EduTech UK

Duolingo Exam: Syllabus, Eligibility & Requirements

What is Duolingo Exam? 

The computer-based English test determines the language proficiency of the candidates planning to migrate to any English-speaking country. Duolingo also tests students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities like any other English language exam. You can take the test online anytime from any corner of the world.

The Duolingo exam is computer-adaptive. Computer-adaptive tests This is due to the fact that with every correct answer the difficulty level keeps rising. If your answer is wrong, the next question will be relatively easier. You can also choose the upgraded test version, where you can opt for the ten-minute interview and record your answers for all the open-ended questions.

Here are some essential facts about the Duolingo English Test -:

  1. The exam is accepted by more than 1,000 universities globally.
  2. The exam is for candidates enrolling in undergraduate programs in the USA.

Know More about Duolingo English Test Eligibility

  1. The fee is highly affordable.
  2. Duolingo test duration is around 60 minutes (including the 10-minute interview), which is less than other exams.
  3. You can take mock tests to prepare for the test.
What is the Importance of the Duolingo Exam?

The Duolingo exam is designed for international students preparing to move to other countries. Compared to other language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc., the Duolingo English Test is affordable and takes less time. The exam assesses the candidate’s ability in four sections, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The test is designed on-demand to enroll at various universities. The test is designed using AI and Data Forensics Technology, making the test transparent and secure for every candidate.

Eligibility for taking the Duolingo Exam:

The test does not require any academic documents or transcripts. Anyone who wishes to appear for the test can do so without hassle. Before appearing for the test, please check the language proficiency requirement stated by the university you are applying to. There is no age restriction. However, candidates younger than 13 need to get their parents’ consent to apply for the test.

How to Register for the Duolingo Exam?

You can register for the Duolingo test from anywhere globally as the test is conducted online and through the Duolingo app. You can appear for the test immediately after registration. Here are the steps you’ll have to follow to register for the test-:

  1. Visit the official website of Duolingo.
  2. Click ‘Take the test.’
  3. Download the app and install it on your system.
  4. Meet all the requirements, such as sitting in a well-lit room with your front camera on. Keep your government ID or passport handy.
  5. Test your speaker, and microphone, and take your picture. After downloading the application, you will have to meet all these requirements.
  6. Upload the required documents, such as your official ID, to verify your mentioned information.
  7. Hold your ID card and take a picture for identification. Please do not hold the ID next to your face or tilt it.
  8. Create your account and enter all the correct information.
  9. Select what you are interested in. Here are the options-

● UG University Admissions

● School building

● Graduate admissions

● Middle or high school admission

● Applying for a promotion or job

● None of the above

  1. Upon selecting options from above, you can now create your Duolingo account.
  2. Complete the payment process. For the test, you will have to pay INR 3,605.

Upon completing the payment and process mentioned above, you can give the test.

How Much is the Duolingo Exam fee? 

The fee is highly affordable compared to other English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and more. The price for the Duolingo exam is $49 (INR 3,678*) plus the taxes (if applicable), whereas the other tests cost around INR 15,000 and more. There are zero test waivers for the exam.

To pay the exam fee, click the ‘purchase the test’ tab and go ahead with the buy now option. All credit cards, as well as PayPal, are accepted. Upon successfully submitting the fees, you will have to take the test within 90 days, or the duration will expire.

Essential dates for the Duolingo Exam: 

There are no fixed dates for the Duolingo english test. You need to open the website, purchase the test, and give the exam. Enter all the information required on the website and log in with your initials. You can take the test from anywhere if you meet all the requirements.

The English Adaptive Test: 

The 45-minute-long graded section of the English assessment exam evaluates the candidates’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. All the different questions are combined and keep appearing randomly during the test in the section. The scores are provided separately for this section. None of the questions are repeated in the test. There is no limited number of questions in this section. The test will end when the grading engine is persuaded by your score. 

 Here are the different types of questions you will come across- 

● Answer the missing letters and complete the sentences. 

● Record yourself while repeating any given sentence. 

● Describe the given image in writing.

● Hear the words and identify the correct one. 

● Read the words and identify the real English ones.

● Type the sentence that you hear. 

● Write down your answer in at least 50 words.

● Speak your answer to a spoken question. 

Duolingo Video Interview Test: 

The video interview test is the second segment of the exam, with a time limit of 10 minutes. The section requires candidates to answer open-ended questions via recording. You may be asked to speak about any situation, image, or topic. 

Remember these points while answering the video questions- 

● Ensure that your face is in the frame.

● You must be audible, loud, and straightforward.

● Plan your answers accordingly, and do not jumble the answers. 

Benefits of Duolingo English Test

Here are the benefits of the Duolingo English Test

  • You can take the test from your home at your convenience, however, maximum universities now prefer center-based test scores
  • You can take mock tests for practice 
  • The fee is affordable in comparison to other language proficiency test
  • You can get results within 48 hours
  • Various universities accept the test scores as an alternative for IELTS/TOEFL
How to Get the Result of the Duolingo Exam? 

You can receive your Duolingo English test score within 24 to 48 hours of giving the test. The exam score usually provides information about the applicant, the overall performance, and subscore. The candidates can access the score through the application. 

You can send the test score to the selected university or college as a test-taker. Here’s how you can check your scores-: 

● Log in to the Duolingo website with credentials.

● Enter your registration information. Ensure the details are correct.

● View your scorecard.

● You can download or print the report if required. 

Difference between Duolingo English test vs. IELTS Exam vs. TOEFL

Duolingo English test, IELTS exam, and TOEFL analyzes English language proficiency. If you are a student migrating to a different country to pursue higher education, you will have to take one of these tests to be eligible for admission to English-speaking countries. Here’s the difference between the three tests

IELTS test- Managed by IDP, the IELTS score is accepted by over 10,000 academic institutions worldwide. There are two different types of IELTS- Academic IELTS and General IELTS. You can also choose from paper-based tests and computer-based tests. The test will analyze your communication skills on the basis of listening, speaking, reading, and writing for 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

TOEFL– TOEFL is administered and designed by the Educational Testing Service and over 11,000 universities in 140+ countries. The TOEFL is conducted in two ways- internet-based and paper-based. TOEFL iBT is 3 hours long, whereas the PBT is 2 hours and 30 minutes long. The test will analyze your speaking, listening, writing, and reading abilities. 

Duolingo– Duolingo is one of the most famous language-learning platforms and over 3000 academic institutions around the globe. The test has three parts: set-up, adaptive, and virtual interviews. 

Important tips Related to the Duolingo Exam: 

There is no fixed syllabus or book to score higher bands in the Duolingo exam. Though the exam assesses the candidate’s skills on four different spectrums, you can practice with other materials. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the Duolingo exam-: 

● Read novels containing advanced English. Read newspapers, and practice writing and learning new words to enhance your vocabulary.

● Indulge in random conversations with people fluent in the English language. 

● Get a clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and the types of questions asked in the exam. 

● You can try mock tests available on the Duolingo website.

● Read the blog section on the Duolingo website and understand the resource materials provided.

 

Duolingo English Test Syllabus 2023

Duolingo English test is a globally recognized assessment that you can undertake to certify your English proficiency. It is fast convenient and affordable. The test fee is $49 (excluding taxes). Around 3000 colleges and universities from more than 50 nations accept the Duolingo English test certificate as reliable proof of English proficiency of  international students during the admission process.

So, if your next target is to go for a Duolingo English test, you ought to have a distinct idea about the syllabus and the pattern of the test. There are two well-defined stages to complete the test – an adaptive test and a video interview. However, a syllabus-oriented study would be more helpful in achieving good scores.

Duolingo Scores and Subscores

Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10 to 160. Overall scores give an overview of your proficiency, while subscores determine your proficiency in specific areas. Your scores are in the form of a certificate with a unique secure link.

Here are the subscores that determine your English language proficiency:

  • Comprehension: Assesses your reading and listening abilities
  • Literacy: Assesses your reading and writing abilities
  • Production: Assesses your writing and speaking abilities
  • Conversation: Assesses your speaking and listening abilities
Duolingo Syllabus For the Adaptive Test

As there’s no particular Duolingo English Test syllabus, the question pattern is something an aspirant should understand clearly. This test is AI-powered, meaning your questions will appear algorithmically, and the gradation process will also be computerized. You will encounter a variety of questions that will examine your reading, writing, and conversation skills in a given time. You will have 45 minutes to undertake the test and prove your English proficiency. There are several types of questions that require practice when planning to attempt DET.

Read and Complete

This question type is a part of the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. In this type of question, you need to focus on every single word, read the passage carefully, and then fill in the blanks using context clues. You have to complete this question within 3 minutes.

Tips

  • Focus on each word and use context clues to complete them.
  • Use the delete or backspace button whenever you want to delete a letter or go back to one space.
Read and Select

This question type is a part of the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. In this question, you are required to select the real English words from a list of options. You get 1 minute to attempt this question.

Tips

  • Make sure to select only those words that you know about and are real.
  • Some words look real but differ slightly from real English words. Read attentively.
  • Not all questions will have an equal number of correct answers. Few questions might have more real English words than other questions.
  • The orange color indicates that you have selected a particular word. To deselect it, click the word again.
Listen and Select

This type of question is part of the Comprehension and Conversation subscores. In this question type, you have to listen to the words carefully. The words may sound similar but differ from one another. So, you are required to select the real English words from the list. You can listen to the words as often as you want, but you get 1.5 minutes to complete this question.

Tips

  • A few words might sound similar but will have slight differences from the real ones. Pay full attention while listening and selecting real English words.
  • You need to click the check mark to select your answer.
  • The orange color indicates the selected answer. Re-clicking the check mark will help you deselect the option.
Listen and Type

This type of question falls under the Comprehension and Conversation subscores. This question type requires you to type what exactly you are hearing out. You can play the statement thrice in total. You get 1 minute to attempt this question.

Tips

  • After typing your answer, recheck it by replaying the audio and matching it with your response.
  • Click on the orange speaker icon to hear out the statement.
Read Aloud

This question type is a part of the Comprehension and Conversation subscores. You get 20 seconds to speak out loud and record the statement. There’s just one chance to record your statement.

Tips

  • Before the final recording, practice speaking the statement once.
  • Pace yourself based on the punctuation displayed. For example, you can take a sight pause where a comma appears.
  • While recording, make sure you speak clearly and loudly.
  • You get only one chance to record your response, so manage your time wisely.
  • Start speaking after clicking the RECORD NOW button to record your response.
Complete the Sentences

7 interactive reading questions fall under the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. You must select the correct answer for each missing word from the list in this question type. You get 7 or 8 minutes to attempt it.

Tips

  • Use context clues carefully to determine the best choice of word.
  • Double-check all your responses while managing the time.
  • There’s no sequence of sentences that you need o follow.
  • The Tab button, mouse, or touchpad will help you to move between the sentences.
Complete the Passage

6 interactive reading questions fall under the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. In this question type, you must select the best sentence to fill in the provided blank from the list. You get 7 or 8 minutes to attempt these questions.

Tips

  • Some passages will be related to the passages from the Complete the Sentences question. Make sure that you read each passage of each section carefully.
  • Hovering over each option will enable you to see it in the passage.
Highlight the Answer

5 reading questions fall under the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. In this question type, you must click the text you want to highlight and drag it below it. So read the passages carefully and select the text carefully to highlight. The highlighted text appears in a box provided under the question. You get 7 or 8 minutes to complete these questions.

Tips

  • Be precise with highlighting the exact selection that you think is your answer. No need to highlight more or less than what is needed.
  • If you want to deselect your response, click and drag your cursor to the screen where you want to highlight it. Make sure the box below consists of your selected and highlighted text.
Identify the Idea

You will get 3 questions under this section that fall under the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. In this question type, you must read the passages carefully and select the most relevant idea expressed in the passage. You get 7 or 8 minutes to complete these questions.

Tips

  • The options in the list might seem relevant, but you need to select the best idea represented in the text.
  • Selecting a response will turn the box into an orange color.
Title the Passage

This question type falls under the Literacy and Comprehensive subscores. In this question type, you must read the passage carefully and select the most relevant title that suits the particular passage. You get 7 or 8 minutes to complete these questions.

Tips

  • The options in the list might seem relevant, but you must select the best title for the passage.
  • Selecting a response will turn the box into an orange color.
Write About the Photo

This question type is a part of the Production and Literacy subscores. You get 1 minute to attempt this question. Observe the image and describe it in one or more sentences. Even though the directions ask for one sentence, writing more than one sentence is good.

Tips

  • Try describing the image in detail.
  • The more you write, the more it helps you demonstrate your English skills.
  • The mouse and trackpad will help you scroll back through your response to recheck it.
Read, Then Write

This question type is a part of the Production and Literacy subscores. You get 5 minutes to write the answer in more than 50 words. Even if it is mentioned to write at least 50 words, you are suggested to write as much as you can. The content should be relevant to the topic and question. Submit the answer only after proofreading it.

Tips

  • Write as much as you can in 5 minutes so that you can make effective use of your English skills.
  • Make sure you do not deviate from the topic.
  • Below the text box, your word count will appear, and once you reach or cross the word limit of 50, the NEXT button gets activated.
  • Proofread your response before submitting it.
Speak About the Photo

This question type is a part of the Production and Conversation subscores. You get 1.5 minutes to attempt this question. You need to speak out loud and describe the image. Before the recording begins, you get 20 seconds to observe the image well and plan how to describe it.

Tips

  • Speak loudly and clearly maintaining a natural pace.
  • Explain the image in such a way that you are describing it to someone who is not able to see it.
Read, Then Speak

This question type is a part of the Production and Conversation subscores. You get 1.5 minutes to attempt this question. In the beginning, you get 20 seconds to prepare for the given questions.

Tips

  • You must speak out loud, naturally, and clearly using various words and sentence structures.
  • Do not miss out on any component of the question.
Listen, Then Speak

This question type is a part of the Production and Conversation subscores. You get 1.5 minutes to attempt this question. You can play the question three times, including two replays.

Tips

  • Listen to the question carefully and then answer it loudly and clearly using various words and sentences.
  • Before recording your response, make sure you have a clear understanding of the prompt.
  • You can speak for a minimum of 30 seconds.
Writing Sample

This question type is a part of the Production and Literacy subscores. You get 5 minutes to attempt this question. This is an essay-type question. You get a question to which you need to write the answer for up to 5 minutes. Proofread your answer before submitting it.

Tips

  • Try practicing good writing habits on a daily basis. Various sentence structures, word choices, and expressions of thoughts should be present.
  • Manage your time so that you are left with some time to check your response.
Speaking Sample

This question type is ungraded, which is not scored. You get 3 minutes to speak on a topic provided in the question. The answer is submitted in the form of a video recording.

Tips

  • Speak for as long as you can. At least keep talking till the NEXT button turns orange.
  • Before taking the test, practice speaking for 1 to 3 minutes.
  • The speaking sample is sent in the form of a video recording.

Update: A new question type will be added from 1 May 2023 onward in the Duolingo English Test. Also, the Speaking Sample will no more be an ungraded section. It will be scored.

Conclusion

To cover all aspects of the Duolingo English test syllabus, develop a habit of reading newspapers, journals, and books and listening to podcasts to improve conversational and writing/comprehension skills. Self-preparation keeping these points in mind can, surely help you ace the proficiency test.

Duolingo English Test Eligibility : Vital Information

The Duolingo English Test is an English language proficiency exam like TOEFL and IELTS. It is conducted by the popular language-learning platform Duolingo which awards a proficiency score certificate. It is a computer-based online test that students can take from any part of the world on their computers. The proficiency certificate is also recognized globally by the top-ranked universities in the UK, USA, Canada, and Germany. There are no official Duolingo exam eligibility criteria, and the number of attempts is also unlimited. However, there are some important rules and prerequisites instead of specific eligibility for the Duolingo entrance exam.

The test is divided into two parts – the Adaptive section and the Video Interview. The adaptive section has Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening tasks, and the video interview is an open-ended interview.

It is fast, convenient, and affordable compared to other English language proficiency exams. One can complete the test in an hour, and candidates can get their results within 2 days (48 hours). They can share it with as many institutions as they want. As the Duolingo test can be attempted online, and it offers flexibility, the demand for it has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duolingo Exam Eligibility Criteria
Academic criteria: 

The Duolingo English test does not require any academic transcripts or certificates for qualification. Anyone willing to assess his/her English language proficiency can take the test from any part of the world.

Age criteria: 

Duolingo English test has no age limit. It is open to everyone that needs an English language proficiency test. However, applicants aged below 13 years require parental consent. The legal guardian or parents need to provide their consent via an online form during registration.

Any number of attempts: 

The test is conducted all around the year, but it can be attempted only twice in 30 days. Students can repeat the tests till they achieve the targeted score. The top universities have a higher score requirement and students re-attempt the test to get the desired score. However, students can register for a new test only after the declaration of the previous test result.  If you do not receive a certificate for a particular test, it means that the test has been considered unattempted. 

Academic qualification: 

Academic qualification of an applicant is not required to appear for the Duolingo examination. Students of 6th, 8th, and 9th grades can also apply for it. It is for students of all levels and standards seeking admission to academic institutions in English-speaking countries.


Documentation: Applicants registering for the Duolingo examination need a valid National ID photo proof. It can be a valid passport, driver’s license, government ID, or military identification proof. Since applicants take the test using their computer or laptop, they must have fast internet connectivity, a supported browser, a front camera, and a microphone.

 

Duolingo English Test Pattern: The Ultimate Guide

The Duolingo English test is intended for admission to various universities worldwide. Duolingo is a creative and one-of-a-kind certified English language test that can be taken anytime and from any location. The Duolingo test differs from traditional recognized English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL in terms of the format and time duration. It does not require test takers to visit a specific test center to appear. The Duolingo English Test is currently accepted for admission at over 3,000 institutions worldwide.
What exactly is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is a computer-based online exam that is an English proficiency assessment designed for international institutions and students. Access to the test is available online, and there is no need to travel to any test center, as the exam can be taken from the comfort of one’s own home using a computer and a webcam.

The test is conducted to check the candidate’s ability in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, similar to the traditional study abroad exams such as IELTSTOEFL, and PTE. In this article, we will discuss everything there is to know about the test, from the Duolingo English test pattern to its important dates, which will assist you in preparing better for the test.

The test is administered via a computer-adaptive technology, which means that the difficulty level of the questions increases with every correct answer and decreases if the answer is incorrect. When the results are submitted, the test takers are also asked to go through a video interview and record their responses to open-ended questions and a writing sample, which will be sent to an institution along with the test taker’s proficiency score.

The test can be taken from home, and there is no need for a prior appointment. The Duolingo test pattern is such that the entire test lasts less than an hour, and the results are announced within 48 hours, which can be shared with several institutions.

Duolingo Test Pattern

The Duolingo English test pattern is planned and designed using Data Forensics and Artificial Intelligence technology to maintain the clarity of the test. The test lasts for one hour and is administered online in one go. The questions are written in such a manner that they assess the test taker’s analytical thinking and versatility.

Duolingo exam pattern can be separated into two parts:

The Duolingo English test pattern is divided into two sections: adaptive testing and video interviews, and is conducted all at once within 60-minute. The first 5 minutes of the test are an introductory section that gives the test takers a quick walkthrough of the Duolingo English test setup. All the rules and requirements of the test are explained. The time duration of the Adaptive test is 45 minutes and the remaining 10 minutes is for the video interview. Let us look at the sections of the Duolingo exam pattern.

Duolingo English Adaptive Test 

This section examines the candidates’ reading, speaking, writing, and listening abilities. It is a 45-minute graded section of the Duolingo English test. This section contains all question types, which appear at random throughout the test.

The Duolingo Adaptive test scores will be assigned separately by the test provider. The test taker must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Duolingo adaptive test or risk being disqualified.

Q1. Select real English words from the lot below.

Limes, Soxy, Baten, Hosking, Groose, Believe, Knife, Question, Busill, Post, Advice, Grandfather, Damber, Monise, Enviosional

Q2. Type the statement that you hear (you will have to listen to the recorded sentence and type it).

Q3. Write a description of the image below (the screen will present an image, and you need to describe it in your own words).

Q4. Record yourself saying the statement below (a sentence will be displayed on the screen and you have to record it in your voice).

Q5. Fill in the blanks-

Confidence is k_ _ to a successful corporate _ a _ _er.  It is one of the _ _ _ _ important soft skills that will help y _ _ grow exponentially at your w _ _ kplace.

Duolingo Video Interview Test 

The second section of the test is the video interview. It is a 10-minute test in which the test taker must record their responses to open-ended questions. The test taker may be asked to talk about any given situation or to describe an image, or he or she may be given the option of selecting a topic and speaking for a few minutes. Candidates should be well prepared to answer a variety of questions.

Additionally, test takers should keep the following tips in mind while recording the video.

Highlights of the Duolingo English Test Pattern 

The Duolingo English Test is an online test that candidates can appear from anywhere and anytime.

Necessary Documents for the Duolingo English Test 

There is no academic qualification required to take the Duolingo English test. They are only required to provide certain documents for identification purposes. To participate in Duolingo, the candidate must provide one of the following documents:

  • Driving License
  • Government ID
  • Passport
Software and Hardware Requirements for Duolingo Test

To smoothly appear for the Duolingo exam, candidates must have the following software and hardware facilities:

  • Front-facing camera
  • Laptop/ Computer
  • Microphone
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Speakers
  • Supported browser (Chrome or Opera)
Duolingo English Test Eligibility Criteria 

The Duolingo English test has no strict requirements. To be eligible to appear for the test, the candidates are not required to provide an academic transcript. Candidates can take the exam at any time of day by downloading the Duolingo app. Make sure you check the Duolingo English test pattern properly and prepare accordingly. Candidates must confirm with their chosen college or university to see if the Duolingo exam scores are valid. There is no set age limit to appear for the Duolingo test. Candidates under the age of 13 must obtain parental permission to take the Duolingo exam.

What happens after taking the Duolingo English test? 

After the candidate completes the Duolingo exam, it is delivered to the invigilators, and the candidate receives an email informing them that their score will be available within 48 hours. Candidates are notified via email when their Duolingo English test scores are ready. Test takers can take the Duolingo exam twice in 30 days. A certified test is the one that candidates typically take and are graded on. If there are any technical difficulties, that time is not counted in the two-minute limit.

Duolingo English Test Registration: Your Guide

In this day and age, several online forums exist that can help determine one’s knowledge of a particular language. Duolingo is one such example language-learning platform created by Luis Von Ahn. Duolingo English Test (DET) is a tool to examine English language proficiency, and this blog discusses Duolingo English test registration in detail.

There are hundreds of languages that one can master. Among them, the demand for the English language beats all. As for those willing to study and build a career abroad, there seems to be a vast range of requirements. The demand for proficiency over the English language is one of them.

At present, over 3,000 institutes worldwide accept the Duolingo English Test. Here is a list of top colleges and universities that accept DET:

⁃ Johns Hopkins University

⁃ Yale University

⁃ Massachusetts Institute of Technology

⁃ Columbia University

⁃ University of Washington

⁃ Georgia Institute of Technology

⁃ Ashton College

Duolingo English Test Registration Process

Duolingo English test registration is a hassle-free procedure. To register for the exam, one needs to click on the ‘Take The Test’ and fill in all the necessary information. A passport or a government ID is mandatory to appear for the exam. Some of the essentials required here are a properly functioning computer with a camera, microphone, speaker, and a solid internet connection. With these under your belt, you are pretty much all set!

Documents Required for Duolingo English Test Registration

The Duolingo English Test registration demands proper documentation. However, necessary documents required often differ from country to country. Tabulated below are the identity proofs required in some of the countries.

How Much Does the Duolingo English Test Cost? 

Candidates willing to appear in the Duolingo English Test can purchase the test from the Duolingo account by paying $49 (INR 3,678 *).

How to Ensure the Results are Certified?

The Duolingo English Test has been designed using artificial intelligence and data forensics technology for complete transparency. You need to keep in mind four major things to ensure the test results are certified. They are:

  • Keep an eye on the screen at all times except while typing
  • End all other running programs to ensure proper security
  • Try to ensure uninterrupted ambiance during the exam
  • Respond naturally and stick to the topic without unnecessary explanation
Can Duolingo English Test be Taken at Home?

Years ago, Duolingo founder and CEO Luis Von Ahn attempted to apply abroad for education. He had to travel to El Salvador for an English test during this. He created the Duolingo English Test with the sole purpose of providing easy access to students. This modern-day online English proficiency assessment allows candidates to evaluate their knowledge from the comfort of their homes without hassle.

Is Duolingo Easier Than IELTS? – A Comparative Study Between Duolingo and IELTS

Like Duolingo, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is another popular exam to determine one’s proficiency over the English language. It is accepted in several countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc. To qualify for the exam, a candidate does not need any minimum score as it is calculated from band 1 to band 9.

Let’s take a quick look at the major differences between Duolingo and IELTS.

  • Format – The Duolingo English Test is conducted online, whereas IELTS is conducted both online and offline.
  • Time frame – The test conducted by Duolingo has 60 minutes duration. On the other hand, the IELTS lasts for about 165 minutes.
  • Listening section – There is a listening section for both exams. In the case of Duolingo, a list of words will be spoken by the computer, including both English and pseudo-English words. The candidate here has to identify them accordingly. As for IELTS, four different recordings in the form of monologues or conversations will be played. Following this, there will be a series of questions.
  • Writing section – For those willing to opt for Duolingo, the exam consists of a written section where one has to fill out blanks in sentences, write answers to questions, and type out statements upon hearing audio. On the other hand, IELTS has two parts in the written section. The first is summarizing a given picture, graph, or table, and the second is writing an argument-based essay.
  • Reading section – Both the exams have a reading section. For Duolingo English Test, the candidate needs to read sentences and fill in missing words. In the case of IELTS, candidates have to read long texts.
  • Speaking section – Last but not least, Duolingo asks candidates to choose between two topics and speak on them for the speaking part. Whereas IELTS asks for the fulfillment of three tasks, namely (1) answering questions, (2) talking on a topic, and (3) one on one discussion on critical thinking.

Today, both Duolingo English Test and IELTS are popular exams. However, due to the pandemic, Duolingo seems to have become a rising star in recent times. Research has shown that the Duolingo English Test is far less complicated and its online setting makes it the first choice of several candidates.

How to pay for the Duolingo test?

The Duolingo English Test can be purchased and paid for online. Some of the acceptable payment options are credit cards, PayPal, etc.

Is Duolingo accepted in Canada?

Today, the entire world has fallen into the clutches of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Amidst this pandemic situation, education is one prominent field that has received a setback. Due to the extensive lockdown all over, several of the IELTS and TOEFL exam centres have become inactive, resulting in postponement and cancellation of the exams. Owing to this situation, the aspirations of hundreds of students came to a standstill.

However, under such pressure, one platform which came to the rescue was Duolingo. Its online English test gave a new sense of hope, gaining immense popularity. One of the leading countries to witness student immigration, Canada, has accepted the Duolingo English Test. Now, approximately 150 institutions in Canada are accepting it. Here’s a list for those interested in pursuing future studies in Canada.

For undergraduates:

  • Saint Mary’s University
  • Quest University
  • Vancouver Film School
  • The King’s University

For graduates:

  • Saint Mary’s University
  • Canada Institute of Linguistics
  • City University of Seattle
  • University of Lethbridge
  • Sheridan University
  • Royal Roads University
  • University of Windsor
How many times can I take the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test brings with it a wide range of possibilities. One significant benefit is that you can apply for the exam innumerable times. This test is super friendly for people to evaluate their progress with no limit. However, one needs to remember that the test can only be taken twice within 30 days. Not just that, the test results can be received within two days, which is valid for two years.

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