. It changes the questions based on how you do, so it’s a good match for you. This makes it different from tests like TOEFL and IELTS.
It’s fast, easy on the wallet, and simple to use. This makes it a great choice for showing off your English skills.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test is a computer test that checks how well someone speaks English. It started in 2014 as “Test Center.” It became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic because it’s remote, secure, and easy to get to.
Key Features and Benefits
This test is easy to use and doesn’t cost much. You can take it anytime, anywhere. And you’ll get your score in 48 hours. It’s cheaper than other tests like TOEFL and IELTS.
Test Development and History
The Duolingo English Test began in 2014 as “Test Center.” It has grown to be a well-known English test. The Duolingo team made it to be affordable and easy to get to.
Global Recognition
Now, over 5,500 places worldwide accept the Duolingo English Test. This includes top schools in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland. It shows the test is trusted and recognized for checking English skills.
Technical Requirements and Test Environment Setup
To take the Duolingo English Test, you need a computer with a stable internet connection. You also need a front-facing camera, a microphone, and speakers. The room should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions.
You must have a valid government-issued photo ID and 45 minutes without interruptions. Also, you need a supported web browser.
For Mac users, you need extra permissions for screen recording and keystroke access. Make sure the test area is clear of mobile devices, notes, and textbooks. This ensures the exam’s integrity.
- Minimum download speed of 5Mbps for a stable internet connection
- Computer with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers
- Supported web browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
- Quiet, well-lit test environment with no distractions
- Valid government-issued photo ID for identification
- 45 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete the test
- For Mac users, additional permissions for screen recording and keystroke access
The Duolingo English Test uses advanced security like facial recognition and continuous monitoring. Meeting these technical requirements and setting up a good test environment ensures a smooth and secure test.
Test Structure and Duration
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is designed to assess English proficiency efficiently. It takes about one hour to finish. The test has three main parts: Introduction and setup (5 minutes), Adaptive test (45 minutes), and Video interview (10 minutes).
Adaptive Testing Technology
The DET uses adaptive testing technology. This technology changes the question difficulty based on your answers. It makes sure the test shows your true English skills, giving a detailed and personal evaluation.
Time Management Strategies
Managing time well is key during the DET. The test moves on to different parts automatically. You need to keep an eye on the time for each part and answer quickly to do well. Good time management can help you pass the Duolingo English Test.
Section Breakdown
The DET has three main parts:
- Introduction and setup (5 minutes): This part lets you get used to the test and do any setup needed.
- Adaptive test (45 minutes): This part has multiple-choice and open-ended questions. They check your skills in reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Video interview (10 minutes): In the last part, you record a short video. It shows how well you speak English.
Duolingo Proficiency Test Scoring System
The Duolingo English Test is a well-known way to check English skills. It scores from 10 to 160 points. Scores over 120 show you’re good at English.
This test’s scores match those of TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic. For instance, a Duolingo score of 120 is like a TOEFL iBT score of 93-97 or an IELTS score of 7.0. The test scoring system uses smart algorithms for fair scores.
| Duolingo Score | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| 0-9 | Very early A1 level |
| 10-19 | Early A1 level |
| 20-29 | High A1 level |
| 30-59 | A2 level |
| 60-79 | Early B1 level |
| 80-99 | High B1 level |
| 100-114 | Early B2 level |
| 115-129 | High B2 level |
| 130-160 | C1 and C2 levels |
The Duolingo English Test checks your language skills in many ways. It looks at Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. This helps you see what you’re good at and what you need to work on.
Cost Comparison with Other English Tests
The Duolingo English Test is a cost-effective way to show your English skills. It’s cheaper than TOEFL and IELTS. As of June 2023, it costs $65 plus taxes. You also get free score sending to up to 40 schools.
TOEFL vs. Duolingo Test Prices
The TOEFL test costs about $200, with extra fees for score sending. This makes Duolingo a better choice for those applying to many schools.
IELTS vs. Duolingo Cost Benefits
IELTS costs more than $200, depending on where you take it. This shows Duolingo is a more affordable option. It’s great for those looking to save money while showing their English skills.
| Test | Cost (USD) | Cost for Indian Students (INR) | Score Validity | Free Score Sending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | $65 | ₹5,428.31 | 2 years | Up to 40 institutions |
| TOEFL iBT | $200+ | N/A | 2 years | Additional fees apply |
| IELTS | $240+ | N/A | 2 years | Additional fees apply |
Duolingo English Test is a smart choice for those on a budget. It’s perfect for international students and professionals wanting to show their English skills without spending too much.
Test Format and Question Types
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a detailed way to check how well someone speaks English. It has many types of questions to test different skills. The test gets harder or easier based on how you do, making it fun and personal.
The Duolingo English Test has three main parts:
- Introduction and Induction (5 minutes)
- The Adaptive Test (45 minutes)
- Writing and Speaking Sample (10 minutes)
The Adaptive Test part has lots of question types, like:
- Read & Select
- Fill in the Blanks
- Read & Complete
- Read Aloud
- Listen & Type
- Interactive Reading
- Interactive Listening
- Write about the Photos
- Interactive Writing
- Listen, then Speak
- Speak About the Photo
These questions appear at different times. You might see Read & Select 15-18 times, and Read & Complete 3-6 times. Listen & Type shows up 6-9 times, and there’s one each for the Writing, Speaking, and Speak About the Photo sections.
| Question Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Read & Select | 15-18 |
| Fill in the Blanks | N/A |
| Read & Complete | 3-6 |
| Listen & Type | 6-9 |
| Writing Sample | 1 |
| Speaking Sample | 1 |
| Speak About the Photo | 1 |
The Duolingo English Test’s unique design and questions give a full picture of your English skills. It’s great for schools and anyone looking to improve their English.
Academic Institution Acceptance
The Duolingo English Test is becoming more popular worldwide. Over 5,500 schools now accept it as proof of English skills. Famous universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT in the U.S. accept it. In the U.K., it’s recognized by the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, and the University of Southampton.
More schools are choosing the Duolingo English Test. They see its value in checking students’ language abilities. This is happening not just in English-speaking countries but also in Europe, Asia, and more.
Visa Application Requirements
The Duolingo English Test is also key for visa applications. In Ireland, it’s used for student visas, making it easier for international students. But, it’s important to check the exact rules with schools or visa offices.
| Country | Duolingo Test Acceptance |
|---|---|
| United States | Over 2,500 institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT |
| United Kingdom | London School of Economics, Imperial College London, University of Southampton |
| Ireland | Accepted for student visa applications |
| Canada | Growing number of universities and colleges |
| Australia | Recognized by several universities |
Score Validity and Reporting
The Duolingo English Test (DET) scores are valid for two years after the test. This makes sure the test shows how good someone’s English is at the time. It helps schools and colleges make better choices about who to accept.
People usually get their DET results within 48 hours after taking the test. This quick turnaround helps everyone make decisions faster. The report includes an overall score and scores for reading, speaking, listening, and writing. It also has a video interview and a writing sample.
This detailed report helps schools understand a candidate’s English skills better. The Duolingo English Test is very reliable. It’s scored by machines that match human judges well and is consistent when taken again. It also predicts how well someone will do in school.
More than 5,000 English-medium universities worldwide accept DET scores. This shows the test is trusted and useful in education. It’s used for getting into school, for visas, and for other important English tests.
Practice Resources and Preparation Materials
Getting ready for the Duolingo English Test doesn’t have to be hard. The official Duolingo website has lots of free resources. These help you get to know the exam and its types of questions. You can find sample questions and a downloadable guide to get ready for the test.
Official Practice Tests
Duolingo has free practice tests that are like the real thing. They have different types of questions, like:
- Read and Complete
- Read and Select
- Listen and Type
- Read Aloud
- Write About the Photo
Doing these tests, you learn how the test changes and how to manage your time well.
Study Materials
Duolingo also has lots of study materials for the duolingo practice test. You can practice reading and listening, and get tips for speaking and writing. These materials help you get better at English and feel more confident.
Even though you can’t change your score much because of the test’s adaptive nature, knowing the format helps. You can also look at study resources from other places to help you get even better.
| Practice Test Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Types | Read and Complete, Read and Select, Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Write About the Photo |
| Interactive Reading Passages | 2 passages with 6 questions each |
| Interactive Listening Passages | 2 passages with 5-6 questions each |
| Final Section Questions | Read, Then Write; Speak About the Photo; Read, Then Speak; Listen, Then Speak; Speaking Sample; Writing Sample |
| Total Questions (excluding Interactive) | 35-40 |
| Total Questions (including Interactive) | Approximately 60 |
| Minimum Speaking Duration | 30-90 seconds |
Test Security Measures and Proctoring
The Duolingo English Test has strong security to keep the exam fair. It uses a remote proctoring system, not like in-person tests. A team of proctors watches and checks for cheating.
Proctors work in three levels. Lower-tier ones check IDs and look for cheating signs. Higher-tier proctors, with more skills, do deeper checks and decide if scores are valid.
The test also records each session. Many proctors review these recordings to make sure scores are right. They do this without knowing who took the test to keep things fair.
This test is designed to be fair for everyone. Cheating in one session doesn’t affect others. It keeps the exam safe and fair for all.
The Duolingo English Test’s security has improved with new technology. It can be taken online anywhere and is safe from cheating.
Score Comparison with TOEFL and IELTS
Duolingo offers a score comparison chart. It helps institutions and test-takers see how Duolingo English Test (DET) scores match up with TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores. This makes it easier to understand scores from different English tests, helping with the admissions process.
A Duolingo score of 120 is like a TOEFL iBT score of 93-97 or an IELTS Academic score of 7.0. Scores from 130-135 are the same as an IELTS band score of 7.0. And a score of 110 is like an IELTS Academic score of 6.0.
This chart is very useful for international students wanting to get into U.S. universities. It helps them decide which English test to take based on their score needs and the universities’ requirements. By knowing how Duolingo, TOEFL, and IELTS scores compare, students can pick the best test for their goals and the universities they want to apply to.
FAQs
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test is a test for English language skills. It was made by Duolingo in 2014. Now, over 5,500 universities worldwide accept it.
What are the key features and benefits of the Duolingo English Test?
The test is easy to take anytime, anywhere. You get your results in 48 hours. It costs $49, which is cheaper than other tests.
What are the technical requirements and test environment setup for the Duolingo English Test?
You need a computer with internet, a camera, microphone, and speakers. The room should be quiet and well-lit. You also need a photo ID and 45 minutes without interruptions.
How is the Duolingo English Test structured and how long does it take to complete?
The test takes about an hour. It has three parts: setup, an adaptive test, and a video interview. The test gets harder or easier based on your answers.
How is the Duolingo English Test scored, and how does it compare to TOEFL and IELTS?
Scores range from 10 to 160. Scores above 120 show you’re good at English. It’s similar to TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores.
How does the cost of the Duolingo English Test compare to other major English proficiency tests?
The Duolingo English Test costs $65 plus taxes. You can send your score to 40 places for free. TOEFL and IELTS cost more, over $200.
What types of questions are included in the Duolingo English Test?
You’ll face many question types. This includes multiple-choice, speaking, writing, and a video interview. The test gets harder or easier based on your answers.
Which academic institutions accept the Duolingo English Test?
Over 5,500 schools worldwide accept it. This includes top universities in the US, UK, and Ireland. But, check with your school or visa office first.
How long are Duolingo English Test scores valid, and how can test-takers access their results?
Scores are good for two years. You’ll get your results in 48 hours. You can share your score with any school for free.
What practice resources and preparation materials are available for the Duolingo English Test?
Duolingo has free practice tests and resources on their site. You can find sample questions, a guide, and an overview of the test. There are also online courses and other materials to help you prepare.
What security measures are in place for the Duolingo English Test?
The test is very secure. It’s monitored by video, screen recording, and keystroke tracking. Any cheating can lead to your score being cancelled or you being disqualified.
How does the Duolingo English Test score compare to TOEFL and IELTS scores?
Duolingo has a score comparison chart. It helps you understand how Duolingo scores compare to TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores. This makes it easier to compare scores.
