Easy Steps to Get Started with Duolingo Online Test Preparation

Duolingo English Test (DET) is an English proficiency test. This test is relatively new and can be taken on your own. Many top universities around the world are beginning to accept it and the test is becoming a popular choice for international students. The test is useful for college applicants, job seekers, and people who want to demonstrate their English proficiency level.

About Duolingo test

Duolingo English Test is conducted by the Duolingo board. The test score ranges from 10 to 160. And, the test fee is USD 49 (approximately INR 3,600). The adaptive test duration is 45 minutes and the video interview lasts for 10 minutes. Notably, Duolingo English Test results are emailed to you two days after your test, as well as posted on the Duolingo website.

The top 5 universities which accept Duolingo test scores are:

1. Kingston University
2. University of Southampton
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. Yale University
5. Brown University

Eligibility: Anyone can appear for Duolingo English Test. However, those under 13 years must take permission from a parent or a guardian. All participants who are appearing for the test as part of an admission application must ensure that the test is accepted by the college of their choice.

Test pattern: Duolingo English Test can be divided into two parts - a 45-minute adaptive test and a 10-minute writing and speaking test. The test can be retaken by a candidate twice a month. The structure of the adaptive section of the test is hard to define, but the four sections in the test include:

• The conversation section checks the candidate's ability to listen and speak
• The comprehension section tests reading and listening skills
• The candidate's writing and reading skills are evaluated in the literacy section
• The production section analyses a candidate's ability to read and write

A score in the range of 95-100 is equivalent to IELTS band 6 and a score range of 105-110 is around IELTS band 6.5, while 115 and above is nearly equal to IELTS band 7.

Test time and location: You can take the Duolingo online test at any time and from any location. Candidates will not have to visit a test centre. With the proper equipment like a computer and internet connection, candidates can take the test at home or anywhere.

Test registration: The registration procedure for the test is very quick and easy. Candidates must visit the Duolingo English Test website to create an account. You must provide necessary details like your age and email address, and set an account password. Click "next" and when asked, "What are your interests?", choose from the options provided on the page and then, click "Create Account" to continue. After creating the account and making the payment, you are required to take the Duolingo test within 90 days.

Advantages of Duolingo test

• The Duolingo online test is less expensive than many other English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS and PTE.
• The Duolingo online test from home allows candidates to take it from the comfort of their homes and computers.
• All four core language skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing) are tested like the other similar exams.
• The test questions are adaptive which means the better you do, the harder the following questions will be. And, this helps you understand your level of knowledge or proficiency better.
• The exam only takes an hour to complete.
• Candidates appearing for the test do not have to submit any previous academic records or proof of qualifications for taking this test.
  

Tips to prepare for Duolingo English Test

1. Start with a Duolingo Test Walkthrough

Before you start studying for the test, go to the Duolingo test website. Try to get a brief idea about the exam and watch a quick video available for some key information on how the test works, and how you can register and set up for the exam itself.

2. Take a sample test

The best way to get familiar with the Duolingo test is by taking a sample test. There is no limit on how many times you can do these and they are a shorter version of the actual test. It can boost your confidence and help you understand the real test better. It also gives you an estimated score so you know how you performed and the areas where you need improvement.

3. Understand Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)

This is a very interesting aspect of the test which examinees must understand clearly. When a question is answered correctly on the Duolingo test, the next question automatically becomes a little bit tougher with respect to the previous one. Similarly, if you answer a question incorrectly, the following question will be a little easier for you to answer. The test functions in this way to identify your level as an English speaker.

4. Know the Duolingo question types and time

The sample test on the Duolingo website will give you a good idea about the types of questions that you will be given. You must also keep the time in mind by when the test must be completed. You may also download the official Duolingo English Test guide after you’ve made an account.

5. Prepare in advance

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test day. It is best to start at least one month before your exam date. This way, you can avoid stress and will not have to work under too much pressure. Take the test whenever you feel ready.

6. Practise everyday English

The Duolingo test is the best at testing your real-world English fluency. This test includes non-academic questions and can’t be rehearsed.

Some tips for the test day

On the test day, you must remember a few things:

• You need a photo ID issued by the government
• A quiet area for more than one hour, with no other distractions around
• A computer with a built-in front-facing webcam, speakers, and microphone. No headphones or earphones are allowed
• A strong internet connection
  

Conclusion