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What is Duolingo English Test (DET)
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What is Duolingo English Test (DET)
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an excellent alternative to traditional English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. It offers greater convenience, lower costs, and more flexibility. Additionally, it provides faster results and is accepted by thousands of universities in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and more.
The Duolingo English Test is an online exam that you can take on your personal computer. Like the TOEFL and IELTS, it assesses all four language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. However, these skills are tested in innovative ways! Check out “What Does the Test Involve?” below to see what it looks like.
The test is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your answers. If you answer correctly, the next question becomes harder; if you answer incorrectly, the next question becomes easier. This adaptive nature allows the exam to quickly determine your proficiency level, which is why it only takes about an hour to complete.
Unlike traditional English tests, you can take the Duolingo English Test from the comfort of your home at any time. While there are some requirements (such as being alone in the room and not taking notes—see “How Do I Take the Test?” below), the lack of test centers and equipment costs makes it much more affordable. The Duolingo test costs only US$49, which is approximately 4059 INR.
Key Features:
- Easy Exam Format
- Online Exam: Take it from your home or office
- Exam Duration: 1 Hour
- Results in 2 Days
- Validity: 2 Years
- Affordable Fees: Only US$49 or approximately INR 3800 (compared to IELTS fees of INR 15,500)
Why Should I Take the Duolingo English Test?
Students have been really excited about this new testing option (take it in your bedroom! In your pajamas! Right now!), but some may still hesitate. For example, if you’re applying to multiple colleges, some may not yet accept Duolingo, while most will accept TOEFL or IELTS.
However, there’s still a good reason to take the Duolingo test: the cost for additional score reports.
TOEFL allows you to send your results to four universities for free, while IELTS allows you to send your results to five. After that, there’s a fee of $20 per report for TOEFL and a similar fee (which varies by location) for IELTS. Duolingo, on the other hand, doesn’t charge for additional score reports. So, in many cases, it may actually be cheaper to take the Duolingo test in addition to TOEFL or IELTS.
Currently, Duolingo is primarily used for U.S. undergraduate admissions. However, the test has various applications. Some businesses have started using it to verify the English proficiency of applicants, particularly in the hospitality field. Because it’s not solely focused on academic or work-related skills, the test has a variety of applications across different fields.
Finally, Duolingo could be a good option if you struggle with traditional English exams. The format is completely different and may be more intuitive for you. Additionally, the test is much shorter—around an hour, compared to the three-hour TOEFL and IELTS exams—and that’s not even counting travel time for the latter exams!
Looking to excel in Duolingo on your first try?
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