Get Started with Duolingo Online Test Preparation

Duolingo has gained popularity over the years. The green owl has painted the word green (read: red) with its knowledge, wisdom and sarcastic learning experience. It initiated the Duolingo English Test about 5 years ago which is already being accepted in several parts of the globe. Students are opting to run along the Duolingo tribe rather than taking IELTS, PTE, GRE or any other English proficiency test. Duo helps students gain higher education in their dream university with its 1-hour test.

DET is also the world’s first high-stakes test taken entirely online. It is fast. It is interactive. No wonder why students love it. While the other tests cost about INR 17,000 to INR 22,500, Duo only needs a fee of INR 3,600. They also have a different approach to ‘test prep’. Classic Duo!

Universities accepting Duolingo

Currently, more than 4000 institutes around the world accept Duolingo English Test Scores. Some of the popular universities that work with Duo are Kingston University, University of Southampton, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale University and Brown University.

Registration and Eligibility

With an account on the Duolingo English Test website, candidates can register for the test with their age, email address and other details. After making the payment, it is necessary that they take the online test within 90 days. The website also had unlimited practice tests available for free with tips and scoring at the end.

DET has no eligibility criteria except their age bar. However, not all universities accept Duolingo scores. Candidates must make sure that DET is, in fact, required for their admission. Furthermore, the exam takes under 13 years need to submit a consent letter from their parent or legal guardian. Candidates can retake the test twice a month.

Exam Syllabus and Pattern

Conducted by the Duolingo board, the adaptive test lasts for 45 minutes followed by a quick interview. The test is divided into 2 sections – objective and descriptive. The usual DET pattern is an introduction (5 mins), an adaptive test (45 mins) and a speaking sample (10 mins). Further, there are 4 sections. In the conversation section, candidates demonstrate their listening and speaking skills. The comprehension section analyses their ability to read and listen to English. While the Literature section evaluates writing and reading skills, the production section weights the same but with a different approach. The level of questions increases as per the candidate’s response.

Scoring System

Duolingo English Test reports performances on a scale from 10–160. Each certified test also receives four subscores that measure your proficiency in specific areas.

95-100 = IELTS Band 6
105-110 = IELTS Band 6.5
115 and above = IELTS band 7

The score results include subscores and explanations of what they mean. Additionally, Duo mails the candidates with test results in a secured link within 2 working days. Students can also check their scores on the Duolingo website.

Tips to Prepare

It is best to start preparing at least a month before the exam. Duolingo gives a clear walkthrough of their expectations and procedures. So, don’t miss taking the Duolingo Test Walkthrough. Candidates can also check their sample tests, certificate samples, etc. on the website. Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) could be challenging for some candidates. Duolingo doesn’t make it any easier with its adaptive format. The time limit is yet another challenge. Their sample tests come in very handy when crossing their hurdles. And you can take as many!

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