Duolingo Test

The Duolingo test is one of the most reliable tests available that is used to evaluate people’s English knowledge. It is mainly used for immigration purposes (through education, work, tourism, etc.). It is worth mentioning that this exam is held in high esteem alongside TOEFL and IELTS, and it is approved by universities, and organizations all over the world. With the spread of the Corona virus in different countries in 2019 and 2020, the possibility of holding and obtaining degrees online attracted the attention of students and universities more than before. In addition to its accessibility, Duolingo’s lower price, has made it a tough competitor for TOEFL and IELTS.

What is the Duolingo test?

Duolingo is an intelligent, online test that assesses people’s English language skills. During the last two years, its certificate has been approved by more than 1,500 universities and colleges around the world. The universities of Alberta, Concordia, British Columbia and Calgary are among the highest ranking universities that accept this test. For the complete list of universities that accept Duolingo, click on the link below:

https://englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions

The structure of the Duolingo test

GTC Holding has designed a text-book as well as a question booklet in order to prepare the participants for Duolingo:

Real Word Questions

Here you will be given some words and you have to specify which ones among them are real words in the English language. There are two types of questions in this section:

In the first type of Real Word questions, the words are presented to you in written form and you must choose the correct ones. (The response time is 60 seconds.)

In the second type of Real Word questions the words are presented to you verbally through audio and you have to choose the correct ones. (The response time is 90 seconds.)

Dictation

These questions consist of English texts (one paragraph) in which the letters of some words are missing and you have to fill in the missing letters.

(The response time is about 3 minutes).

Describe Images

You are presented with an image that you are required to describe.

In the first type of questions, you are asked to provide a written description of the image in 60 seconds.

In the second type of question, you must verbally describe the image in 90 seconds.

Dictation (WFD)

This term stands for Write from Dictation. In this question, a sentence is read to you and you have to write that sentence in 60 seconds. You only have three chances to listen to the sentence.

Read Aloud

You will be presented with a sentence that you must read aloud in 20 seconds. Proper speed and correct pronunciation are very important.

Cue Card

A primary question and some secondary questions will be presented to you, and you must speak about the primary question while addressing the secondary questions as well. The allotted time for this question is between 30 and 90 seconds.

Speaking

You will be asked a question and you have to verbally answer it between 30 and 90 seconds. You have the option to listen to the question three times.

Repeat Sentence

You will listen to a recording, then repeat it verbally. You only have 3 chances to listen to the question.

Writing

You are presented with a question and you must provide a written answer in 5 minutes in more than 50 words.

Interview

The first part is related to Speaking, where you are given two topics and you have to choose one and explain the topic in 1 to 3 minutes.

The second part is related to Writing, for which you will be given two topics and you must choose one and write your answer in 5 minutes.

“We are at your disposal for more information”

The characteristics of the Duolingo test and its differences with TOEFL and IELTS

The cost of TOEFL and IELTS in Iran is US $245 and US $215 respectively, while Duolingo costs less than half the price of IELTS and TOEFL. Also, the duration of TOEFL is about 4 hours and the duration of IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes. On the other hand, Duolingo lasts about 1 hour.

* The Duolingo test can be taken around the clock

One of the striking features of this exam is that it is held around the clock, unlike the other two exams that are held approximately once every ten days. One of the most important issues that people face is the restriction of sending their test report documents to universities or companies around the world. TOEFL and IELTS tests allow participants to send their test results to up to four institutions for free. If a person wants to do this more than four times, they have to pay US $20 for each additional time. However, Duolingo has solved this problem by providing free and unlimited services for sending documents to universities and companies.

In the Duolingo test, you can see your result in your personal profile within 48 hours. While it takes about 10 to 13 days to see the results for TOEFL and IELTS.

Unlike other tests, in Duolingo, the texts and questions are not as long or as difficult.

Also, if your internet connection is interrupted for any reason, Duolingo gives you the opportunity to take the test two more times. People can take this test up to 3 times with one payment, provided that the test was canceled due to a technical defect. Otherwise, the fee must be paid again.