What Is the Duolingo English Test?

With the recent changes happening across the globe, most of the educational institutes are now opting for online classes or E-Learning. This is paving way for international students gaining knowledge via remote education system. In the same hope, many students are filling out their applications and preparing for the entrance exams. Taking into account the current situation, many schools and universities have also extended their application deadlines. But a posing conflict to this would be the examination centers being closed, making it difficult for students to appear for these entrance exams. To overcome this situation many universities have now started widely accepting the Duolingo English Test scores.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Duolingo is an American platform that incorporates a language-learning website and mobile application, as well as a computerized language-proficiency evaluation test. Launched 8 years ago in 2011, it has 300 million users and provides services like language courses, Duolingo for schools and the Duolingo English test. The app mimics the structure of video games in order to appeal to its users. They say this method helps build long time retention. Their exercises are likewise adjusted to the individual user’s ultimate objectives.
• In 2014, Duolingo launched the test of their English skills in hopes of providing an alternative to other language assessment exams, which can be timely and inexpensive for test-takers.

What is Duolingo English Test?

• The Duolingo English exam can be taken at home from any computer that has a camera, microphone, speakers, and reliable internet. Like TOEFL and IELTS, it tests language skills in four areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
• The three main features of this test is that it’s Convenient, as the user can take the test online anywhere, anytime—no traveling to a test center or appointment needed. It’s pretty Fast, one can get the results within 48 hours of completing the test, and share it with anyone, immediately. Thirdly, it’s most Affordable, one can take the test and send scores for $49, while most other certification tests cost over $200. This also includes unlimited score reports to various universities. The user is required to provide his passport, driver’s license or government ID for identification.
• The test is adaptive, which has some significant consequences for test-takers. Basically, if you answer a question aptly, the next one gets harder. In the event that you answer it wrong, the following one gets simpler.  This means that, with relatively few questions, the test can pinpoint your capacity level rapidly—that is the reason it just takes around an hour to complete the test.

How is Duolingo English test different from TOEFL?

• Despite the fact that they’re both computer-based tests, there are numerous contrasts between the Duolingo test and the TOEFL. Those differences go a long way past the location, timing, and cost!
• The first thing you’ll notice is that Duolingo question types appear to be absolutely unique than traditional test questions. Unlike TOEFL there are no long texts to read, listen to, or write about. In fact, most of the questions on the exam are relatively brief.
• While TOEFL divides the questions into sections (reading, listening, writing and speaking), Duolingo merges all the questions into a single exam making its shorter and easier.

How is Duolingo English test different from IELTS?

• A positive point for users looking at Duolingo in comparison with IELTS is that IELTS is generally given over a two-day time span at a testing place, while the former is just an hour long test that can be taken anywhere. Past the reasonable items of the test, there are lot of differences in the format that you ought to be aware of before picking one over the other.
• Both of these involve testing all four areas of language acquisition. However, you won’t see long texts on Duolingo. Instead, the test works by measuring language ability by analyzing your knowledge of idioms and use of intonation. IELTS contains traditional item types, such as multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions, while Duolingo’s questions take on new formats.
• Similar to TOEFL, IELTS is not an adaptive test- in other words it’s quite standard compared to Duolingo which is adaptive.

Test Scoring:

• The Duolingo test for English is primarily computer-scored. Nonetheless, so as to guarantee that test-takers are following rules, Duolingo does use proctors. These proctors watch the video of you taking the test, as every experience is recorded, down to your keystrokes! Two autonomous reviewers will watch the screen for other faces, background noise, and other red flags.
• When the test is done, you’ll get a score between 10-160. This is a comprehensive score, not separated by sections. Top programs may require a score over 120, yet prerequisites may vary depending on universities, so recommended to check with them before you go ahead.

Jessita Gonsalves

Trainer and Counselor

Imperial Overseas Education Consultants