Till now, the only accepted English tests in Canada for international students were IELTS Academic, TOEFL or CELPIP. Because of COVID-19, the applicants are affected by IELTS or TOEFL test centre closures. But most Canadian colleges and universities are temporarily started accepting Duolingo English test for qualifying the English language proficiency criteria.
Duolingo English proficiency test is like a blessing in disguise for international students as it will not affect their dream of studying in Canada.
WHAT IS THE DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST?
Duolingo was launched in 2012 with a mission to make learning more accessible. In 2014, Duolingo came up with their English Language Proficiency test as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS. Similar to IELTS, Duolingo consists of four sections, which are Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. The Duolingo English Test is an English language proficiency tool developed and designed for international students. It comprises the applicant’s English score, writing sample and video interview. It is a very user-friendly tool with a secure testing experience.
The Duolingo test is of 60 minutes, which costs $49. The cost comprises of unlimited test score reports required for University admission. The Duolingo English test consists of a series of questions wherein, after answering a question correctly, the difficulty of the next question increases comparatively. Similarly, if a question is answered incorrectly, the next question is relatively easy and straightforward. This feature of Duolingo makes it a comprehensive English test.
In the Duolingo test, the students have to differentiate between right and wrong English words, complete the missing sentence or words, describe an image, read sections verbally, respond to the text written in the section, and type the sentence they hear.
At the end of the Duolingo test, a video interview of the applicant is conducted wherein the applicant has to speak and write on any one topic from the two given topics.
After finishing the test, the applicant receives an email in the next 48 hours. The email contains the link which the applicant can share with the University. The Duolingo test marks a score on a scale of 10 to 160 points, which contextualizes skill levels and can be compared with other English proficiency tests. The minimum score of Duolingo English test depends on the criteria put forth by the University.
DUOLINGO TEST REQUIREMENTS
- Your passport, driving license or Government ID
- 60 minutes of time
- A reliable internet connection
- A reliable computer or laptop satisfying following –
- A supported browser
- A microphone
- Clear audio speakers
- A front-facing camera
PREPARING FOR THE DUOLINGO TEST
A Duolingo sample test will help you be familiar with the question types you will encounter while giving the final Duolingo English Test. The sample test will help you know what to expect on the real test day, which will help you give your best on the final test day. The Duolingo sample test is free, and you can take it till how much ever time you want. Once you complete the Duolingo sample test, the test provides an estimated range of your score.
Note that the Duolingo sample test is only eight minutes shorter than the actual test, and the score range is less accurate and unofficial. Once you are prepared with the sample test, you can register for the final Duolingo test.
Once you finish the Duolingo test, a proctor will analyse your test video to confirm that you followed the test rules. The Duolingo test rules consist of not using earphones, not interacting with anyone else, not using your phone, iPad or other devices, and not looking off-screen. It is essential to follow these rules during the test, or you will need to retake the test again. The complete test rules are outlined in the Duolingo FAQs, and are built-in in the guidelines at the beginning of the Duolingo test.
DUOLINGO TEST PROCESS
The Duolingo English Test comprises of a writing portion and video interview. Both are counted in when you share your Duolingo results with a university. It is the best opportunity for international students to showcase yourself and your English language proficiency. The applicant has a choice of two question topics for each video interview and the writing sample. Then the applicant will speak for one to three minutes and write for up to five minutes. Do not worry as there is a timer that will keep track of you. If you get stuck, do not get frustrated, take a deep breath, and answer each question as best as you can. The applicant will be able to review your responses before you share your results with universities. If you are not happy with your performance, you can retake the test.
UNDERSTANDING THE DUOLINGO TEST RESULTS
The Duolingo English test score is out of 160 in 5-point increments. Test results include an overall rating as well as sub-scores of Conversation, Production, Literacy and Comprehension.
- Conversation – The applicant’s ability to speak and listen
- Production – The applicant’s ability to speak and write
- Literacy – The applicant’s ability to write and read
- Comprehension – The applicant’s ability to listen and read
The overall score of the test is not an average of the sub-scores. All score for all sections is calculated independently and are weighted combinations of the questions which contribute to the score.
The certificate of the Duolingo test result includes “Your Score Range,” which highlights the standard error of measurement (SEM).
Comparison between Duolingo test score Vs TOEFL and IELTS test score:
|
DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST SCORE |
TOEFL ENGLISH TEST SCORE |
| 10 – 25 | 0 |
| 30 | 1 |
| 35 | 2 – 4 |
| 40 | 5 – 8 |
| 45 | 9 – 13 |
| 50 | 14 – 19 |
| 55 | 20 – 25 |
| 60 | 26 – 31 |
| 65 | 32 – 37 |
| 70 | 38 – 43 |
| 75 | 44 – 49 |
| 80 | 50 – 55 |
| 85 | 56 – 61 |
| 90 | 62 – 67 |
| 95 | 68 – 73 |
| 100 | 74 – 79 |
| 105 | 80 – 85 |
| 110 | 86 – 91 |
| 115 | 92 – 96 |
| 120 | 97 – 102 |
| 125 | 103 – 107 |
| 130 | 108 – 112 |
| 135 | 113 – 115 |
| 140 | 116 – 118 |
| 145 | 119 |
| 150 – 160 | 120 |
|
DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST SCORE |
IELTS ENGLISH TEST SCORE |
| 10 | 1.5 |
| 15 | 2 |
| 20 – 25 | 2.5 |
| 30 – 40 | 3 |
| 45 – 50 | 3.5 |
| 55 – 60 | 4 |
| 65 – 70 | 4.5 |
| 75 – 80 | 5 |
| 85 – 90 | 5.5 |
| 95 – 100 | 6 |
| 105 – 110 | 6.5 |
| 115 – 120 | 7 |
| 125 – 130 | 7.5 |
| 135 – 140 | 8 |
| 145 – 150 | 8.5 |
| 155 – 160 | 9 |
IS DUOLINGO FOR YOU?
If you are willing to apply to a Canadian institute or University which accepts and considers the Duolingo test score, then it is an excellent choice to give the Duolingo test. There is only one way to score best in the Duolingo test. You need to take the practice test and see if you score well. The best advantage here is that you can retake the Duolingo practise test as many times as you want. Once you are all set with the practice test, you are good to register for the final Duolingo English proficiency test.
