The Duolingo English Test (DET) has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional English proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL. This innovative online test has become popular due to its fast, affordable, and accurate way to assess your English skills. Whether you are applying to a university, seeking employment, or simply want to improve your language abilities, the Duolingo English Test offers a convenient and accessible solution. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Duolingo English Test, from its format and scoring system to its benefits and drawbacks.
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is a language-learning platform that offers free lessons in various languages, including English. Established in 2011, the organization has experienced remarkable growth and now stands as one of the most widely recognized language-learning applications worldwide.
In addition to its language courses, Duolingo also offers the Duolingo English Test, an online English proficiency exam designed to assess a person's reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
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Pros of Duolingo English Test
Accessibility
It is an online test that can be taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection and a computer with a webcam and microphone. This makes it more accessible than traditional exams, which often require test-takers to travel to a testing center.
Affordability
The DET costs $59 (approximately BDT 6390; $1=108.29), which is significantly cheaper than the fees for IELTS and TOEFL, which can range from $195 to $215 (IELTS test cost BDT 20,250 in Bangladesh, and TOEFL is around BDT 21,000)
Quick results
Test-takers receive their Duolingo results within 48 hours, whereas IELTS and TOEFL results can take up to 13 days or more.
Widely accepted
The DET is accepted by over 4,000 institutions worldwide, including top universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Cons of Duolingo English Test
Limited recognition
While the DET is accepted by many institutions, it is not as widely recognized as IELTS and TOEFL. Some universities and organizations may still require IELTS or TOEFL scores for admission or employment purposes.
No in-person interaction
The DET is entirely online, which means there is no opportunity for test takers to interact with an examiner or other test takers. This can be a disadvantage for those who feel more comfortable in a face-to-face testing environment.
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Technical Requirements
To access the test portal, a minimum internet connection speed of 1 Mbps is required. While this is typically sufficient in large cities, it can be challenging to achieve in smaller communities or with older computer systems. Additionally, your device must have sufficient memory for downloading the app, and your camera and microphones should be present and functioning properly.
Is Duolingo Similar to IELTS or TOEFL?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is similar to IELTS and TOEFL in that it assesses a person's English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, there are a few key differences among the tests.
DET is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the test-takers performance. IELTS and TOEFL have fixed question formats. The DET takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, while IELTS and TOEFL can take up to 2 hours and 45 minutes, and 3 hours, respectively.
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When it comes to the test environment, the DET is taken online, while IELTS and TOEFL are administered in person at testing centers. Despite these differences, the DET is gaining popularity as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL due to its accessibility, affordability, and quick results.
