Duolingo Exam Pattern: A Quick Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Exam Overview
2. Duolingo Exam Pattern
3. Duolingo Exam Sections
4. How the Duolingo English Test is Scored?
5. Duolingo Exam Pattern Rules
6. Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Duolingo English Test challenging?

The difficulty of the Duolingo English Test is governed by adaptive technology. This adapts to one’s level of proficiency, hence giving challenges that suit each individual’s level. After all preparation and practice, you should be able to undertake it easily.

Why is it important to watch the five-minute introduction at the beginning of the DET?

• You must view the five-minute introduction, which explains the rules and requirements of the Duolingo English Test. 
• You’ll need a valid government ID to take the exam. 
• A working computer or laptop is essential for test takers, similar to a good connection to the web, a camera looking into their face, a microphone, speakers, and a well-lit place. 

For this reason, it is important to follow the instructions carefully lest your examination date be nullified due to a breach of any one of them.

What happens after completing the Duolingo English Test?

When the Duolingo exam is completed, it is released for invigilation, and candidates are notified via email that their scores will be ready in less than two days. When ready, Duolingo English test scores are sent to candidates via email. Test takers can make more than one attempt within 30 days to take the Duolingo exam. The official test is the one typically taken by candidates and graded accordingly. Any time lost due to technical issues does not count towards the two-minute limit.

How long is the Duolingo English Test score valid?

Scores from the Duolingo English Test remain valid for two years. After this period, while your expired result will still be visible on your homepage, you won’t be able to share it or view the certificate any longer.

Is a score of 100 considered good on the Duolingo English Test?

A score of approximately 110 is deemed good on the Duolingo English Test, while anything above 120 is considered excellent.

What types of questions are included in the Duolingo English Test?

The test includes a variety of question types such as:

• Reading and listening comprehension
• Completing missing words in a text
• Describing an image
• Writing a short essay
• Speaking in response to a prompt

Can I retake the Duolingo English Test?

Yes, you can retake the test. However, you can only take the test twice in a 30-day period.