Why you must opt for the Duolingo English Test?

Alisha Khan
[Published 23 Nov, 2021 | 03:17 PM]
About Author - 10 min read
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If you are from a non-English speaking nation and wish to immigrate to Canada or any nation, you have to offer proof of English language skills through test results. However, due to COVID-19, center-based English Test is unavailable in many parts of the world.

As a result, Duolingo is now accepted as the alternative test for IELTS and TOEFL in an increasing number of Universities. It is an English test that can be taken at home via the internet. Universities across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Europe, Japan, and New Zealand now accept Duolingo English Test.

Duolingo is a digital platform that offers an app that teaches learners foreign languages. It has now launched the English exam as well. You can appear for this test at any time at your home. The cost is USD 49 and the test is being accepted for Graduate School and College admissions across the world.

At present around 1,000 Universities across the world accept the Duolingo English Test. Many of them endorse it as a chief way of demonstrating proficiency in English. If you have had a look at the website of a University lately, you would have perhaps seen details about IELTS Test and TOEFL. Apart from these two tests for the English language, you can now observe the third option - Duolingo English Test.

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Advantages of the Duolingo English Test

If you do not fare well in the conventional English exams, Duolingo can be a good choice for you. It has an entirely unique format and can be more perceptive for you. The set-up of the test is fully diverse and can be further spontaneous for you.

Additionally, the test is even shorter than the IELTS or TOEFL with 3 hours duration. Duolingo English Exam is only for a maximum of 1 hour. It is even lesser than perhaps the travel time for the other two exams.

TOEFL assists you in sending your test results to 4 Universities free of cost. When it comes to IELTS, it is 5 Universities. Beyond this number, TOEFL charges a fee of USD 20 for every report. IELTS also has a similar fee that differs based on the location.

However, Duolingo does not incur any costs for additional test results reports. In the majority of the cases, it is cost-effective to appear for the Duolingo Test than the IELTS or TOEFL.

In the current scenario, a few employers are also seeking verification of the English skills of the applicants, particularly in the Hospitality sector. The Duolingo Test has diverse applications in multiple industries as it is not entirely inclined towards the workplace or academia particularly.

Thus, students across the world are truly excited about this latest English testing option – Duolingo. This is chiefly because of the flexibility to appear for the test at their homes themselves. Moreover, Duolingo:

• Helps you in demonstrating your English skills at affordable costs.
• You can appear for the test anywhere, anytime.
• Has a duration of a maximum of 1 hour and results are provided in 48 hours.
• Is accepted by 3000 plus institutions globally.
• Available anywhere in the world on-demand.

Convenient

You need not travel to a test center or seek an appointment /book slot and can appear online at your home.

Quick

You get results as quickly as 48 hours after completing the test and can be shared immediately with anyone.

Affordable

The score and interview charges are just USD 49 while the majority of the other Tests cost USD 200 plus.

What does the Duolingo test consist of?

The Duolingo test comprises diverse questions in formats that can be fully new for you. It includes:

• Hearing words orally and choosing the actual ones.
• Assessing written words and choosing the actual ones.
• Completing omitted letters from given text.
• Describe a picture in writing or orally aloud.
• Recording orally a written sentence.
• Orally providing an answer to a verbal question.
• Providing a written answer to a written question (though writing samples consist of a maximum of 500 words but generally are much shorter).
• Typing a sentence heard verbally.

Apart from the above questions, the test also consists of a section ‘Video Interview’. In this, you need to speak for 1 to 3 minutes on a chosen topic out of the two topics provided. Though this is not graded, it is sent to the Universities with the test results. It can thus be a great add-on for your application.

How are the Test Scores offered?

The Duolingo English Test primarily offers scores on a computer. Nevertheless, it does make use of proctors for ensuring that the test-takers abide by the rules. These proctors observe the video while you appear for the test and every test is recorded including your keystrokes. 2 autonomous reviewers observe the screen for the presence of others, background disturbances, and further red flags.

You are offered a score after completion of the exam in the range of 10 to 160 points. It is not a section-wise score but an overall score. Leading Universities can specify a score higher than 120. But the requirements differ and you must verify individually with the school.

What happens after you appear for the Duolingo English Test?

Once you complete the test, it is forwarded to the proctors. You will be sent an email informing you about the time of receipt of the results. It is 48 hours but can be sent even in 24 hours. You will receive one more email notification once your scores are ready. However, you can also check on the website’s homepage for your results.

You can appear for 2 ‘certified’ tests within 30 days. Any test that you complete and get a score for it is a certified test. This means in case of a technical hitch during the test it will not be accounted for within the limit of 2 tests. Scores have a validity of 2 years.

Once you obtain the scores, you can share them with institutions immediately from the results webpage. There is no cap on the number of reports that you can share.

Appear for a mock Test

A mock test will acquaint you with the kind of questions that you can expect in the Duolingo English Test. It is advisable that you take mock tests for practice so that you get to know the expected questions and focus on your performance. You can practice any number of mock tests. Upon completion, the mock test offers you an estimation of the score range. Practice equips you with perfection and confidence.

Preparing for the actual Test ambiance

You must ensure to be equipped with everything essential for avoiding any glitches when you appear for the online Duolingo English Test from your Personal Computer. You will need:

• A photo ID was issued by the Government.
• A silent and well-illuminated room.
• Uninterrupted time of 1 hour.
• A computer has a camera that is front-facing.
• Internet connectivity and a compatible browser.

After you complete the test, the test video will be reviewed by a proctor for ensuring that you have abided by the rules. These include not using earphones, not discussing with another person, not using mobiles or other electronic devices, and not looking away from the screen.

Following these rules is important as flouting them implies reappearing for the test. The rules for the test are specified on the FAQs page on the Duolingo website as well as in the directives at the commencement of the test.

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Prepare to Prove Yourself

The Duolingo English test consists of a writing part and a video interview. Both are needed when you send your results to institutions. This is a wonderful opportunity for the overseas admissions personnel to know about you. For you, this is an opportunity to demonstrate yourself and your competency in the English language. You will have the option to choose between 2 questions each for the writing portion and the video interview. You have to write for a maximum of 5 minutes and speak for 1 to 3 minutes.

Do not get anxious as there is a clock that will keep track of the time. If you get stuck, do not feel frustrated. Keep calm and reattempt each question to the best of your ability. You can review your responses before sharing them with institutions. You can reappear for the test if you are not satisfied with the performance.

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