As an adaptive test, the Duolingo English Test adjusts its difficulty level according to each response. Correct answers lead to increasingly challenging questions, while incorrect answers reduce the difficulty level of subsequent questions. The entire exam takes about one hour, efficiently assessing language proficiency with a range of question types. Candidates can take the test from anywhere, anytime—no appointment is necessary. Additionally, the test includes a unique video interview component, allowing candidates to respond to open-ended questions in a 10-minute recorded session.
Duolingo Exam Pattern
The Duolingo English Test is available entirely online, allowing candidates to take it from a location of their choice. Recognized by over 4,000 institutions worldwide, this quick and efficient test consists of two main sections across a 60-minute timeframe:
Adaptive Test (45 minutes): A series of adaptive questions that evaluate the candidate's English proficiency. The test adapts its difficulty level based on responses, ensuring an accurate measure of the candidate's skill level.
Writing and Speaking Sample (10 minutes): Open-ended prompts require candidates to speak and write on given topics, simulating real-life conversational and written scenarios. This section includes a 10-minute video interview for further assessment.
Overview of the Duolingo Test Format
# |
First |
Last |
Handle |
1 |
Mark |
Otto |
@mdo |
2 |
Jacob |
Thornton |
@fat |
3 |
Larry |
the Bird |
@twitter |
Duolingo English Test Fee
The Duolingo English Test fee is set at $59 for a single test and $49 each if purchasing two tests. This fee includes access to the test report, which becomes available within two days after completion.
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test
To excel on the Duolingo English Test, it’s essential to strengthen reading, listening, and speaking skills. Practice with native speakers, read articles from reliable sources, and listen to English-language podcasts to enhance your abilities. Familiarize yourself with the test structure by taking a practice test, which allows you to experience the types of questions included in the actual exam.
Duolingo English Test Syllabus
The test consists of three main sections: Introduction, Adaptive Test, and Writing and Speaking Samples.
- Introduction: The software checks your equipment to ensure the camera, microphone, and speakers are functioning correctly. You’ll also review the test guidelines here.
- Adaptive Test: This section assesses English proficiency through a variety of question types that adjust based on performance. Question formats include sentence completion, spelling, listening and writing tasks, photo descriptions, and interactive reading.
- Writing and Speaking Samples: In this segment, test-takers respond to prompts by speaking and writing within a set timeframe. The speaking topics often simulate classroom or higher education scenarios, while the writing prompts cover personal choices, opinions, or experiences. These samples are available for review upon test completion.
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