Keys to Success on the Duolingo English Test –
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is becoming an increasingly popular option for students who need to prove their English language proficiency for universities, scholarships, or work. Unlike traditional English tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, the Duolingo English Test is fully online, affordable, and fast.
In recent years, more and more of my ESL students have seen this test as an important next step in their professional and educational journeys. In this guide, we’ll explore what the test is, how it works, and some tips for preparing to do your best.
Background of the Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test was launched in 2016 by the creators of the Duolingo language learning app. It was designed as an accessible alternative to traditional English proficiency exams, because it takes advantage of more modern technology options. Because it is taken entirely online, students can take it from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a computer with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection.
More than 4,000 universities and institutions now accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of English ability, including top schools in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. And because it’s more affordable, the test can be taken multiple times with relative ease. This makes it a very practical option for international students looking for convenience and quick results.
What Makes the Duolingo English Test Unique?
Here are some features that make the Duolingo test different from other English exams:
- Adaptive Format: The test adapts to your performance in real time. If you answer a question correctly, the next one gets slightly harder. If you answer incorrectly, the next question becomes easier.
- Short Test Time: The entire test takes about 45–60 minutes, much shorter than TOEFL or IELTS.
- Quick Results: You’ll receive your score within 48 hours of completing the test.
- Integrated Skills: Many questions test multiple skills at once—like listening and writing, or reading and speaking.
- Scoring: The DET score is on a scale from 10 to 160. A score of 120 is roughly equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 100 or an IELTS score of 7.5. Scores include subscores in Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production.
What Kinds of Questions Are on the Test?
The test contains a variety of interactive question types that are quite different from what many people have experienced in other English proficiency tests. Here’s a general overview:
- Read and complete: Fill in missing words from a paragraph.
- Read and select: Choose which words from a list are real English words.
- Listen and select: Hear spoken words and choose the ones that are real.
- Listen and type: Type a sentence after hearing it.
- Read aloud: Read a sentence out loud into your microphone.
- Write about a topic: Write a short answer (about 50 words) in response to a prompt.
- Speak about a topic: Speak for 30–90 seconds in response to a question.
- Interactive reading: Answer questions about short reading passages.
- Interactive listening: Listen to a conversation or lecture and answer related questions.
At the end of the test, there is a video interview and a written response. These are not graded, but are sent to institutions along with your score as a demonstration of your English communication skills.
To help you prepare, this official video from Duolingo provides a complete walkthrough of the test:
How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test
Success on the Duolingo English Test requires more than just general English knowledge—it also means understanding the test format and practicing specific skills. Here are practical tips to help you prepare and feel confident on test day:
Get Familiar with the Format
A lot of great resources exist to help you understand the test requirements and to practice the different types of questions you’ll encounter. Start by visiting the official Duolingo English Test website and taking a free practice test. This helps you understand how the adaptive format works and what the real test environment looks like. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you focus during the real test.
- Take a free practice test on the official Duolingo English Test website.
- Watch YouTube walkthroughs or practice with sample questions online. Simply search for ‘Duolingo English Test sample questions’ for a good starting list.
Build Core Skills
Because the Duolingo Test looks more broadly at English language skills than some other tests, the most important key to reaching your desired score is to develop your general English language abilities. Here are a few key areas, along with some suggestions:
- Reading & Vocabulary: Read articles, stories, or blogs in English. Use apps like ReadTheory, LingQ, or the Duolingo app to learn new words.
- Listening: Listen to TED Talks, English podcasts, or YouTube channels. Try without subtitles first, then review with subtitles.
- Speaking: Practice speaking aloud every day. Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk or record yourself answering sample questions.
- Writing: Write short responses to questions or daily journal entries. Practice writing clearly and quickly under time limits.
Practice Typing and Speaking Under Time Pressure
The Duolingo test requires fast thinking and accurate expression. For writing questions, practice typing short essays or responses using a timer. Aim for clear and concise writing that stays within the suggested word count. For speaking questions, record yourself answering prompts in 30 to 90 seconds. Time yourself and practice organizing your ideas quickly. Practicing under pressure will make you feel more relaxed and confident during the actual test. To succeed in this area, aim to:
- Improve your typing speed and accuracy.
- Develop ability to organize your thoughts quickly when speaking, without getting stuck when you can’t find the right word.
Create a Test-Like Environment
Because the Duolingo test is taken at home, you’ll need to simulate the real testing environment. Choose a quiet, well-lit room where no one will disturb you. Use a desktop or laptop with a working camera and microphone. Turn off background apps, silence your phone, and close all browser tabs. Practice taking mock tests under these conditions to get used to staying focused in a quiet, controlled space.
- Practice in a quiet space with no distractions.
- You’ll need to set up a secondary cell phone camera in your test environment that records a different view of you and your computer. This Duolingo video explains how in step-by-step instructions.
- Before the real test, it’s important to re-check your camera, microphone, and internet connection to make sure everything is set.
- Taking the Duolingo Practice Test will help you find any potential weaknesses in your test setup.
Understand the Rules
The Duolingo English Test has strict rules to protect test security. You must be alone in the room, with no headphones, notes, or background noise. The entire test is recorded, and any rule violations can cause your score to be invalidated. Review the rules on the official website before test day, and follow all instructions closely during the exam. Practicing with the rules in mind will help you stay calm and avoid mistakes.
- No outside help, notes, or interruptions are allowed.
- Keep your eyes on the computer screen throughout the exam.
- The test is recorded and reviewed. Follow all instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test can be a challenge, but with smart preparation and steady practice, you can boost your confidence and achieve a strong score. And that strong score may just be the start of a great new chapter in your life!
I hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect from the Duolingo English Test. If you’re ready to take your test preparation to the next level, let ESL Advantage help! You can register for private lessons or reach out to me today reach out to me today to answer any questions.
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