Anumika BahukhandiStudy Abroad Expert
The Duolingo English Test Pattern is a little different from other English language tests that can be taken from the test centers. Duolingo English Test is a convenient, fast, and affordable exam that is designed to take the test online anywhere, anytime. It is accepted by more than 4000 institutions worldwide as an English language proficiency test. The Duolingo English Test is a 1-hour online test. The test pattern is divided into two parts broadly. One is a 45-minute adaptive test that has a series of questions that evaluate a candidate's English skills. The other is a 10-minute Writing and Speaking test that has open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside a candidate's score. The first 5 minutes is an introduction that walks the test takers through the test rules and requirements.
DET 2023 Pattern Highlights
| Test Name |
Duolingo English Test |
| Mode |
Online |
| Sections |
2 |
| Types of Questions |
Objective + Descriptive |
| Duration |
60 minutes |
| Test Pattern |
|
The Duolingo English Test measures the following four major abilities in the test taker:
| Sections | Ability Analysed |
|---|---|
| Literacy | Ability to read and write |
| Comprehension | Ability to listen and read |
| Conversation | Ability to speak and listen |
| Production | Ability to write and speak |
Why is Duolingo an Adaptive Test?
Duolingo English Test is an adaptive test and is designed to evaluate the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the candidates. The Adaptive section of the test is of 45 minutes. The Adaptive test section is a graded section of the DET 2022. The adaptive test means that the questions in the Duolingo English Test adapt to the answers given by the test taker. So, the difficulty level of the questions is set accordingly. As the test is AI-driven, the questions are generated by a grading system implemented by Duolingo. So, the system selects questions from a large pool of questions, so, no question gets repeated. Apart from this, the test duration is of 60 minutes but there is not a limited or defined number of questions. The grading system will end the test when it is ensured by the score secured by the test taker.
Duolingo English Test - Video Interview
The video interview is a different section that is a 10-minute test. It includes a writing and speaking sample and has open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside the test taker's score. As asked by Duolingo, you need to have a front-facing camera, a microphone, working speakers, and a reliable internet connection. In this section, a candidate needs to
- Describe an image
- Speak about a given situation
- Speak on a topic for a few minutes
Predict your English proficiency score by sharing few details
DET 2023 Exam Pattern
DET is scored on a scale from 10 - 160. The Duolingo English Test pattern has four parts that are designed to monitor the English language proficiency of the candidate in all aspects. The difficulty level of the questions is in no particular order. You may encounter any kind of questions, easy or difficult, first.
Once you begin the test, you’ll be guided through three different sections:
| Introduction |
5 minutes |
| Adaptive test (Graded) |
45 minutes |
| Writing and speaking sample (Ungraded) |
10 minutes |
Section 1: Introduction and onboarding ~5 minutes
● Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are functioning properly.
● Submit your government-issued photo ID.
● Review the test rules and requirements.
Section 2: Adaptive test ~45 minutes
● Measures your English skills through a series of different question types:
○ Read and Complete
○ Read and Select
○ Listen and Select
○ Listen and Type
○ Read Aloud
○ Write About the Photo
○ Speak About the Photo
○ Read Then Write
○ Read Then Speak
○ Listen Then Speak
○ Complete the Sentences
○ Complete the Passage
○ Highlight the Answer
○ Identify the Idea
○ Title the Passage
● Test questions are administered randomly and difficulty level of questions will change on the basis of one’s performance
● All the questions are scored
Section 3: Writing Sample and Speaking Sample ~10 minutes
● You will be given a prompt and asked to respond at length.
● Question Types:
○ Writing Sample
○ Speaking Sample
● The Speaking Sample allows for a 1–3 minute response, and the Writing Sample allows for a 3–5 minute response.
● You will be able to review your responses to these samples after the test has concluded. Institutions that receive your results will also receive these samples.
● All the questions are scored.
DET Exam Syllabus 2023
The complete online 1-hour test is divided into 3 different parts. The introduction, Computer Adaptive Test, and Video Writing and speaking sample. Below we have mentioned in detail each of the parts of the Duolingo English Test syllabus.
Introduction
The 5-minute introduction walks the test taker through the test rules and requirements. As for the test requirements, you need to have a valid government ID to register for Duolingo English Test. Also, one needs to have the required computer set up that includes a working computer/laptop, reliable internet, a front-facing camera, a microphone, speakers, and a well-lit room. Also, candidates need to follow the rules and guidelines strictly while taking the test, or Duolingo can either cancel the test or invalidate your score or the test taker can be permanently banned from the Duolingo English Test.
Adaptive test (Graded)
- This is the most important part of the Duolingo English test as it includes a series of different questions that evaluate the candidate's English skills.
- The 45-minute section analyses the English skills through short questions
- The difficulty level of the questions changes according to the performance of the test taker
Video Writing and speaking sample (Ungraded)
It includes open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside your score. The 10-minute section includes 2 prompts out of which the candidate has to answer one.
- You will be given 30 seconds to choose the prompt
- 1-3 minutes are there to attempt the video-speaking sample
- 3 to 5 minutes are dedicated to the writing sample
- Test takers are given time to review their video samples and also write sample answers before submission
Duolingo Adaptive Test Syllabus
The Duolingo Adaptive test lasts 45 minutes and analyses a candidate's English language skills with the help of a series of unfamiliar question types. The exam questions are randomly administered and the difficulty level of the questions will keep getting altered on the basis of how you perform. This part won't have any fixed number of questions and as soon as the grading engine is satisfied with your marks or scores, the test will be over.
The table below lists the types of questions which will be asked in the adaptive test along with the areas they measure and time limit provided to answer.
| Questions Type |
Subscores |
Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Read and complete |
Literacy, Comprehension |
3 min |
| Read and select |
Literacy, Comprehension |
1 min |
| Listen and select |
Comprehension, Conversation |
1.5 min |
| Listen and types |
Comprehension, Conversation |
1 min |
| Read aloud |
Comprehension, Conversation |
20 sec |
| Write about photo |
Production, Literacy |
1 min |
| Speak about photo |
Production, Conversation |
1 - 1.5 min |
| Read and write |
Conversation, Production |
0.5 - 1.5 min |
| Listen and speak |
Conversation, Production |
0.5 - 1.5 min |
Although the exact number of questions that are going to be asked is not defined but one can know the type of questions that are going to be asked in the Duolingo English Test pattern.
Duolingo English Test Pattern FAQs
Q. What is the pattern of the Duolingo English Test?
A. The Duolingo English Test has two parts. The first one is a 45-minute adaptive test in which series of questions appear that evaluate one's English skills. The other part consists of a 10-minute Writing and Speaking test that has open-ended prompts. These along with one's scores are shared with institutions. The first 5 minutes is an introduction in which the test takers are made familiar with the test rules and requirements. DET is conducted online and is an English proficiency test which analyses one's abilities in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Q. Why is Duolingo English Test an adaptive test?
A. Duolingo English Test is an adaptive test due to the fact that the questions asked in it adapt to the answers that the test taker gives. Therefore, the difficulty level of the questions is set accordingly. The questions are generated by a grading system implemented by Duolingo as the test is AI-driven. So, questions are chosen by the system from a large pool of questions and no question appears twice. In order to get an in-depth idea about the DET structure, you are suggested to go through the video walkthrough on the official website.
Q. What is a video interview in Duolingo English Test?
A. A different section, the video interview is a 10-minute test. It consists of a Writing and speaking sample and also has open-ended prompts which are sent to various institutions alongside the test taker's score. Duolingo has made it mandatory for the test takers to have a front-facing camera, a microphone, working speakers, and a reliable internet connection. In this section, a candidate needs to describe an image, talk about a given situation, and on a top for a few minutes.
Q. Why should I watch the five-minute introduction at the beginning of DET?
A. Make sure that you watch the 5-minute introduction as it will help you get acquainted wit the rules and requirements of the Duolingo English Test. Also, in order to register for the test, you will have to be holding a valid government ID. The test takers will also be required to have a computer set up that includes a working computer/laptop, reliable internet, a front-facing camera, a microphone, speakers, and a well-lit room. Make sure that you follow the rules and guidelines strictly or else your test may get cancelled or Duolingo may also invalidate your score.
Q. What are writing and speaking samples in DET?
A. In this section, open-ended prompts will be there which will be shared with institutions with the score you obtain. It is a 10-minute section which contains two prompts out of which the candidate has to answer one. In the Speaking sample, the length of the response has to be between 1-3 minutes, whereas in the Writing Sample, it has to be between 3-5 minutes. Once the test is completed, the test takers will be able to review their answers to these samples.
Q. What are some Writing tips for the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
A. Those who wish to appear for Duolingo English Test should make it a habit to make use of correct grammar, punctuation, right spelling, and capitalization. Both British and American spellings are accepted for the test. But in the Read and Complete question type, only American spelling can be used. Test takers should use different word choice and sentence structure as much as they can. If you want to score better, utilizing assorted and polished vocabulary and grammar may help you with the puspose.
Q. What are some Speaking tips for the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
A. When attempting the Speaking section, make sure you speak loudly, coherently and in an uncomplicated manner. Don't speak too fast or too slow as the same can have negative impact on your score. Speak at a moderate speed. One you've recorded your response, you won't be able to record it again. So if by chance you make any error, keep moving ahead. Ensure that you submit your recording only after you have completed your entire response. Also, as suggested for the Writing part, using diversified sentence structure and words will help you obtaining good scores.
Q. What are some of the strategies to take Duolingo English Test?
A. Utilize your time conveniently to answer the asked questions. Don't expect that you'll score better by providing responses quickly. Try to give lengthier answers than required if you can. No penalty will be charged for errors until or unless the test taker presses the 'Next' button for submitting the response. So make all the corrections you want before moving on to the next question. Once you have clicked on 'next' you won't be able to go back to the previous question. Also, do not look at the times frequently as doing so may divert your mind from answering effectively.
Q. What are 'Read Aloud' questions in DET?
A. In the 'Read Aloud' part, the test takers will have to record themselves reading a written sentence or a statement which appears on the screen. They will then have to speak it loud and clear into the microphone. As soon as the timer starts, you will get to read the instructions for this question. Carefully look at the pauses or punctuations in the given statement so that you can halt at the commas. Only 20 seconds will be provided for the same and you can record your statement only once.
Q. What is 'Speak about the photo' question?
A. In this a picture will appear on the test taker's screen. He/she will then have to speak about the same for a minimum of 30 seconds. The instructions along with the picture will be displayed for 20 seconds on the screen after which it will switch to the record screen. If recorded earlier, you may press 'next' in order to advance further yourself. This exercise is best answered when one describes the picture as if explaining it to a person who cannot see the image.
Q. What is 'Read, then Write' question in DET?
A. In this, a question will appear on the test taker's screen to which he/she will have to respond in minimum 50 words. So one has to first read the question and then write about it. Once the timer begins, instructions for this question will be displayed. Take your time and make sure you give the best possible reply to what is asked. How many words have you used will appear below the text box. Also, the test taker won't be able to press 'next' until they have written a total of 50 words atleast.
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Anumika BahukhandiStudy Abroad Expert
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Anumika BahukhandiStudy Abroad Expert
3 months ago
Hello Priya. Obtaining a good DET score can help you in getting admission into your desired educational institution. The desired test scores are decided by the universities as part of their admission criteria. A score of 100 falls in the Upper-Intermediate (85-120) category. It implies that one can
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Anumika BahukhandiStudy Abroad Expert
4 months ago
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Anumika BahukhandiStudy Abroad Expert
5 months ago
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