Whenever you plan to go abroad for higher studies, remember that besides your passport and visa, there’s one more thing crucial for your entrance into any of the reputed universities there. That is an English proficiency test.
Some intellects believe that English proficiency should not be the eligibility criterion for a student’s admission to a foreign university.
It may be demotivating to know that you cannot fulfil your dream of Studying Abroad only because of your poor English communication skills. But you have to understand that once you reach a different country, English will mostly be the only mode of communication until and unless you find a friend who knows your language. But that is absolute luck (and this is true for non-English speaking countries as well, for all the official work there is also done in English mode). And also, university authorities indeed believe if you are proficient with the language, it will aid you in adjusting and coping with both the educational and social environment.
So, before you go, you must prepare yourself accordingly and take a proficiency test. There are many, like IELTS, TOEFL etc., but the Duolingo English Test is one of the most common ones in the present date.
Here in this blog, I will tell you all about the Duolingo test that will make it easier for you to apply for the same.
A Brief Idea about the Duolingo Test
The Duolingo English Test is a computer-based online test for evaluating English competence that is intended for use by students and institutions from other countries. There is no need to visit a testing facility because one may access the exam online and take it using a computer and camera from the comfort of their home.
The test aims to evaluate the candidate’s proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in four different languages.
Because the test is given using computer adaptive technology, the complexity of the questions rises with each correct response and falls if the response is incorrect. Along with their proficiency score, the test takers must submit a writing sample and participate in a video interview where they are requested to record their answers to open-ended questions.
There is no requirement for an appointment, and the test can be taken at home. The Duolingo test is designed such that it may be completed in less than an hour and that the results are made public 48 hours later and shared with several institutions.
The Pattern of the Duolingo Test
The Duolingo English test pattern is broken up into two parts: adaptive testing and video interviews. The test is administered all at once in 60 minutes. The introduction segment of the test, which lasts for the first five minutes, provides test-takers with a brief overview of how the Duolingo English test is set up. Then, the test’s guidelines and specifications are all explained. Next, the adaptive test lasts for 45 minutes; the video interview lasts for an additional 10 minutes. But first, let’s examine each section of the Duolingo exam structure.
Duolingo Adaptive English Test
The candidates’ reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills are tested in this portion. The Duolingo English test’s graded component lasts 45 minutes. All question types, which arise throughout the test at random, are included in this section.
The exam provider will issue distinct Duolingo Adaptive test scores. The Duolingo adaptive test has rules and restrictions that must be followed, or the test-taker runs the danger of being disqualified.
Duolingo Video Interviews
The video interview is the test’s second element. It is a 10-minute test in which participants must write down their answers to free-response questions. For example, the test-taker might be asked to discuss a specific scenario or describe an image, or they might be given a choice to choose a topic and speak for a few minutes. Candidates ought to be ready to respond to a range of inquiries.
Duolingo Test Eligibility Criteria
Academic requirements:
Academic requirements: Anyone who wants to evaluate their level of English proficiency is welcome to take the test from anywhere in the world.
Age criteria:
The Duolingo English test has no age restrictions. Therefore, anyone who requires an English language competence test is welcome to attend. However, applicants under the age of 13 need parental permission. The legal guardian or parents must consent via an online form during registration.
The number of attempts:
The test is given year-round, but you can only take it twice in 30 days. Students may retake the exams till they receive the desired score. Students retake the test in order to meet the higher score requirements for the best universities. Nevertheless, students can sign up for a new test only after the results of the prior test have been announced. You are not regarded to have attempted the test if you do not receive a certificate for it.
Academic qualification:
To take the Duolingo exam, applicants must not meet specific academic requirements. Additionally, it is open to 6th, 8th, and 9th graders. Therefore, it is intended for students of all abilities and standards who want to enrol in academic programmes in English-speaking nations.
Requirements for the Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English test does not require any academic preparation. Only specific documents must be presented for identification reasons. The applicant must submit one of the following documents to use Duolingo:
- Driving License
- Government ID
- Passport
To smoothly appear for the Duolingo exam, candidates must have the following software and hardware facilities:
- Front-facing camera
- Laptop/ Computer
- Microphone
- Reliable internet connection
- Speakers
- Supported browser (Chrome or Opera)
Duolingo Test Fees
Due to its distinct testing methodology, the Duolingo exam costs are much less than those for the IELTS and TOEFL. In addition, the online exam makes it possible to cut back on extra expenses like renting a testing space and other logistical expenditures related to an in-person test. Depending on where you buy it, the Duolingo exam costs just 49 USD plus any necessary taxes.
Once the payment is made, the applicant may take the test at any time within the next 21 days. Within this time frame, the candidate can schedule their test.
The test is cancelled if the applicant does not take it within 21 days. Furthermore, if a candidate cancels or doesn’t show up for the Duolingo test, there won’t be a refund. No refunds or exchanges, including fresh tests, will be made if Duolingo suspends or terminates a candidate’s account and stops using the service or the candidate quits the account voluntarily.
Candidates can get in touch with customer care and request a refund if they have any issues with their test or results. However, it should be emphasised that the applicant will not be eligible for a refund if they violate any exam regulations.
The online payment methods accepted are given below –
- Card Payment (Debit or Credit)
- PayPal(Unique Online Payment platform)
Validity of the Test
The Duolingo English Test certificate has a two-year validity period once you obtain your score, just like any other certificate. The sole restriction is that you must retake the test within this window to show that your English language proficiency has improved. Though English is not your first language, you might need to retake the exam even if you have lived in the US for a long time. The validity of the Duolingo English test will also vary depending on several variables, including how much you prepared for the exam, how your English has improved since then, and if you can pass the test if you retake it.
Parting Thoughts
You may demonstrate that you have fundamental English language skills very effectively by taking the Duolingo English Test. However, other elements can affect your overall proficiency, such as your age, the language you learn, and whether you reside in the US. The DET is an excellent technique to demonstrate fundamental levels of English competence even though it does not accurately measure English language skills
