Duolingo Exam Pattern 2024: Test Format, Syllabus, Marks & More

Have you heard of Duolingo, the app with the quirky green bird? Did you know it's becoming a top choice for language certifications and proficiency tests? The Duolingo English Test (DET) is gaining traction as an alternative to tests like TOEFL and IELTS.

It's convenient, accessible, and cheaper for universities and institutions to evaluate English skills. Ever considered giving it a shot? Here’s all you need to know about the Duolingo exam pattern and marks.

Duolingo English Test: Brief Overview

The Duolingo English Test is a convenient and affordable language certification recognized worldwide. Like other proficiency exams such as TOEFL and IELTS, it evaluates these 4 language skills. The best part is that the test adapts its difficulty based on your answers.

Candidates can take the Duolingo English Test conveniently from home, eliminating the need for a test center visit. Duolingo maintains strict rules throughout the 60-minute test duration. Here are some key points about DET that make it stand apart from the other tests.

• Results are typically available within 48 hours.
• There's no age limit or prerequisites to take the test.
• Candidates can take the test up to 3 times within a 30-day period.
• The test scores are accepted by over 5,000 universities worldwide.

Duolingo Exam Test Pattern 2024: Section Wise Details

The Duolingo Exam Pattern for 2024 includes 3 parts, each assessing English proficiency across various aspects. The scoring ranges from 10 to 160, and questions are of varying difficulty, with no specific order. As you start the test, you'll go through three sections:

Section 1: Introduction and Onboarding

The initial part of the test, lasting five minutes, provides candidates with guidelines and prerequisites. During this section, you'll be briefed on ensuring:

• Your computer's microphone, speakers, and camera are working properly
• Submission of a government-issued picture ID
• Reviewing the test requirements and rules

Section 2: Adaptive Test

In this 45-minute section, the Duolingo Adaptive test assesses your English proficiency through diverse question formats. Questions are randomized, and their complexity adjusts based on your performance.

There's no fixed number of questions, and the test concludes when the grading system determines your proficiency level. Below is a table detailing the questions, the domains they cover, and the time allotted for responses.

Section 3: Video Interview, Writing, and Speaking Test

The final part of the Duolingo English Test involves a ten-minute video interview. Alongside the test score, institutions receive open-ended responses and samples of the candidate's writing and speaking skills.

You'll need a front-facing camera, microphone, speakers, and a stable internet connection as per Duolingo's requirements. In this section, you'll be asked to:

• Describe an image
• Express your thoughts on a given topic for a few minutes

Also Read: Duolingo Accepted Universities: Countries & Minimum Score

Duolingo Exam Syllabus 2024 (Updated)

By now you are aware that the Duolingo English Test is a 1-hour online exam divided into 3 sections i.e., Introduction, Computer Adaptive Test, and Video Writing and Speaking Sample. Up next after knowing the Duolingo paper pattern is to learn about the Duolingo test syllabus.

Introduction

• The 5-minute introduction guides you through the test rules and requirements.
• To register, ensure you have a valid government ID and the necessary computer setup: a working device, reliable internet, front-facing camera, microphone, speakers, and a well-lit room.
• Strict adherence to test rules and guidelines is crucial; failure to comply may lead to test cancellation, score invalidation, or a permanent ban from the Duolingo English Test.

Adaptive Test (Graded)

• This 45-minute section comprises various question types to assess your English skills.
• Questions are tailored to your performance, with difficulty levels adjusting accordingly.

Video Writing and Speaking Sample (Ungraded)

• Open-ended prompts are provided to institutions along with your score.
• This 10-minute section offers 2 prompts, from which you select one.
• You have 30 seconds to choose a prompt, 1-3 minutes for the video-speaking sample, and 3 to 5 minutes for the writing sample.
• Time is allotted to review your video samples and write your answers before submission.

Duolingo Exam Pattern: What is Assessed?

The Duolingo test consists of three sections, each scoring between 10 and 160 points, aiming to gauge overall English proficiency. Questions vary in difficulty and are not ranked in any specific order.

The Duolingo English test pattern evaluates 4 key abilities:

• Literacy (reading and writing)
• Comprehension (listening and reading)
• Conversation (listening and speaking)
• Production (writing and speaking)

Wondering how to book your slot or register for the DET? Check out the next section for details.

Duolingo English Test: Process to Register

To take the Duolingo English Test (DET) exam, start by registering on the official website. Signing up is free, and all you need is your email address. The step-by-step process to register for the Duolingo English Test is as follows:

• Step 1: Visit the official Duolingo English Test website and sign up for a free account using your email address.
• Step 2: Once logged in, navigate to the 'Purchase a Test' section on the left side of the screen.
• Step 3: You'll have two options: buy a single test for USD 59 / INR 4,990 or opt for a test bundle of two for USD 98 / INR 8,120.
• Step 4: Select your preferred option, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. If you want your results within 12 hours, you can pay an additional USD 40 / INR 3,310.
• Step 5: Enter your email address, country, state/union territory, and complete the payment process.

Note: You have the flexibility to reschedule or cancel your Duolingo test slot if needed.

Understanding the DET Scores: Duolingo Exam Scores to CEFR

Scores on the Duolingo English Test range from 10 to 160, with each test providing four subscores to assess proficiency in distinct areas.

The table below showcases DET score and its equivalent Common European Framework of Reference (which is the global benchmark of language proficiency).

Additional Tips to Crack Duolingo English Test New Pattern

Now that you are familiar with the Duolingo marks pattern and the Duolingo English test syllabus, here are some tips to help you ace the Duolingo English Test

• Work on enhancing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities using different resources such as books, online courses, or language apps.
• Take advantage of Duolingo's practice tests to get accustomed to the question formats and difficulty levels. Regular practice will better prepare you for the actual exam.
• Surround yourself with the English language by reading news articles, watching English movies and shows, or conversing with native speakers. Immersion is key to improving your language skills.

Also Read: Duolingo vs IELTS: Which is Better for Students and Professionals?

Ace your Duolingo Exam with GetGIS Assistance

So, that covers everything about the Duolingo English Test. It's a 60-minute exam split into three sections, scored from 10 to 160. Like IELTS and TOEFL, it evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

It's a convenient choice for those aiming to study abroad, being home-based and shorter in duration. For more help with English proficiency tests or anything related to studying abroad, feel free to reach out to our experts at GetGIS for all-inclusive support!

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