What is Duolingo?

The Duolingo English Test is a convenient and reasonably priced language certification exam recognized by thousands of organizations worldwide. Candidates can take the this test online on their personal computers and demonstrate their ability of understanding and using the English language. In this language test, four language skills—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—are tested, much like in other English language proficiency exams such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.

The exam is an adaptive one in which the difficulty level rises with each correct response, while it decreases with each incorrect response on the following question. The duration of the test is one hour during which through its adaptive short questions and speaking and writing question, it can test the candidate’s proficiency in a few questions.

No appointment is necessary to take the test; however it can be taken anywhere at any time by the candidates. In addition, they can also appear for the test from home. It also contains an updated component where applicants can record their responses to open-ended questions during a 10-minute video interview.

Duolingo Exam Pattern

The Duolingo English Test is taken at a location of the test-taker’s preference. A simple and quick test, it is recognized by more than 4000 organizations around the world. 

The total duration of the test is 60 minutes during which the candidate responds to various types of questions divided in two parts.  parts. The first is a 45-minute adaptive test consisting of a series of questions to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in English and the difficulty level of the questions varies accordingly.

The test is a completely AI-driven test in which the time limit for the test is set but there is no predetermined number of questions. The test concludes only when the testing system is assured of presenting the score.  

The second part of the test is writing and speaking tests that go on for 10 minutes with open-ended prompts. Another element of the test is a 10-minute video-interview. The candidate has to:

Let's walk through the minimized explanation about the test pattern in the table mentioned below ;

Duolingo English Test Fee

The Duolingo English Test is a certified English test that includes the verbal test and the interview and costs $59 for a single test and $49 each for 2 tests*. The amount is inclusive of the test report shared 2 days after the test. 

How can you Prepare for the Duolingo Test?

For taking the Duolingo exam, it is essential to have enhanced reading and listening skills. Besides that, the candidate can practice their English speaking by conversing with a native English speaker, reading articles from authentic journals and newspapers, and listening to English podcasts. The test taker can also take a practice test to familiarize themselves with the different kinds of questions that are asked in the actual test.

Duolingo English Test Syllabus

Three sections comprise the one-hour online test, the introduction, the computer adaptive test, and the speaking and writing samples in video format. Each component of the Duolingo syllabus is described in depth below.

Introduction

The test regulations and requirements are explained to the test-taker during the five-minute introduction. The candidate must register for Duolingo with a valid government ID in order to take the test. Other requirements of the test include a functioning laptop, dependable internet, front-facing camera, microphone & headphone/ speakers, and good lighting in the room.

Adaptive Test (graded)

It is the most significant section of the Duolingo English test as it contains various questions assessing the candidate's language proficiency. While answering the short questions, the 45-minute segment evaluates your English proficiency. Depending on the test taker's performance, the questions' level of difficulty varies.

Writing and Speaking Sample (ungraded, with Video Interview)

The section consists of two prompts in the 10-minute segment, and the candidate must respond to one of them. The compiled score of the adaptive and subjective tests are shared directly to the universities. A few details of the section are: 

• Candidates are given 30 seconds to select the prompt.
• The candidate has 1-3 minutes to try the video-speaking sample.
• The time allotted for the writing sample is 3 to 5 minutes.
• Before submitting their test, test-takers are given time to watch video examples and practice their answers.

The computer-based Duolingo English Exam measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities to gauge real-world language proficiency. On a scale of 10-160, the test taker's proficiency is evaluated using an overall score. The candidate earns a score between 10-160 on completing the exam.

This is a total score rather than a sectional score. Top programs typically require a score of greater than 120. A conversion of scores to TOEFL or IELTS may also be considered. The Duolingo English Test is a widely accepted test. Thousands of institutions the in the North American, European and Australian continent accept the test for eligibility and language proficiency requirements.