The Complete Guide To The Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an AI-driven, fully online English proficiency exam recognized by thousands of universities, employers, and institutions worldwide. Unlike IELTS and TOEFL, it doesn’t require an in-person test center—candidates can take it from home, following strict security measures to ensure fairness.

The DET assesses four primary language skills:

• Reading (Understanding written English)
• Listening (Comprehending spoken English)
• Writing (Producing well-structured written responses)
• Speaking (Expressing thoughts clearly and fluently in spoken English)

What makes the DET unique is its adaptive test format. Unlike traditional exams where all test-takers receive the same set of questions, the DET adjusts the difficulty level based on the test-taker’s responses. If a test-taker answers a question correctly, the next question may be more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next question may be slightly easier. This real-time adaptation allows for an accurate assessment of an individual’s English proficiency in just one hour.

How to Speak Confidently for 3 Minutes on the Duolingo English Test

How Does the DET Compare to IELTS & TOEFL?

Since the DET is relatively new compared to IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), many test-takers wonder how it compares in terms of format, scoring, and university acceptance. The following table highlights key differences:

Key Differences:

• Flexibility: Unlike IELTS and TOEFL, which require test-takers to travel to designated test centers, the DET can be taken at home.
• Test Duration: The DET is significantly shorter than IELTS and TOEFL, taking just one hour, while IELTS and TOEFL can take over 3 hours to complete.
• Cost: At $70, the DET is much more affordable than IELTS ($215-$250) and TOEFL ($190-$250).
• Results Time: DET scores are available within 48 hours, whereas IELTS and TOEFL may take up to two weeks.
• Scoring System: The DET scores on a 10-160 scale, while IELTS uses a 0-9 band system and TOEFL scores range from 0-120.
• Speaking Section: The DET’s speaking responses are AI-evaluated, while IELTS has a live human examiner. Some test-takers prefer AI scoring since it eliminates human bias.

Why Choose the DET?

The Duolingo English Test offers several unique benefits that make it an excellent option for test-takers:

✅ Affordable Pricing – At only $65, the DET is significantly cheaper than other English proficiency tests. This makes it accessible to students and professionals worldwide who need an official language certification without spending hundreds of dollars.

✅ Fast Results – Unlike IELTS and TOEFL, which may take 6-13 days to deliver results, the DET provides official scores within 48 hours. This is ideal for students applying to universities with tight deadlines.

✅ No Need for a Test Center – The DET can be taken from home, eliminating the hassle of traveling to a test center. All that’s required is a quiet environment, a webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection.

✅ AI-Powered Scoring – The DET uses advanced AI algorithms to evaluate answers, making the grading process fair, unbiased, and precise. Unlike human evaluators, AI scoring ensures that all test-takers are assessed equally without subjective judgment.

✅ Recognized by Universities Worldwide – Over 4,000 universities and institutions currently accept the DET, and this number continues to grow. Some of the top institutions that accept the DET include:

• Yale University
• University of Toronto
• Imperial College London
• New York University (NYU)
• University of Sydney

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✅ Efficient & Adaptive Testing – The DET adjusts the difficulty of questions based on how a test-taker answers. This makes the test more efficient and accurate, allowing for a shorter test time while still maintaining high reliability in assessing English proficiency.

✅ Convenient Scheduling – There’s no need to book a test date weeks in advance. The DET is available on demand, meaning test-takers can take it whenever they feel ready.

✅ No Additional Speaking Interviews – Unlike IELTS, which requires a separate speaking interview with an examiner, the DET integrates the speaking section directly into the test. This makes the experience smoother and more streamlined for test-takers.

Test Format & Rules

A. Graded Section (45 minutes)

This section consists of a series of questions designed to measure the test-taker’s proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The adaptive format ensures that each question is tailored to the test-taker’s level, making the exam both challenging and efficient. Because the test adapts to your responses, no two test-takers will receive identical questions.

The Graded Section contains:

• Reading Comprehension Tasks
• Listening Exercises
• Writing Prompts
• Speaking Challenges

B. Writing & Video Sample (10 minutes)

• A written sample: The test-taker must write about a given topic for 3-5 minutes.
• A video sample: The test-taker must speak about a topic for 1-3 minutes while being recorded.

This section allows universities to evaluate the candidate’s real-world language abilities beyond automated scoring. Since there is no specific grading on this part, test-takers should focus on clarity, coherence, and fluency to make a strong impression.

Scoring System

The DET uses a 10-160 scale, divided into increments of 5 points. It also provides subscores for four specific areas:

• Literacy: Reading & writing skills.
• Comprehension: Listening & reading skills.
• Production: Writing & speaking skills.
• Conversation: Listening & speaking skills.

The following table provides an approximate comparison between DET scores, CEFR levels, and IELTS equivalents:

Test Rules and Security Measures

To maintain integrity and prevent fraud, Duolingo enforces strict security measures. Test-takers must adhere to the following rules:

✅ Webcam & Microphone Must Be On – The test-taker’s face and surroundings must remain visible at all times. No part of the face can be covered, and the environment should be well-lit.

✅ No External Devices Allowed – Headphones, earphones, additional screens, or external keyboards are strictly prohibited.

✅ No Speaking or Background Noise – The test must be taken in complete silence. Any suspicious sounds, talking, or additional voices will result in test invalidation.

✅ No Copy-Pasting or External Software – The use of online dictionaries, grammar checkers, or any assistive software is strictly forbidden.

✅ One Screen, One Keyboard – Dual monitors, additional screens, or second devices are not allowed. Test-takers must use only the screen and keyboard of the registered device.

✅ No Looking Away from the Screen – The test-taker must stay focused on the screen throughout the exam. Frequent looking away or breaking eye contact can raise suspicion and lead to the test being flagged for review.

✅ No Restroom or Breaks Allowed – Unlike other standardized tests, the DET does not allow breaks. The entire test must be completed in one sitting.

✅ No Notes or Writing Materials – Test-takers cannot use scratch paper, notebooks, or writing tools. The test is designed to be completed without external assistance.

Answer Guides & Templates to Improve Your Score

If any rule violations are detected, the test may be invalidated, and retakes may be denied. Test-takers should ensure they are in a quiet, controlled environment with no interruptions before starting the test.

Mastering All 19 Question Types

The Duolingo English Test (DET) consists of 19 different question types designed to assess reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. These question types are strategically designed to measure real-world language proficiency.

1. Read and Select

Description: Identify whether each word presented is a real English word. Frequency: 15-18 times Prep Time: None Duration: 5 seconds per item Tips:

• Focus on common prefixes and suffixes to recognize real words.
• Avoid guessing—some fake words are intentionally misleading.
• Regularly read academic and general English texts to build vocabulary.

2. Fill in the Blanks

Description: Complete a sentence by typing the missing letters to form the correct word. Frequency: 6-9 times Prep Time: None Duration: 20 seconds per item Tips:

• Consider the context of the sentence to predict missing letters.
• Pay attention to verb tenses and plural/singular forms.
• Familiarize yourself with commonly misspelled words.

3. Read and Complete

Description: Fill in the missing letters in incomplete words within a passage. Frequency: 3-6 times Prep Time: None Duration: 3 minutes for the entire passage Tips:

• Look for context clues to determine the correct words.
• Recognize common word patterns and collocations.
• Read a variety of materials such as news articles, essays, and academic papers.

4. Read Aloud

Description: Read a sentence displayed on the screen out loud into the microphone. Frequency: 3-6 times Prep Time: None Duration: 20 seconds per item Tips:

• Speak clearly and at a natural pace.
• Focus on intonation, pronunciation, and rhythm.
• Avoid hesitations or stopping mid-sentence.

5. Listen and Type

Description: Listen to a spoken sentence and type exactly what you hear. Frequency: 6-9 times Prep Time: None Duration: 1 minute per item Tips:

• Pay attention to connected speech and contractions (e.g., "gonna" instead of "going to").
• Use all three available listens to catch tricky words.
• Practice transcribing audio clips and podcasts to improve listening accuracy.

6. Complete the Sentences

Description: Select the best word to complete each sentence within a passage. Frequency: Part of Interactive Reading (2 sets of 6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 7-8 minutes for all six questions Tips:

• Use context clues to determine missing words.
• Focus on subject-verb agreement and grammar rules.
• Skim the entire passage first before making selections.

7. Complete the Passage

Description: Select the best sentence to fill in a blank within a passage. Frequency: Part of Interactive Reading (2 sets of 6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 7-8 minutes for all six questions Tips:

• Read the passage as a whole before selecting an answer.
• Identify logical flow and coherence between sentences.
• Choose an option that maintains consistency in tone and meaning.

8. Highlight the Answer

Description: Highlight the specific text in a passage that answers a given question. Frequency: Part of Interactive Reading (2 sets of 6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 7-8 minutes for all six questions Tips:

• Locate keywords from the question within the passage.
• Highlight only the relevant information, avoiding excess text.
• Skim and scan efficiently to locate answers quickly.

9. Identify the Idea

Description: Select the idea that best represents the content of a passage. Frequency: Part of Interactive Reading (2 sets of 6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 7-8 minutes for all six questions Tips:

• Summarize the main point of the passage in your own words before selecting an answer.
• Differentiate between main ideas and supporting details.
• Avoid selecting answers that focus too much on minor details.

10. Title the Passage

Description: Choose the most appropriate title for a given passage from a list of options. Frequency: Part of Interactive Reading (2 sets of 6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 7-8 minutes for all six questions Tips:

• Read the passage carefully and determine the central theme.
• Avoid titles that focus on minor details rather than the main idea.
• Identify the overall purpose and subject of the passage.

11. Listen and Respond

Description: Listen to a conversation and select the best responses at various points. Frequency: Part of Interactive Listening (2 sets of 5-6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 4 minutes per set Tips:

• Listen for context clues and tone to understand what response fits best.
• Identify keywords that signal the expected response.
• Consider natural conversational flow when choosing an answer.

12. Summarize the Conversation

Description: Write a brief summary of a conversation you participated in or listened to. Frequency: Part of Interactive Listening (2 sets of 5-6 questions) Prep Time: None Duration: 75 seconds per item Tips:

• Focus on key points rather than unnecessary details.
• Use concise and clear language.
• Ensure the summary captures the main idea and key facts from the conversation.

13. Write About the Photo

Description: Write a description of an image presented on the screen. Frequency: 3 times Prep Time: None Duration: 1 minute per item Tips:

• Describe the setting, objects, and people in detail.
• Use adjectives and prepositions to add clarity.
• Structure your response logically, starting from the most prominent features.

14. Interactive Writing

Description: Respond to a written prompt and then write a follow-up response based on your initial reply. Frequency: 1 set of 2 questions Prep Time: None Duration: 5 minutes for the first response, 3 minutes for the follow-up Tips:

• Stay on topic and ensure your response is relevant.
• Provide examples to support your answers.
• In the second response, expand on ideas from the first response.

15. Listen, Then Speak

Description: Listen to a prompt and speak about the topic for up to 90 seconds. Frequency: 2 times Prep Time: 20 seconds to review the prompt Duration: 30 seconds minimum, 90 seconds maximum Tips:

• Take notes on key points during the 20-second prep time.
• Organize your response with an introduction, main idea, and conclusion.
• Speak naturally and avoid long pauses.

16. Speak About the Photo

Description: Describe an image presented on the screen for up to 90 seconds. Frequency: 1 time Prep Time: 20 seconds to observe the image Duration: 30 seconds minimum, 90 seconds maximum Tips:

• Begin by describing the setting, then focus on key objects or people.
• Use rich vocabulary and precise adjectives to enhance clarity.
• Make logical connections between elements in the image.

17. Read, Then Speak

Description: Read a written prompt and speak about it for up to 90 seconds. Frequency: 1 time Prep Time: 20 seconds to review the prompt Duration: 30 seconds minimum, 90 seconds maximum Tips:

• Identify the main idea quickly and structure your response accordingly.
• Use transition words to make your answer more fluid.
• Avoid hesitations and maintain a steady pace.

18. Writing Sample

Description: Write about a given topic for up to 5 minutes. This response is shared with institutions. Frequency: 1 time Prep Time: 30 seconds to review the prompt Duration: 3 minutes minimum, 5 minutes maximum Tips:

• Organize your response with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Support your ideas with examples or explanations.
• Use varied sentence structures and avoid repetition.

19. Speaking Sample

Description: Speak about a given topic for up to 3 minutes. This response is shared with institutions. Frequency: 1 time Prep Time: 30 seconds to review the prompt Duration: 1 minute minimum, 3 minutes maximum Tips:

• Speak clearly and confidently, maintaining a natural flow.
• Stay on topic and ensure your response is well-structured.
• Use appropriate vocabulary and pronunciation to enhance clarity.

How to Improve Your Score

To improve your score on the Duolingo English Test, daily practice across all language skills is essential. Below are targeted techniques for each area:

✅ Reading
📚 Read news articles, short stories, and academic texts to expand your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Practice skimming and scanning techniques to find key details quickly.
- Summarize what you read in one or two sentences to enhance retention.

✅ Writing
⏳ Set a timer for 5 minutes and practice writing concise responses on random topics.
- Use online grammar tools to identify common mistakes and improve sentence structure.
- Work on sentence variety, avoiding repetitive structures to enhance fluency.

✅ Speaking
🎤 Record yourself answering practice prompts and listen for fluency, pronunciation, and coherence.
- Practice with a language partner or tutor, simulating DET-style questions.
- Focus on intonation and stress to sound more natural and engaging.

✅ Listening
🎧 Listen to podcasts, news clips, and audiobooks at varying speeds to adapt to different accents and speech patterns.
- Take notes while listening and summarize the main points in one sentence.
- Practice transcribing short clips to improve active listening skills.

Typing Speed Improvement

Since the DET requires quick and accurate typing, improving your speed can help with writing and fill-in-the-blank tasks.

• Use typing speed websites (e.g., 10fastfingers, Keybr) to enhance accuracy.
• Practice writing short essays with a timer to increase typing fluency.
• Learn keyboard shortcuts to reduce hesitation and increase efficiency.

Recording and Self-Evaluation for Speaking Responses

🎤 Steps to Improve:

1. Record Yourself – Use your phone or a voice recorder to capture responses to practice prompts.
2. Playback and Analyze – Listen for pauses, filler words, pronunciation clarity, and fluency.
3. Compare with Native Speakers – Watch English-speaking YouTube channels or TED Talks and mimic their pronunciation and intonation.
4. Track Progress – Repeat recordings over time and compare them to earlier attempts to measure improvement.

How to Send Your Duolingo English Test Results to Institutions

Test Day Guide

To ensure a smooth testing experience, set up a quiet, distraction-free space with reliable equipment:

✅ Quiet Location – Choose a well-lit, private room where you won’t be interrupted. Avoid public spaces or noisy areas.

✅ Stable Internet Connection – Ensure a fast and stable internet connection to avoid disconnections during the test.

✅ Functioning Webcam & Microphone – Your webcam must be clear and uncovered, and your microphone should be properly positioned to capture your speech.

✅ Minimal Background Noise – The room must be silent. Background noises or external voices may result in test invalidation.

Checking Your Devices Before Starting

Before launching the test, verify that your devices are working correctly:

🔍 Run a System Check – Use the Duolingo system check tool to confirm that your webcam, microphone, and internet meet the requirements.

🖥️ Close Unnecessary Applications – Ensure no additional programs, pop-ups, or notifications interfere with the test.

🔋 Charge Your Device – If using a laptop, keep it plugged in to avoid battery issues mid-test.

🚫 No External Devices – Remove headphones, smartwatches, and external keyboards, as they are not allowed.

Last-Minute Test Strategies

🧘 Stay Calm & Focused – Take deep breaths before the test begins and maintain a positive mindset.

📝 Use Prep Time Wisely – Quickly organize your thoughts during the 30-second prep time in speaking and writing tasks.

👀 Stay Alert – Keep your eyes on the screen at all times. Looking away too often can flag security violations.

⏳ Manage Your Time – The DET is adaptive, so answer each question efficiently without spending too long on one task.

🎤 Speak Clearly & Confidently – In speaking tasks, avoid long pauses and speak at a steady pace with natural intonation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Duolingo English Test is a modern, efficient, and accessible way to demonstrate English proficiency. By understanding the test format, question types, and scoring system, test-takers can strategically prepare to achieve their target scores. Key points to remember include:

• The DET is adaptive, meaning that question difficulty adjusts based on performance.
• A structured study plan focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking is crucial for success.
• Practicing with timed responses and self-evaluation can significantly improve performance.
• Typing speed, clear pronunciation, and active listening play a vital role in high-scoring responses.
• Following test security rules ensures a smooth and valid testing experience.

The Importance of Preparation

Success on the DET isn’t just about language skills—it’s about smart preparation. Regular practice with real-world materials, mock tests, and self-assessments will boost your confidence. Focus daily on speaking, reading, writing, and listening to maximize your score.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you will be well-equipped to tackle the DET and present your best performance. Stay committed, practice effectively, and approach the test with confidence. 🚀