Master the Duolingo English Test: Comprehensive Guide and Tips

The Duolingo English test, also known as DET, is one of the highly preferred English proficiency tests taken by abroad education aspirants. The test is designed to be the most convenient, fast, affordable, and trusted one. The Duolingo English language test is accepted by thousands of top institutions around the world.

The ABCs of the Duolingo English Test:

The Duolingo English Test uses cutting-edge technology to ensure accessibility, accuracy, and security.

• Developed by language testing experts using AI technology for accessibility, accuracy, and security.
• Accepted by thousands of institutions globally (Check the list: Duolingo accepted universities).
• Accessible online and on-demand as a computer adaptive test.
• It takes around 1 hour to complete the Duolingo English test.
• Questions adapt based on test taker performance for precise evaluation.
• Scores available in under 1 hour (Read More on: Duolingo test score Guide).
• Grading engine ensures accuracy comparable to human raters.
• AI monitors test sessions to maintain security and prevent rule violations.
• Results include an overall score, sub-scores, and samples of writing and speaking.
• Results can be shared with unlimited institutions at no extra cost.

How the Test is Set Up?

Once you begin the Duolingo English Test, you'll follow these structured steps:

1. Introduction and Onboarding (~5 minutes)
   
• Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are functional.
• Submit your government-issued photo ID for verification.
• Review test rules and requirements.
2. Adaptive Test (~45 minutes)
   • Measure your English skills through various question types.
   • Questions are randomly administered, and difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
3. Writing and Speaking Samples (~10 minutes)
   • Respond to a prompt for both writing (3–5 minutes) and speaking (1–3 minutes).
   • Review your responses after completing the test; institutions receiving your results will also access these samples.
   • The Speaking Sample is an unscored question.

Further Reading: Duolingo practice test

Types of questions in the Duolingo English language test

Here's the table with the types of questions and their frequencies in the Duolingo English Test:

Let's learn all about the types of questions on the test.

For each question type, you will see a few different components:

• Example: an image of a real question from the test.
• Directions: information about what you’re being asked to do.
• Time limit: the amount of time you must complete the task.
• Tips: advice for each question, separated into two categories:
  • INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION: How you can interact with the test from your computer
  • RESPONDING TO THE QUESTION: Good test-taking strategies and language habits

Look at the following image to understand the parts of each test question as it appears on the test screen.

Diagram of a question

Let us now understand how each question appears on the screen and what are you asked to do ( with respect to that question )

1. Read and Select

   Description: Determine if a displayed word is a real English word.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Familiarize yourself with common English vocabulary.
   • Practice identifying real and fake words.
   • Use context clues to make educated guesses.
     
     
2. Fill in the Blanks

   Description: Complete a sentence by filling in the missing letters of a word.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Focus on understanding the context of the sentence.
   • Use knowledge of word structure and grammar to predict missing letters.
   • Practice with various types of sentences to improve your skill.
     
     
3. Read and Complete

   Description: Type the missing letters to complete unfinished words in a passage.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Read the passage carefully to understand the overall meaning.
   • Use context to deduce the correct words.
   • Improve your spelling and vocabulary through regular practice.
     
     
4. Read Aloud

   Description: Record yourself saying the displayed statement.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Practice reading aloud to improve fluency and pronunciation.
   • Focus on clarity and correct intonation.
   • Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
     
     
5. Listen and Type

   Description: Type the statement heard from an audio clip.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Improve your listening skills by practicing with different accents.
   • Focus on understanding the context and main idea of the audio.
   • Practice typing quickly and accurately.
     
     
6. Interactive Reading

   Description: Engage with passages by highlighting, answering questions, and summarizing.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Practice reading comprehension with a variety of texts.
   • Focus on identifying key points and main ideas.
   • Summarize passages in your own words to ensure understanding.
     
     
7. Interactive Listening

   Description: Listen to conversations and respond to questions, then summarize the conversation.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Listen actively and take notes if possible.
   • Focus on understanding the main points and details.
   • Practice summarizing conversations to improve retention.
     
     
8. Write About the Photo

   Description: Write a description of the displayed image.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Practice describing various images in detail.
   • Use a wide range of vocabulary to make your description vivid.
   • Focus on the main elements of the photo and their relationships.
     
     
9. Interactive Writing

   Description: Write about a given topic and a follow-up prompt.

   

   Tips for Responding

   • Practice writing on a variety of topics to improve versatility.
   • Focus on structure, coherence, and clarity in your writing.
   • Review and revise your writing to eliminate errors.
     
     
10. Listen, Then Speak

    Description: Listen to a prompt and speak about the topic.

    

    Tips for Responding

    • Practice listening to and summarizing spoken English.
    • Focus on organizing your thoughts before speaking.
    • Use a clear and confident tone.
      
      
11. Speak About the Photo

    Description: Speak about the displayed image.

    

    Tips for Responding

    • Practice describing images aloud to improve fluency.
    • Focus on details and relationships within the photo.
    • Speak clearly and confidently.
      
      
12. Read, Then Speak

    Description: Read a prompt and speak about the topic.
    
    
    

    

    Tips for Responding

    • Practice reading comprehension and summarization.
    • Organize your thoughts logically before speaking.
    • Use varied vocabulary and sentence structures.
      
      
13. Writing Sample

    Description: Write a response to a given prompt.

    

    Tips for Responding

    • Practice writing essays on various topics.
    • Focus on clear structure, grammar, and coherence.
    • Review and edit your writing to enhance quality.
      
      
14. Speaking Sample

    Description: Speak about a given prompt.

    

    Tips for Responding

    • Practice speaking on a variety of topics.
    • Record yourself and review to identify areas for improvement.
    • Focus on clear pronunciation and structured responses.

If You See a Question Type You Don’t Recognize

Duolingo continuously strives to enhance the test by researching and developing new question types. As part of this effort, you might encounter unfamiliar question types on the practice test or certified test. This is a standard procedure aimed at improving the test experience for all users. 

These experimental questions do not impact on your score or the time available for your responses.

Duolingo English Test Tips and Strategies

Test-taking Strategies

• Use Full Time: Utilize all the available time to answer each question. Faster responses do not result in higher scores. 

• Give Longer Responses: When possible, provide responses that are longer than required. Longer, well-developed answers using effective English can potentially result in a better score. 

• Correct Mistakes: You are not penalized for mistakes until you click NEXT, so take the time to review and correct your answers before submitting. 

• Avoid Timer Distraction: Try not to look at the timer frequently, as it can be distracting and stressful.
  
  
• Review Responses: Always leave some time at the end of each question to review your answer. 

Writing Tips

• Proper Mechanics: Use correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. Both American and British spellings are accepted except for the Read and Complete question type, which uses American spelling only. 

• Vary Sentence Structure and Vocabulary: Utilize diverse and sophisticated vocabulary and grammar to enhance your score.

Speaking Tips

• Clarity and Volume: Speak loudly, clearly, and at a natural pace. 

• No Re-recording: You cannot re-record your responses, so if you make a mistake, continue speaking. 

• Complete Response: Do not submit your recording until you have finished your entire response. 

• Vary Speech: Similar to writing, vary your sentence structure and word choice.

Additional Resources 

For more detailed information on the Duolingo Exam, refer to the official PDF provided by Duolingo. This document offers comprehensive insights into the test's design, question types, and preparation strategies. 

Final Thoughts 

The Duolingo English Test presents an opportunity to showcase your English proficiency effectively. With dedication and strategic preparation, you can achieve your desired scores and advance toward your academic and professional goals. Utilize the resources available and practice consistently to enhance your readiness for this significant assessment.

"Preparing for more than just Duolingo? Discover discounts and resources on GRE, PTE, TOEFL and other exams on EduVouchers."