The Duolingo English Test is an English proficiency test that is trending right now because more and more universities are accepting it instead of IELTS and TOEFL. This is mainly because the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult to attend TOEFL and IELTS tests. We have yet to see if this trend will continue in the future.
Currently, here is a list of universities that accept the test: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions
What does the test involve?
- You listen to words being spoken and select the real ones
- You look at written words and select the real ones
- Complete missing letters from a text
- Describe an image in writing or by speaking about it
- Record yourself saying a written sentence
- Record yourself answering a question
- Respond in writing to a written question (you are asked to write a minimum of 50 words but are encouraged to write more)
- Type out a statement that you hear
How to prepare for the test?
The Duolingo English Test checks all English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Your regular General English lessons will definitely be useful for the test.
Your teacher can also encourage you to watch videos, movies, listen to the radio, chat with your language partners and write as much as possible. Try to find a way to include your favourite hobby into your English practice. For example, if you like Yoga: watch all your Yoga tutorials in English. If you like drawing, car mechanics or make-up- watch a YouTube tutorial in English.
If you haven’t done so already: set your phone settings and your laptop settings to English. This will help you get used to receiving instructions in English and get you more exposed to English on daily basis.
Take a Sample Test
A sample test will make you familiar with the types of questions you can expect on the Duolingo English Test. The sample test is free, and you can take it as many times as you want. You will need a computer, a microphone and a camera. When you complete it, the sample test will give you an estimated score range.
However, you should know that the sample test is shorter and the score range is unofficial and not 100% accurate. The test is adaptive so it may take longer or shorter depending on your skills. If you are a proficient speaker it will probably not take very long. You get a question and if you answer correctly you will get a more difficult one. If you cannot answer a question, the next one will be easier as the test will keep adapting to your performance.
