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Duolingo English Test Pattern 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Updated on 04 February, 2024

Mrinal Mandal

Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

The Duolingo English test is intended for admission to various universities worldwide. Duolingo is a creative and one-of-a-kind certified English language test that can be taken anytime and from any location. The Duolingo test differs from traditional recognized English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL in terms of the format and time duration. It does not require test takers to visit a specific test center to appear. The Duolingo English Test is currently accepted for admission at over 3,000 institutions worldwide.

What exactly is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is a computer-based online exam that is an English proficiency assessment designed for international institutions and students. Access to the test is available online, and there is no need to travel to any test center, as the exam can be taken from the comfort of one's own home using a computer and a webcam.

The test is conducted to check the candidate's ability in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, similar to the traditional study abroad exams such as IELTSTOEFL, and PTE. In this article, we will discuss everything there is to know about the test, from the Duolingo English test pattern to its important dates, which will assist you in preparing better for the test. 

The test is administered via a computer-adaptive technology, which means that the difficulty level of the questions increases with every correct answer and decreases if the answer is incorrect. When the results are submitted, the test takers are also asked to go through a video interview and record their responses to open-ended questions and a writing sample, which will be sent to an institution along with the test taker's proficiency score.

The test can be taken from home, and there is no need for a prior appointment. The Duolingo test pattern is such that the entire test lasts less than an hour, and the results are announced within 48 hours, which can be shared with several institutions.

Duolingo Test Pattern

The Duolingo English test pattern is planned and designed using Data Forensics and Artificial Intelligence technology to maintain the clarity of the test. The test lasts for one hour and is administered online in one go. The questions are written in such a manner that they assess the test taker's analytical thinking and versatility. 

Duolingo exam pattern can be separated into two parts:

Feature

Description

Test Duration

60 minutes

Sections

2: Adaptive Section & Speaking & Writing Section

Adaptive Section

45 minutes, graded, adaptive to your performance

Speaking & Writing Section

10 minutes, ungraded, shared with institutions

Adaptive Section Content

Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Writing, Speaking

Reading Comprehension

Multiple-choice questions based on short texts

Listening Comprehension

Multiple-choice questions based on audio recordings

Writing

2 open-ended prompts requiring written responses

Speaking

3 open-ended prompts requiring spoken responses

Question Types

Multiple-choice, short answer, open-ended

Scoring

Scaled score from 0-160

Minimum Passing Score

Institution specific, typically 100-120

Delivery Mode

Online only

Cost

USD 59

Validity

2 years

The Duolingo English test pattern is divided into two sections: adaptive testing and video interviews, and is conducted all at once within 60-minute. The first 5 minutes of the test are an introductory section that gives the test takers a quick walkthrough of the Duolingo English test setup. All the rules and requirements of the test are explained. The time duration of the Adaptive test is 45 minutes and the remaining 10 minutes is for the video interview. Let us look at the sections of the Duolingo exam pattern.

Download these guides to read Offline

Duolingo Syllabus
Duolingo test pattern

Duolingo English Adaptive Test 

This section examines the candidates' reading, speaking, writing, and listening abilities. It is a 45-minute graded section of the Duolingo English test. This section contains all question types, which appear at random throughout the test.

The Duolingo Adaptive test scores will be assigned separately by the test provider. The test taker must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Duolingo adaptive test or risk being disqualified.

Q1. Select real English words from the lot below.

Limes, Soxy, Baten, Hosking, Groose, Believe, Knife, Question, Busill, Post, Advice, Grandfather, Damber, Monise, Enviosional

Q2. Type the statement that you hear (you will have to listen to the recorded sentence and type it).

Q3. Write a description of the image below (the screen will present an image, and you need to describe it in your own words).

Q4. Record yourself saying the statement below (a sentence will be displayed on the screen and you have to record it in your voice).

Q5. Fill in the blanks-

Confidence is k_ _ to a successful corporate _ a _ _er.  It is one of the _ _ _ _ important soft skills that will help y _ _ grow exponentially at your w _ _ kplace. 

Duolingo Video Interview Test 

The second section of the test is the video interview. It is a 10-minute test in which the test taker must record their responses to open-ended questions. The test taker may be asked to talk about any given situation or to describe an image, or he or she may be given the option of selecting a topic and speaking for a few minutes. Candidates should be well prepared to answer a variety of questions.

Additionally, test takers should keep the following tips in mind while recording the video.

Highlights of the Duolingo English Test Pattern 

The Duolingo English Test is an online test that candidates can appear from anywhere and anytime.

Name of the Test  Duolingo English Test
Test Mode Online
Sections 2
Questions Types  Objective and  Descriptive
Time Duration 60 minutes

 

Necessary Documents for the Duolingo English Test 

There is no academic qualification required to take the Duolingo English test. They are only required to provide certain documents for identification purposes. To participate in Duolingo, the candidate must provide one of the following documents:

  • Driving License
  • Government ID
  • Passport

Software and Hardware Requirements for Duolingo Test

To smoothly appear for the Duolingo exam, candidates must have the following software and hardware facilities:

  • Front-facing camera
  • Laptop/ Computer
  • Microphone
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Speakers
  • Supported browser (Chrome or Opera)

Duolingo English Test Eligibility Criteria 

The Duolingo English test has no strict requirements. To be eligible to appear for the test, the candidates are not required to provide an academic transcript. Candidates can take the exam at any time of day by downloading the Duolingo app. Make sure you check the Duolingo English test pattern properly and prepare accordingly. Candidates must confirm with their chosen college or university to see if the Duolingo exam scores are valid. There is no set age limit to appear for the Duolingo test. Candidates under the age of 13 must obtain parental permission to take the Duolingo exam.

What happens after taking the Duolingo English test? 

After the candidate completes the Duolingo exam, it is delivered to the invigilators, and the candidate receives an email informing them that their score will be available within 48 hours. Candidates are notified via email when their Duolingo English test scores are ready. Test takers can take the Duolingo exam twice in 30 days. A certified test is the one that candidates typically take and are graded on. If there are any technical difficulties, that time is not counted in the two-minute limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Duolingo English Test?

It is an English proficiency assessment for today’s international institutions and students.

What is the time duration of the Duolingo English Test?

The time duration of the Duolingo English Test is 60 minutes.

How to prepare for the Duolingo English Test?

Start by going through the syllabus and the Duolingo English test pattern and practice from the Duolingo app.

How often can the Duolingo English Test be taken?

Test takers can take the Duolingo exam twice in 30 days.

How can I appear for the Duolingo English Test?

The test can be given at any time and place at your convenience.

What is the validity of the Duolingo English Test results?

The validity of the Duolingo English Test results is two years. 

What is the cost of the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test costs  $49 (INR 3,678 *) plus the taxes (if applicable).

 

* "Disclaimer! All course fees/salaries/expenses are indicative."

How do I pass the English test on Duolingo?

Key to passing any exam is preparation. Ensure that you prepare well by taking practice tests, developing a reading habit, and communicating in English to practice your pronunciation. 

Is 100 a good score on Duolingo English Test?

A score of around 110 is considered a good Duolingo score, and one above 120 is considered excellent. 

What is the minimum Duolingo score for admission to US universities?

Most good colleges will accept a good Duolingo score of 110+. Some universities may accept a score below that. Make sure to get as high a score as possible on the test to improve your chances of admission. 

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Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.

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