Duolingo English Test Pattern 2024: Check Section-wise Format, Types of Questions, Time limit
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Raj VimalStudy Abroad Expert
Duolingo English Test Pattern: Students must understand the basic details of the Duolingo English Test Pattern and syllabus to get maximum scores in the English fluency test. Needless to say, knowing the Duolingo exam pattern will help candidates in preparation for the questions related to the Duolingo English Test syllabus 2024. This English proficiency test is one of the popular language fluency exams in the world which is required for study or work in English-speaking countries.
The Duolingo English Test Pattern 2024 is a little different from other English language tests that can be taken from the test centres. It is a convenient, fast, and affordable exam that is designed to take the test online anywhere, anytime. After slot booking for DET English exam, students can take the test according to their convenience.
Check: Duolingo to TOEFL Score Conversion
Duolingo English Score is accepted by more than 4000 institutions worldwide. According to Duolingo English pattern, the duration of this exam is 1-hour, which is divided into two parts. One is a 45-minute adaptive test that has a series of questions that evaluate a candidate's English skills. The other is a 10-minute Writing and Speaking test that has open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside a candidate's score. The first 5 minutes is an introduction that walks the test takers through the test rules and requirements.
Q: What is the Duolingo exam pattern?
There are three parts of the exam.
- In the first section you’ll get an introduction to the exam, its platform and technical checks.
- Your English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be assessed in the adaptive test section. The duration of this section is 45 minutes.
- In the writing and speaking section, you'll get a prompt (image or text form). You will be asked to write and speak about it. Duration of this section is 10 minutes.
Q: What are some of the strategies to take Duolingo English Test?
Utilize your time conveniently to answer the asked questions. Don't expect that you'll score better by providing responses quickly. Try to give lengthier answers than required if you can. No penalty will be charged for errors until or unless the test taker presses the 'Next' button for submitting the response. So make all the corrections you want before moving on to the next question. Once you have clicked on 'next' you won't be able to go back to the previous question. Also, do not look at the times frequently as doing so may divert your mind from answering effectively.
Q: What are some Writing tips for the Duolingo English Test (DET) to understand pattern?
Those who wish to appear for Duolingo English Test should make it a habit to make use of correct grammar, punctuation, right spelling, and capitalization. Both British and American spellings are accepted for the test. But in the Read and Complete question type, only American spelling can be used. Test takers should use different word choice and sentence structure as much as they can. If you want to score better, utilizing assorted and polished vocabulary and grammar may help you with the puspose.
Q: Can you share details about video interview in Duolingo English Test?
A section in DET test, the video interview is a 10-minute test. In this section, you are recorded speaking your answers to open-ended questions about a given situation, image, or topic. Duolingo has made it mandatory for the test takers to have a front-facing camera, a microphone, working speakers, and a reliable internet connection. In this section, a candidate needs to describe an image, talk about a given situation, and on a top for a few minutes.
Q: Why is Duolingo English Test an adaptive test?
Duolingo English Test is an adaptive test due to the fact that the questions asked in it adapt to the answers that the test taker gives. Therefore, the difficulty level of the questions is set accordingly. The questions are generated by a grading system implemented by Duolingo as the test is AI-driven. So, questions are chosen by the system from a large pool of questions and no question appears twice. In order to get an in-depth idea about the DET structure, you are suggested to go through the video walkthrough on the official website.
Duolingo English Test Pattern 2024 Highlights
| Test Name |
Duolingo English Test |
| Mode |
Online |
| Sections |
2 |
| Types of Questions |
Objective + Descriptive |
| Duration |
60 minutes |
| Duolingo Test Pattern |
|
| Duolingo English Test Fee for Indians |
USD 59 (INR 4852) |
The Duolingo English Test measures the following four major abilities in the test taker:
| Sections | Ability Analysed |
|---|---|
| Literacy | Ability to read and write |
| Comprehension | Ability to listen and read |
| Conversation | Ability to speak and listen |
| Production | Ability to write and speak |
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Duolingo Exam Pattern 2024
DET is scored on a scale from 10 - 160. There are three parts of the Duolingo English Test pattern. All these parts are designed to monitor the English language proficiency of the candidate in all aspects. The difficulty level of the questions is in no particular order. You may encounter any kind of questions, easy or difficult, first.
Once you begin the test, you’ll be guided through three different sections:
| Sections of Duolingo English Test |
Exam Duration |
|---|---|
| Introduction |
5 minutes |
| Adaptive test (Graded) |
45 minutes |
| Writing and speaking sample (Ungraded) |
10 minutes |
Section 1: DET Introduction and Onboarding
This section of this exam let candidates to know about the rules and requirements of the Duolingo English Test. The duration of this section is 5 minutes. Here are the key highlights of this section
● Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are functioning properly.
● Submit your government-issued photo ID.
● Review the test rules and requirements.
Section 2: Adaptive Test
The adaptive test is a part of the Duolingo English Exam. It is designed to evaluate the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the candidates. The duration of the Adaptive section is 45 minutes. The Adaptive test section is a graded section of the DET. This test means that the question sequence and difficulty change for each test taker and test session. The computer adapts the answers given by candidates and it sets the difficulty of the next question accordingly.
As the test is AI-driven, the questions are generated by a grading system implemented by Duolingo. So, the system selects questions from a large pool of questions, so, no question gets repeated. The grading system will end the test when it is ensured by the score secured by the test taker.
Measures your English skills through a series of different question types:
- Read and Complete
- Read and Select
- Listen and Select
- Listen and Type
- Read Aloud
- Write About the Photo
- Speak About the Photo
- Read Then Write
- Read Then Speak
- Listen Then Speak
- Complete the Sentences
- Complete the Passage
- Highlight the Answer
- Identify the Idea
- Title the Passage
Section 3: Video Interview, Writing and Speaking Test
The video interview is a different section that is a 10-minute test. It includes a writing and speaking sample and has open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside the test taker's score. As asked by Duolingo, you need to have a front-facing camera, a microphone, working speakers, and a reliable internet connection. In this section, a candidate needs to
- Describe an image
- Speak about a given situation
- Speak on a topic for a few minutes
What to expect in this test?
● You will be given a prompt and asked to respond at length.
● Question Types: Writing Sample and Speaking Sample
● The Speaking sample allows for a 1–3 minute response, and the Writing Sample allows for a 3–5 minute response.
● You will be able to review your responses to these samples after the test has concluded. Institutions that receive your results will also receive these samples.
● All the questions are scored.
Q: What is the pattern of the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test has two parts. The first one is a 45-minute adaptive test in which series of questions appear that evaluate one's English skills. The other part consists of a 10-minute Writing and Speaking test that has open-ended prompts. These along with one's scores are shared with institutions. The first 5 minutes is an introduction in which the test takers are made familiar with the test rules and requirements. DET is conducted online and is an English proficiency test which analyses one's abilities in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Q: What is the validity of a Duolingo English Test score?
Once you obtain your Duolingo English Test score, the same will remain valid for a period of two years. This is standard, most high stakes tests have a two year validity period. Your expired result will still be visible on your homepage after two years but you won't be able to share it or see its certificate. Please note that the test score's validity may also depend on the specific requirements which a university would have set. It may be possible that a few institutions accept old scores, whereas some may need you to be holding current scores.
Q: What are writing and speaking samples in DET?
In this section, open-ended prompts will be there which will be shared with institutions with the score you obtain. It is a 10-minute section which contains two prompts out of which the candidate has to answer one. In the Speaking sample, the length of the response has to be between 1-3 minutes, whereas in the Writing Sample, it has to be between 3-5 minutes. Once the test is completed, the test takers will be able to review their answers to these samples.
Q: Why should I watch the 5-minute introduction in Duolingo English Test?
Make sure that you watch the 5-minute introduction as it will help you get acquainted wit the rules and requirements of the Duolingo English Test.
Here are the reasons why you should not avoid this introduction:
- Understanding the Test Format
- Technical Requirements and Setup
- Test-Taking Strategies
- Familiarizing Yourself with the Interface.
All these activities will be done in just five minutes of introduction. Make sure that you follow the rules and guidelines strictly or else your test may get cancelled or Duolingo may also invalidate your score.
Duolingo English Exam Syllabus 2024
The complete online 1-hour test is divided into 3 different parts. The introduction, Computer Adaptive Test, and Video Writing and speaking sample. Below we have mentioned in detail each of the parts of the Duolingo English Test syllabus.
Introduction
The 5-minute introduction walks the test taker through the test rules and requirements. As for the test requirements, you need to have a valid government ID to register for Duolingo English Test. Also, one needs to have the required computer set up that includes a working computer/laptop, reliable internet, a front-facing camera, a microphone, speakers, and a well-lit room. Also, candidates need to follow the rules and guidelines strictly while taking the test, or Duolingo can either cancel the test or invalidate your score or the test taker can be permanently banned from the Duolingo English Test.
Adaptive test (Graded)
- This is the most important part of the Duolingo English test as it includes a series of different questions that evaluate the candidate's English skills.
- The 45-minute section analyses the English skills through short questions
- The difficulty level of the questions changes according to the performance of the test taker
Video Writing and speaking sample (Ungraded)
It includes open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside your score. The 10-minute section includes 2 prompts out of which the candidate has to answer one.
- You will be given 30 seconds to choose the prompt
- 1-3 minutes are there to attempt the video-speaking sample
- 3 to 5 minutes are dedicated to the writing sample
- Test takers are given time to review their video samples and also write sample answers before submission
Duolingo Adaptive Test Syllabus
The Duolingo Adaptive test lasts 45 minutes and analyses a candidate's English language skills with the help of a series of unfamiliar question types. The exam questions are randomly administered and the difficulty level of the questions will keep getting altered on the basis of how you perform. This part won't have any fixed number of questions and as soon as the grading engine is satisfied with your marks or scores, the test will be over.
The table below lists the types of questions which will be asked in the adaptive test along with the areas they measure and time limit provided to answer.
| Questions Type |
Subscores |
Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Read and complete |
Literacy, Comprehension |
3 min |
| Read and select |
Literacy, Comprehension |
1 min |
| Listen and select |
Comprehension, Conversation |
1.5 min |
| Listen and types |
Comprehension, Conversation |
1 min |
| Read aloud |
Comprehension, Conversation |
20 sec |
| Write about photo |
Production, Literacy |
1 min |
| Speak about photo |
Production, Conversation |
1 - 1.5 min |
| Read and write |
Conversation, Production |
0.5 - 1.5 min |
| Listen and speak |
Conversation, Production |
0.5 - 1.5 min |
Although the exact number of questions that are going to be asked is not defined but one can know the type of questions that are going to be asked in the Duolingo English Test pattern.
Duolingo English Test Pattern FAQs
Q. What are some Writing tips for the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
A. Those who wish to appear for Duolingo English Test should make it a habit to make use of correct grammar, punctuation, right spelling, and capitalization. Both British and American spellings are accepted for the test. But in the Read and Complete question type, only American spelling can be used. Test takers should use different word choice and sentence structure as much as they can. If you want to score better, utilizing assorted and polished vocabulary and grammar may help you with the puspose.
Q. What are some Speaking tips for the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
A. When attempting the Speaking section, make sure you speak loudly, coherently and in an uncomplicated manner. Don't speak too fast or too slow as the same can have negative impact on your score. Speak at a moderate speed. One you've recorded your response, you won't be able to record it again. So if by chance you make any error, keep moving ahead. Ensure that you submit your recording only after you have completed your entire response. Also, as suggested for the Writing part, using diversified sentence structure and words will help you obtaining good scores.
Q. What are 'Read Aloud' questions in DET?
A. In the 'Read Aloud' part, the test takers will have to record themselves reading a written sentence or a statement which appears on the screen. They will then have to speak it loud and clear into the microphone. As soon as the timer starts, you will get to read the instructions for this question. Carefully look at the pauses or punctuations in the given statement so that you can halt at the commas. Only 20 seconds will be provided for the same and you can record your statement only once.
Q. What is 'Speak about the photo' question?
A. In this a picture will appear on the test taker's screen. He/she will then have to speak about the same for a minimum of 30 seconds. The instructions along with the picture will be displayed for 20 seconds on the screen after which it will switch to the record screen. If recorded earlier, you may press 'next' in order to advance further yourself. This exercise is best answered when one describes the picture as if explaining it to a person who cannot see the image.
Q. What is 'Read, then Write' question in DET?
A. In this, a question will appear on the test taker's screen to which he/she will have to respond in minimum 50 words. So one has to first read the question and then write about it. Once the timer begins, instructions for this question will be displayed. Take your time and make sure you give the best possible reply to what is asked. How many words have you used will appear below the text box. Also, the test taker won't be able to press 'next' until they have written a total of 50 words atleast.
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Hello Priya. Obtaining a good DET score can help you in getting admission into your desired educational institution. The desired test scores are decided by the universities as part of their admission criteria. A score of 100 falls in the Upper-Intermediate (85-120) category. It implies that one can
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