Introduction to Duolingo

Written By HARSH PATEL

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an affordable, convenient, and fast way to assess English language proficiency. It is often accepted by universities, schools, and organizations worldwide as a substitute for other standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Here’s a guide to help you understand the test format and how to prepare for it if you’re new to it:

Key Features of the Duolingo English Test:

  1. Online and Remote:

    • You can take the test from home on your computer without the need to visit a test center.

    • All you need is a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, a quiet room, and a valid ID.

  2. Affordable:

    • The test costs $59, which is significantly less than other English proficiency tests.

    • You can send your results to multiple institutions for free.

  3. Fast Results:

    • You’ll receive your test results within 48 hours after completing the test.

  4. Duration:

    • The test lasts around 60 minutes, including an adaptive test section and a video interview/writing sample.

Test Format:

  1. Adaptive Section (45 minutes):

    • This section assesses your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

    • The questions adjust in difficulty based on your responses. For example, if you answer correctly, the questions become more challenging.

    • This section includes tasks like:

      • Reading a sentence and identifying a missing word.

      • Listening to a sentence and transcribing what you hear.

      • Speaking a sentence or answering a short prompt.

      • Writing a short response to a question or prompt.

  2. Video Interview and Writing Sample (10 minutes):

    • In this section, you will answer an open-ended question by speaking and writing.

    • This part is ungraded, but institutions can review it as part of your application.

    • You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare your spoken response and 1-3 minutes to speak.

    • For the writing section, you’ll have 3-5 minutes to write a response to a given prompt.

Scoring:

  • The Duolingo English Test uses a score range from 10 to 160.

  • Scores are broken into four proficiency categories:

    1. Literacy: Ability to read and write.

    2. Comprehension: Ability to understand spoken and written language.

    3. Production: Ability to produce spoken and written language.

    4. Conversation: Ability to participate in spoken conversations.

  • The score you need will depend on the institution you are applying to. Many universities require a score of 100 to 120 for undergraduate admission.

How to Prepare:

  1. Practice English Every Day:

    • Read English texts, watch English videos, and listen to podcasts to improve your reading and listening skills.

    • Speak with native or fluent English speakers to practice your conversation skills.

    • Write short essays or answers to questions to improve your writing.

  2. Take Duolingo Practice Tests:

    • Duolingo offers free practice tests that simulate the real test experience. You can take these to familiarize yourself with the test format.

  3. Use English Proficiency Apps:

    • Apps like Duolingo (the language-learning app), BBC Learning English, or other language practice platforms can help improve your skills.

  4. Time Management:

    • Since the test is timed, practice completing tasks within a set timeframe to get used to answering quickly and efficiently.

On Test Day:

  • Ensure you are in a quiet room with no interruptions.

  • Have a valid ID ready to show to the camera.

  • You must be alone, and no one can assist you during the test.

  • Follow all the instructions carefully to avoid any potential disqualification.

After the Test:

  • You’ll receive your results in 48 hours.

  • You can send your scores to any number of institutions, and this is included in the test fee.

HARSH PATEL https://WWW.REXEDUCATIONXCELLENCE.COM