How Duolingo Can Boost Your English: Insights from Ixora

The Duolingo English Test is an online test that adjusts its questions based on your performance.

• First, you spend about 5 minutes on introduction and setup, making sure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone work, submitting your government-issued photo ID, and reviewing the test rules.

• Next, you take the adaptive test for 45 minutes, answering various English questions that change in difficulty based on how you’re doing.

• Finally, there’s a 10-minute session where you respond to prompts with longer answers: speaking for 1–3 minutes and writing for 3–5 minutes. These samples are sent to the institution along with your scores.

The Duolingo English Test has three main parts: Introduction & Onboarding, the Adaptive Test, and the Writing and Speaking Sample. You’ll start by setting up your test environment and reviewing the rules. Then, you’ll take a test that adapts to your skill level, with questions on reading and listening. You’ll complete tasks that involve writing and speaking. Your performance in these sections will determine your overall English proficiency, which is scored from 10 to 160.

Candidates usually opt for the Duolingo English Test because it offers several benefits over the TOEFL and IELTS. It’s cost-effective at $59 plus taxes, and you can send your scores to up to 40 institutions for free, compared to around $200 for the TOEFL and over $200 for the IELTS. It’s also convenient, allowing you to take the test from any quiet, private, well-lit spot with a suitable computer and internet connection, and you can schedule it anytime within 21 days after purchase. Plus, results are available within 48 hours, which is great for meeting application deadlines. For preparation, you don’t need extensive study—just get familiar with the test format. Free practice questions on the Duolingo website can help you understand what to expect.

How can you score well in DET?

To get a good score in Duolingo, be wary of some questions that might look right but aren’t. The test adjusts its difficulty based on your answers, so you’ll only see questions that fit your level. Check with your chosen schools about fee waivers, as Duolingo doesn’t offer them directly. Use the full time allowed for writing and speaking tasks to provide detailed answers. Proofread your work to correct any errors. Ensure you’re alone and focused during the test, and have a stable internet connection. Use a good microphone and speak clearly so your responses are heard. Finally, review the entire conversation in the Interactive Listening section before summarizing it.

Why is speaking important in DET?

Speaking in the Duolingo English Test will check how well you can express your thoughts clearly and confidently on different topics, like your favorite hobby or future predictions. This guide will help you understand the speaking test’s format, scoring, and common issues. Excelling in this section is important for reaching your academic or immigration goals, so understanding these topics will help you build the skills you need to succeed.

DET Criteria

• In the writing and speaking sections, you’ll be given prompts and must respond within a total of 10 minutes.
• For speaking samples, you have 1-3 minutes to provide your response.
• For writing samples, you have 3-5 minutes to complete your answer.
• The variety and number of question types may differ between tests and individuals.

Here is the typical frequency of question types in the test:

• Read & Select: 15-18 questions
• Fill in the Blanks: 6-9 questions
• Read & Complete: 3-6 questions
• Read Aloud: 3-6 questions
• Listen & Type: 6-9 questions
• Interactive Reading: 2 sets of 6 questions
• Interactive Listening: 2 sets of 5-6 questions
• Write about the Photos: 3 questions
• Interactive Writing: 1 set of 2 questions
• Listen, then Speak: 2 questions
• Speak About the Photo: 1 question
• Read, then Speak: 1 question
• Writing Sample: 1 question
• Speaking Sample: 1 question

The Duolingo Speaking Test evaluates different aspects of your spoken English and can be tough, especially for non-native speakers. You’ll tackle around 4-5 speaking tasks, which may involve describing images, answering prompts, and talking about various topics. A score of 120 or higher is generally considered strong and meets the standards for many top universities, with scores ranging from 10 to 160 across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The test assesses your performance based on how well your response addresses the prompt, the clarity, and structure of your answers, the variety and appropriateness of your word choices, and the correctness and complexity of your sentences, along with your fluency & pronunciation.

Speaking Topics in Duolingo

The Duolingo Speaking Test covers a range of topics, from everyday experiences to broader ideas. Getting familiar with these common themes can help you prepare effectively.

Here are some examples:

• Art: Talk about your favorite artwork or artist, describe a memorable art event, or discuss art’s impact on society.
• Business: Mention a successful business person you admire, explain business ethics, or discuss recent trends.
• Childhood: Share memories from your childhood, how it shapes you as an adult, or a significant childhood event.
• Family: Describe your family, discuss its importance, or talk about family traditions.
• Friends: Talk about your best friend, what makes a good friend, or share memorable moments with friends.
• Government: Discuss the role of government, the importance of voting, or recent government policies.
• Hobby: Describe your favorite hobby, how it benefits your mental health, or why hobbies are important.
• Language: Talk about learning a new language, its challenges, or its role in culture.
• Movie: Discuss a favorite film, what makes a movie great, or the influence of movies.
• School: Share your school experiences, the importance of education, or a memorable school event.
• Sport: Talk about your favorite sport, the benefits of playing sports, or their impact on society.
• Technology: Discuss technology’s impact, your favorite gadget, or recent advancements.
• Travel: Share your favorite destination, the benefits of traveling, or a memorable trip.
• Weather: Talk about your favorite weather, how it affects mood, or the impact of climate change.

Other themes may include Communication & Technology, Environment, Culture, Food, Your Future, and Transportation. These topics are your chance to show how clearly and coherently you can express your thoughts.

How to score well in Duolingo Speaking?

To excel in the Duolingo Speaking Test, focus on understanding the prompt fully by identifying key points and organizing your thoughts logically. For example, if the prompt is about your favorite movie, discuss aspects like the plot, characters, and why it resonates with you. Balance fluency and accuracy by speaking smoothly and confidently while ensuring your responses are grammatically correct and relevant. Avoid fillers like “um” or “like” by preparing and thinking ahead. Additionally, use varied vocabulary and sentence structures; instead of just saying “My hobby is to dance”, you could say, “I enjoy dancing because it allows me to express myself through movement, not just words.