Duolingo Exam Pattern: A Quick Guide

The Duolingo test pattern evaluates four key skills to determine an individual’s proficiency in the English language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

The test uses computer-adaptive technology, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on the participant’s performance. Each correct answer increases the difficulty, while incorrect answers decrease it.

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Exam Overview:

Why Take the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test has become increasingly popular and important. Here are some reasons why you should consider taking this test:

• Comparable Difficulty: Its difficulty level is on par with IELTS and TOEFL.
• Affordable and Convenient: The test is cost-effective and can be taken from the comfort of your home.
• Wide Acceptance: Over 5000 educational institutions accept Duolingo test results globally.
• Practice Opportunities: You can take mock practice tests before the actual exam.

Duolingo Exam Pattern

The Duolingo English Test (DET) pattern is divided into two sections. The first is a 45-minute adaptive exam that assesses a candidate’s English proficiency through a series of questions. The second section is a 10-minute Writing and Speaking test with open-ended prompts, with results shared with institutions.

The entire Duolingo test lasts less than an hour, and results are available within 48 hours. These results can be sent to multiple institutions abroad. The test uses Data Forensics and Artificial Intelligence technology to ensure clarity and security. The questions are crafted to evaluate the test taker’s analytical thinking and versatility.

The first 5 minutes of the test provide an introductory walkthrough of the setup, rules, and requirements. The DET pattern includes:

• Graded Section: Adaptive testing to evaluate proficiency.
• Ungraded Section: Writing and speaking samples.

The final 10 minutes focus on a video interview and writing sample.

Duolingo Exam Sections

The Duolingo Exam consists of two main types of questions: Adaptive Test and Video & Writing Samples. The Adaptive Test includes multiple-choice questions of varying difficulty, while the Video Speech and Writing Samples assess the test-taker’s ability to express themselves clearly and accurately in English. The table below summarizes the components of the Duolingo Exam:

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How the Duolingo English Test is Scored?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) scoring process is unique, featuring a scale from 10 to 160. Upon completing the exam, you’ll receive your results and a certificate within 48 hours. 

This certificate encompasses four subscores and an overall score, representing an approximate average of the four subscores. The DET’s subscores evaluate proficiency across four key areas:

1. Literacy: Assessing Reading and Writing skills
2. Comprehension: Evaluating Reading and Listening abilities
3. Conversation: Gauging Speaking and Listening proficiencies
4. Production: Examining proficiency in Writing and Speaking

Duolingo Exam Pattern Rules:

• You must register for the DET using your real name.
• A form of identification from the provided list must be shown when taking the DET.
• Using a false name or false identification is a violation of Test Rules.
• Duolingo may invalidate test results if any Test Rules are violated, even if the results were previously certified.
• Duolingo may notify third parties of the invalidation.
• Severe violations may result in a ban from taking the DET again.
• Appeals of invalidated results must be submitted to Duolingo within 72 hours.

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