WHAT IS DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST (DET)?
Duolingo English test is the online computer-based testing system for measuring English proficiency of the non-native English speakers. It is a 60 minutes test where a student can appear anywhere with just having a computer and decent internet connection. It is an adaptive testing system in which the next question will be asked on the basis of performance in previous questions. The difficulty level of every question increases with every correct answer given. It will properly evaluate your proficiency depending on your ability. After completing the scientifically proven Duolingo English test students can get their results in just 48 hours. The plus point is that with the preparations of IELTS and other traditional tests also you can appear for the DET.
HOW IS DET DIFFERENT FROM IELTS or TOEFL?
Let us understand the differences between DET and other traditional testing systems,
- One of the best benefits of DET over IELTS or TOEFL is that you don’t need to visit the testing centers; instead, you can appear at your home in a quiet, well-lit room with a good internet connection.
- Cost for DET is almost 1/4th of that you pay for the other traditional tests. It costs only 49 dollars (3720 INR) against 180-200 dollars (14000-15500 INR) for IELTS and TOEFL.
- It is a very short duration test of just 45-60 minutes whereas IELTS and TOEFL take around 2-3 hours. In the case of IELTS, it is given in the period of 2 days.
- You will get your test results within 48 hours of giving DET whereas in IELTS and TOEFL it takes around 10-20 days for test results.
- Before appearing for the main DET you have the facility of appearing for multiple mock tests to get an exact idea of the testing system which is not available in case of IELTS or TOEFL.
WHAT ARE THE CONTENTS OF DET?
Duolingo English Test is divided into 3 sections with different duration slots:
- Quick Setup: In the first 05 minutes of the test you will be introduced to the DET and various rules and requirements.
- Adaptive Questions: For next 45 minutes, there will be sets of questions which will test your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and abilities which is the main section as your grades are majorly dependent on it. As we discussed earlier adaptive questioning will be done to test the proficiency on the basis of your ability.
- Video Interview: Last 10 minutes will consist of a video recording of the answers given by you for the questions displayed on the screen. Based on your test performance you will be given a topic on which you need to write for around 3-5 minutes.
HOW TO USE DET?
Follow the below-given steps to complete DET:
- Firstly open the link- https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants and create your account by clicking on SIGN UP.
- After that, you can check your skills by taking the practice test.
- Once you are confident enough to appear for the main test, make the payment for DET which is 49 Dollars by Credit or Debit card.
- Before you start the main test, you need to check your internet connection, check your computer’s microphone by recording short audio because headphones or earphones are not allowed. Check your webcam by taking your photo and also keep your passport and any of the government id proof ready with you.
- Once everything is proper, you need to go ahead and fill the personal details as per your government ID and for verification photo of your ID will be clicked.
- After that, you can start your actual test by clicking on START and once you complete it you will have an option to send the results directly to the university or institute if you have already applied before appearing for DET.
WHAT ARE THE DET SCORES REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSIONS?
Scoring in DET is different as compared to other testing systems as they give an overall score for the complete test and not the separate score for each module as that of IELTS.
Different score levels justify the different levels of English proficiency of the students.
- Score 10-55: Can understand very basic English words, phrases, straightforward information and express themselves in familiar contexts.
- Score 60-85: Can understand the main points of concrete speech or writing on routine matters such as work and school and can describe experiences, ambitions, opinions, and plans, although with some awkwardness or hesitation.
- Score 90-115: Can fulfill most communication goals, even on unfamiliar topics, understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract writing and interact with proficient speakers fairly easily.
- Score 120-160: Can understand a variety of demanding written and spoken language including some specialized language use situations, can grasp implicit, figurative, pragmatic, and idiomatic language and can use language flexibly and effectively for most social, academic, and professional purposes.
Scores comparison of DET with IELTS and TOEFL:
| Duolingo Scores | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to 25 | 0 | 1.5 to 2.5 |
| 30 to 40 | 1 to 8 | 3 |
| 45 to 50 | 9 to 19 | 3.5 |
| 55 to 60 | 20 to 31 | 4 |
| 65 to 70 | 32 to 43 | 4.5 |
| 75 to 80 | 44 to 55 | 5 |
| 85 to 90 | 56 to 67 | 5.5 |
| 95 to 100 | 68 to 79 | 6 |
| 105 to 110 | 80 to 91 | 6.5 |
| 115 to 120 | 92 to 102 | 7 |
| 125 to 130 | 103 to 112 | 7.5 |
| 135 to 140 | 113 to 118 | 8 |
| 145 to 150 | 119 | 8.5 |
| 155 to 160 | 120 | 9 |
From the above table, we can compare the scores of DET and other tests and get to know what will be the requirement of DET score for getting admissions. DET scores in the range of 85-110 must be scored as a minimum requirement of IELTS score is between 5.5 to 6.5 bands.
Hope the above content has cleared all your doubts regarding Duolingo English Test, about the requirements, modules, costs, duration and importance of this test. For any further queries regarding Online Training and admissions in UK, CANADA, & IRELAND