I recently read an online thread about a person facing a dilemma: Duolingo vs IELTS (International English Language Testing System vs. Duolingo English Test). The aspirant was planning to migrate, study, and eventually work in an English-speaking country but was unsure which test to take to prove English proficiency.
Both tests assess reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and are widely accepted. IELTS, with its traditional exam pattern, offers both online and offline modes, while Duolingo provides a more flexible, fully online adaptive test.
I decided to research and write this blog to help other study abroad aspirants like you understand the difference between Duolingo and IELTS and make a proper decision.
Adaptive Section (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking) and Video-based Interview
Declaration of Results
3-5 days (Online) and 13 days (Offline)
Within 48 hours
Range of Scoring
Score Bands (0-9)
Score Range (10-160)
Full Name
The first thing I looked into when comparing Duolingo vs IELTS was the full names of both exams:
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Duolingo: Duolingo English Test (DET)
Conducting Body
Next, consider who conducts each exam:
IELTS: It’s owned jointly by IDP, British Council, and Cambridge English. But, in India, the exam is organized by IDP.
Duolingo: It’s conducted by Duolingo.
Frequency of Exams
The frequency of the exams is another important factor:
IELTS: It’s held multiple times throughout the year, with no limit on the number of attempts.
Duolingo: You can take it anytime and anywhere upon registration and payment.
Sections
Compare the sections of each test:
IELTS: It includes Reading (60 minutes), Listening (30 minutes), Speaking (11-14 minutes), and Writing (60 minutes).
Duolingo: It has an adaptive test covering writing, reading, speaking, and listening (45 minutes), plus an ungraded 10-minute video interview.
Duration
Finally, look at the total duration of each exam:
IELTS: 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Duolingo: 45 minutes for the adaptive test plus 10 minutes for the video interview.
Scoring Comparison (Scoring Criteria)
Wondering how Duolingo vs IELTS score your English skills? Knowing this is super important for your study abroad plans.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide which test is right for you:
Aspect
IELTS
Duolingo
Scoring Range
Band Scores from 0 to 9
Scores from 10 to 160
Overall Band Score
Average of the four section band scores rounded to the nearest half band
Average of Individual and Integrated Subscores. Two individual subscores are averaged to obtain integrated subscores.
Detailed Band Scores
9 - Expert: Fully operational command of the language
Individual Subscores are calculated for sections likeSpeaking, Writing, Reading
-
8 - Very Good: Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies
Integrated Subscores are estimated based onProduction (write and speak), Literacy (read and write), Comprehension (listen and read), Conversation (speak and listen)
-
7 - Good: Operational command with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage
A key factor to consider in the debate is the exam fee. Knowing the costs can help you plan your budget for studying abroad. Here’s a comparison of the fees for both tests:
Test
Exam Fee
IELTS
INR 17,000(Pen & Paper, computer-based)
Duolingo
INR 5,423($65)
The IELTS fee varies by location, while Duolingo has a consistent, lower fee. This cost difference is essential when comparing IELTS vs Duolingo and deciding which test to take.
Usage
IELTS: Acceptable for studying, working, or immigrating to countries where the native language is English. This includes nations like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
DET: Accepted for working, studying, and migrating to English-speaking nations such as Canada, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
IELTS: Minimum age of 16.
DET: Though there are no specific eligibility criteria, the test requires a passport, driving license, or government ID, a well-lit room, reliable internet connectivity, and a computer.
Exam Pattern and Format
Curious about the exam patterns for Duolingo and IELTS? Let’s break it down and understand the difference between Duolingo and IELTS:
IELTS
Section
Format
Time
Listening
40 questions across 4 parts. Parts 1 & 2: social situations. Parts 3 & 4: educational/training contexts.
30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer
Reading
40 questions in 3 sections. Texts from books, journals, magazines, and online sources, aimed at non-specialist audiences.
60 minutes (including transfer)
Writing
2 tasks: Describe visual information (150 words) and discuss a point of view/argument/problem (250 words).
60 minutes
Speaking
3 parts: personal questions, 2-minute talk on a topic, detailed discussion on the topic.
Reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills tested with adaptive difficulty questions.
45 minutes
Video Interview
Respond to prompts with recorded answers. Answer prompts with a 1–3 minute speaking response and a 3–5 minute writing response.
10 minutes
The DET vs IELTS format comparison shows that Duolingo is fully online with a shorter duration, while IELTS offers both online and offline options with a more traditional format. This could influence your decision if you are wondering - which is better for the USA, IELTS or Duolingo?
IELTS is accepted at more than 12,000 institutions, schools, universities, employers, and immigration authorities across more than 140 countries. These include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and more.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted across 5000+ institutions in various nations.
The IELTS listening section has four recordings with several questions to be answered by candidates. These could be conversations or monologues. Tasks may include completing sentences, MCQs, matching, and so on.
In the DET, you will have to listen to spoken words with wrong/actual ones in English, and you will have to choose the right ones. You will also get audio recordings which require suitable transcription.
Duolingo has candidates choosing proper English words from amongst pseudo ones while filling out missing texts from sentences, and writing at least 500 words in response to a question that is given. They have to type their statement after hearing the recording alongside.
In IELTS, the writing section has two tasks, namely a summary of a diagram, graph, or table, while explaining the same in words, and also writing an essay as a response to any argument, problem, or viewpoint.
IELTS has several tests where candidates read long texts from journals, books, newspapers, magazines, etc. They have to demonstrate skills like reading for the core idea, gist, and also logical viewpoints/arguments.
The DET requires candidates to suitably read all sentences while filling up missing words and letters for making these sentences more logical.
The IELTS speaking section comprises three tasks. The first one requires candidates to answer questions about their family, interests, and themselves. The second one has candidates getting cards with topics on which they need to speak. The third task is in the form of a discussion.
The DET requires aspirants to read sentences aloud while answering questions verbally in the section. The video interview has them speaking on any topic and submitting sample prompts in writing. They can choose from two topics and speak on their preferred topic for a minimum of 1-3 minutes.
Validity Timeline and Difficulty Level
Validity Timeline
Wondering how long your English test scores are valid? Let’s look at how the Duolingo English Test (DET) and IELTS compare in terms of score validity and flexibility.
Aspect
Duolingo English Test
IELTS
Scores Validity
2 years
2 years
Difficulty Level
If you’re unsure about how hard these tests are, here’s a quick comparison of Duolingo and IELTS on their testing style and overall experience:
Aspect
Duolingo English Test
IELTS
Adaptive Testing
Yes, adjusts difficulty based on responses.
No, fixed format.
User Experience
User-friendly, less intimidating, taken in a comfortable environment.
Traditional and structured, face-to-face speaking components can be challenging.
Test Format
Interactive and engaging with varied question types.
Standardized with a fixed structure and question types.
Speaking Test
Recorded responses can be retaken if needed.
Face-to-face with an examiner can be stressful.
Preparation
Requires familiarization with the test format and less extensive preparation.
Often requires more intensive preparation and study time.
Question Complexity
Adjusts to your level, starts easy, and becomes challenging.
Consistent level of difficulty throughout the test.
Preparation Tips
IELTS
Complete as many practice tests as possible.
Build up your vocabulary and grammatical skills.
Practice speaking into a mirror or in front of someone.
Diversify your reading and knowledge-gathering sources.
Whether you're looking at the difference between Duolingo and IELTS or trying to decide which test is better, knowing these do's and don'ts for both Duolingo and IELTS can help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your test performance.
IELTS Do's and Don'ts
Do's
Don'ts
Answer all questions – you don’t lose marks for blank spaces.
Rush transferring your answers to the answer sheet.
Use preparation time to highlight key words in the question page.
Use the wrong punctuation for numbers.
Stick to your word limit (e.g. no more than 2 words and/or a number).
Just use practice tests – try listening to a variety of materials.
Look at the heading and sub-heading of the article for a general idea
Waste time on one question if you don’t know the answer
Use linking devices (e.g., however, so) to connect your ideas
Give short and unclear answers in the Speaking section
Duolingo Do's and Don'ts
Do's
Don'ts
Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are functioning properly.
Attempt the test without proper ID verification.
Take the time to review the test rules and requirements.
Start the test without understanding the format.
Answer all questions to the best of your ability.
Rush through questions without understanding.
Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the adaptive format.
Rely solely on the test day performance.
Check your internet connection and test environment before starting the exam
Forget to check the time while answering the questions
Result Declaration
Wondering when you'll get your results for Duolingo or IELTS test? Knowing the timeline and process can help you plan better and ease the anxiety of waiting. Here’s a quick overview to guide you:
IELTS Result Declaration
How and When You Get Results:
Test Type
Result Time
IELTS Online
6–8 days
IELTS on Computer
1–5 days
IELTS on Paper
Up to 13 days
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Up to 13 days
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
Up to 7 days
Test Report Form (TRF): You’ll get an official IELTS TRF, either as a paper copy or a digital version (eTRF).
Accessing Results: View your results through the Test Taker portal using your ID number and candidate number.
Email Notification: Depending on your registration (British Council, IDP, USA), you'll receive an email with a link to your scores.
Duolingo Result Declaration
How and When You Get Results:
Test Type
Result Time
Standard
Within 2 days
Faster Results Option
Within 12 hours
Notification: You’ll get an email when your result is ready.
If you're wondering if duolingo is harder than ielts, knowing the result timelines and processes might help you make a more informed choice.
IELTS vs Duolingo Proficiency Level
The Duolingo vs IELTS score comparison chart should help you understand how your scores translate between the two tests.
IELTS Band Score
IELTS Proficiency Level
Duolingo Score Range
Duolingo Proficiency Level
9
Expert
155-160
Expert
8
Very Good
145-150
Very Good
7
Good
135-140
Good
6
Competent
115-130
Competent
5
Modest
105-110
Modest
4
Limited
85-100
Limited
3
Extremely Limited
65-80
Extremely Limited
2
Intermittent
45-60
Intermittent
1
Non-User
10-40
Non-User
0
Did not attempt the test
N/A
Did not attempt the test
Knowing your proficiency level can guide your decision on whether Duolingo or IELTS is better suited for your needs, especially if you’re asking yourself if Duolingo is harder than IELTS.
I feel choosing between Duolingo and IELTS comes down to your personal goals and preferences. Each test has its own strengths, and understanding the difference between Duolingo and IELTS can help you make the right choice. Remember, thorough preparation is key. Best of luck on your journey to studying abroad.
Important IELTS Exam Resources
IELTS Exam Overview
IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details./
IELTS is the most popular and crucial test for evaluating English language proficiency throughout the world. Learn how to register for the IELTS exam./
It becomes necessary for candidates to meet the eligibility for IELTS exam and demonstrate their language proficiency while being assessed on four parameters, namely, Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening./
The IELTS exam dates are allotted on a first-come and first-serve basis. Choose your date and timings beforehand to avoid the delay. You can register for the test both in online and offline mode./
Fully aware of the growing popularity of the language test, we bring to you a list of IELTS exam centers in India. The list will enable aspirants in better planning before registering for the test./
There are two types of IELTS tests – i) Academic IELTS and ii) General Training IELTS. Candidates are often confused about making the right choice of IELTS test that can meet their requirements regarding their education or job./
Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible./
Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay./
Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer./
Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation./
IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test./
To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below./
IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation./
Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question./
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture./
The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same./
The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least./
Both examinations are good in their respective ways. IELTS is more preferred and accepted worldwide, although DET is also gaining ground in recent times, especially after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
What is the difference between Duolingo and IELTS?
Duolingo is completely computer-based, while the IELTS is either paper or computer-based. The former requires just 45 minutes, while the latter requires 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Can I take the Duolingo test instead of the IELTS?
IELTS is more popular for admissions as compared to the Duolingo English Test (DET). The latter is, however, gaining more popularity and acceptance amongst universities due to the pandemic. Choosing between the two will depend on your level of comfort and preparation.
Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?
The Duolingo test has near-similar difficulty levels as the IELTS. The two tests are different in terms of their formats, structures, and other aspects. It all depends on your preparation and how well you practice before the examination.
Can I convert Duolingo to IELTS?
There is no official conversion between Duolingo and IELTS scores, but Duolingo provides its own tables to compare them. Check with your institution for specific score equivalents.
What is 6.5 IELTS equivalent in Duolingo?
A 6.5 IELTS score is approximately equivalent to a Duolingo score of 120-125. Always check the specific requirements of the institutions you’re applying to.
What is the full score of Duolingo?
The full score for the Duolingo English Test is 160, reflecting your overall proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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