How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test 2025: Check Study Material & Guide

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Raj Vimal
Updated on Mar 6, 2025 22:28 IST

By Raj Vimal, Study Abroad Expert

What is the ideal time to start the Duolingo English Test preparation? Well, it depends on your language proficiency. The DET test is an adaptive test which adjusts according to your answers. The Duolingo English Test assesses candidates' English Language skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Now many universities around the world are accepting the DET Score to offer admissions to international students. The popularity of the Duolingo English Test is increasing, making it a great alternative to traditional English tests like IELTS, PTE, and more. To achieve an impressive DET score, you must develop a strong command of the English language and prepare smartly based on the latest test pattern. In this guide, we will learn how to prepare for Duolingo English Test including some tips and tricks for the DET English test.

Duolingo English Test preparation tips

Q:   How to prepare for Duolingo exam at home without tuitions?

A: 

To prepare for the Duolingo English Test at home, here are some tips that can helpful for you:

  • The official Duolingo website/app offers a free practice test that gives you a sample of the question format and scoring system. It will help you to do self evaluation.
  • Consume English media like news articles, novels, or blogs regularly, watch English movies & TV shows, podcasts and audiobooks to improve vocabulory.
  • Practice writing regularly in English, such as start a journal, and write short stories.
  • Attempt mock tests, or communicate with friends to practice speaking English under pressure.
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Q:   Can I prepare for Duolingo English Test in 1 month?

A: 

Yes, you can prepare for the Duolingo English Test in one month with a well-structured study plan. Here are some key tips to help you prepare for the DET effectively:

  • Week 1: Understand the test format and build foundational skills.
  • Week 2: Focus on skill development by reading news articles, watching English videos, and summarizing them.
  • Week 3: Practice with mock tests to improve accuracy and time management.
  • Week 4: Conduct a final review, refine strategies, and take full-length practice tests.
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Q:   What is the purpose of Duolingo Test?

A: 

The purpose of Duolingo Test is designed in a manner so that it is convenient and accessible, as it allows candidates to take the test at a time and place that suits them, without the need to travel to a testing centre. Much like conventional study abroad exams like TOEFL, and IELTS, the DET also tests all four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking giving the applicants a comprehensive evaluation of their English proficiency. Thus, the purpose of DET is simple and based on ease of applicants testing.

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Q:   What is Duolingo English Test?

A: 

Full form of DET is Duolingo English Test. It is a popular English proficiency tests, helping students obtain admission abroad into a university or college of their choice through its score. It is called an adaptive test because the difficulty of the test questions changes on the basis of a candidate’s performance.

More than 5000+ universities in the world accepted by thousands of institutions across the world. The test evaluates a candidate’s English speaking skills in four domains, namely – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. One can attempt the test within an hour and can get result within next 48 hours.

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Table of content
  • Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips
  • DET 2025 Sample Test
  • DET 2025 Rules
  • Duolingo English Test Requirements
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Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips

Duolingo preparation can be done by learning and practising some English Language skills. Reading some, high-level material like international magazines, and newspapers, and practising writing regularly will help you hone your skills. Apart from this, you can watch English movies and converse with people who have English as their native language. You can also get a lot of free resources online for preparing for the exam.

Read: Advantages of Taking the Duolingo English Test

It is always good to combine both self-study with coaching as a qualified coach will help candidates clear their doubts in a much more authentic manner. Here are some tips for Duolingo English Test preparation tips that you can use to perform well in the test:

  • Polish Your Vocabulary Everyday: The mantra to obtain good scores has always been 'regular practice'. Maintain a separate notebook to improve vocabulary and note down 2-3 words from a dictionary every day with their meanings. Other sources from where you may learn new words are books, magazines, online blogs, newspapers, etc.
  • Work on Your Listening Skills: You may improve your listening skills by watching your favourite English web series, documentary, or drama. 
  • YouTube Videos: Nowadays, with easy access to the internet, almost all of us have video apps on our cell phones. You can take the help of YouTube videos and multiple English learning lessons, live coaching classes, vocabulary pronunciation, synonyms/antonyms videos and the like all available for free.
  • Descriptive Excercise: As Duolingo English Test has an exercise which requires candidates to describe a thing, event or something mentioned in their own language. Just focus on anything lying next to you or nearby you and write 2-3 short descriptive sentences about it as creatively as you can.
  • Speaking Excercise: In order to improve your speaking skills select any topic of your choice and speak for 30 seconds to 1 minute about it. Record the entire thing and listen to it again. Make sure to practice Duolingo speaking topics to improve your speaking skills.
  • Attempting Sample papers: Before appearing for the actual paper it is always a good idea to go through some sample papers to get an idea about your level of preparation. 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions

Q:   How is the DET scored?

A: 

The Duolingo English Test measures the English language ability on a scale of 10 to 160 and is scored in 5-point increments. A higher score indicates a higher level of proficiency. It is further divided into four categories. The scoring system is computer-generated. Each of the sections is scored separately. Various universities and institutions across the world make use of the Duolingo English Test score for the purpose of admission as well as immigration purposes.

ScaleCEFR
10-55A1/A2
60-85B1
90-115B2
120-160C1/C2
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Q:   Is Duolingo English Test difficult?

A: 

 Duolingo English Test is designed in such a way that it tests the ability of the candidate quickly. The test is adaptive, where if you answer a question correctly then the next one becomes harder, and so on. It assesses a candidate's listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. A variety of questions such as fill-in-the-blank, describe an image, record a sentence, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions are asked. Generally, DET is considered to be easier than the other standardized English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

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Q:   How to check the Duolingo English Test score?

A: 

Once your test has been graded and reviewed by the administrator, you will receive an email on the email id given by you at the time of registration.

Also, candidates can check their complete test history and results on Duolingo's official website by login through their account. The test report will contain one's overall score, section-wise score, comparison of the scores with those of others, and a breakdown of your performance in individual skill area. The validity of the Duolingo English Test Score is two years.

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Q:   How to I attempt 'Complete the Sentence' question in DET?

A: 

In this type of question, test takers will have to choose the best answer for every missing word in a displayed sentence.

A passage will appear on their screens which will have various blank spaces. You will have to select the best word which you think would complete the sentence. Make sure that you've carefully read the complete sentence. Make sure of context clues in order to decide the best option.

Once you've filled in the blanks, read the entire completed sentence once again to see if it makes sense.   

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Q:   What are 'Read Aloud' questions in DET test?

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.  

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DET 2025 Sample Test

If you want to familiarize yourself with the real test, you can visit the Duolingo site and give the sample test. Although the sample test is shorter in duration (eight minutes) and the score range is less accurate and unofficial. By taking the sample test, you will come to know about the real test and can experience what is going to come in the actual exam.

The best part about the sample test is that it is free and you can take it as many times as you want. Also, once you complete the sample test, it shares an estimated score range, so, you can judge your preparedness.








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DET 2025 Rules

As the test can be taken online, Duolingo follows a rigorous process and has framed various sets of rules for candidates. While the complete test experience is recorded and reviewed by the proctors. Proctors also make sure that there is no background noise, or anybody is present in your room at the time of the test. Apart from this, candidates cannot wear earphones and interact with anyone. Candidates are not allowed to use a phone or any other device while giving the exam. Make sure you follow all these rules otherwise, you have to take the test again.

Duolingo English Test Walkthrough

Available on the official DET website, the Duolingo walkthrough video lets you gain an overview of all the DET question types in just 3.36 minutes. It is the best way to get familiar with your test as you will be able to get acquainted with different types of questions which are asked in Duolingo English Test and the same can be practiced by you as many times as you want by re-playing the video. You will also learn the manner in which those questions need to be answered.







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Duolingo English Test Requirements

As you will give the exam online from your home, make sure you have all the equipment required to take the test, so you can take the exam hassle-free.

You need:

  • Your passport, driver's license, or government ID
  • A quiet, well-lit room
  • 1 hour of free time
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A computer

Your Computer Should Also Have

  • A supported browser (Chrome, Opera)
  • A front-facing camera
  • A microphone
  • Speakers

When you share the result of the Duolingo English Test with the university both the adaptive test and the video interview are included in it. In this test, you will have a choice of two question types of each video interview and the writing sample. Then you have to speak for one to three minutes and write up for up to five minutes. Also, there is a timer that you can track through the exam. If you are not satisfied with your performance, you can take the test again. You can take the Duolingo English test as many times as you want.

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Comments

(37)

L

Lavanya Pal

a year ago

What are the job and career options after passing the Duolingo test?

Reply to Lavanya Pal

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Lavanya. Please note that the Duolingo English Test is an English language exam. Candidates can take the Duolingo test to prove their english communication skills.

U

Ufuoma Peace

a year ago

When I registered and pay, can I write the test immediately

Reply to Ufuoma Peace

Hello Ufuoma. Yes, you can start the test immediately after purchasing it. You will get one credit for purchasing one DET. On purchasing a DET bundle, you will get two credits. These credits are used to attempt the Duolingo English Test. Candidates are provided a total of 3 attempt for using the cre

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p

priya sapkade

a year ago

If we get 100 score it is enough for pass duolingo exam.

Reply to priya sapkade

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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a

aman

a year ago

If i received score in range of 90-135 in duolingo practice test then what can be my actual english test if i give i just anticipating answer based on previous experiences that people had with them.

Reply to aman

Hello Aman. The score which you've obtained in your practice test does not give an absolute real picture of the score you'll obtain in DET. Scores obtained in the practice test roughly predict your real test scores. Scores of the real test are usually an average of your practice test scores. You can

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a

aman

a year ago

sorry for grammatical mistake i didn't recognize before posting and now, i am not able to edi that

M

Marchee Nyanh

2 years ago

I need the official email for the test

Reply to Marchee Nyanh

Hello Marchee, the official website for Duolingo is englishtest.duolingo.com.