Preparing For Duolingo English Test
Preparing For the Duolingo English Test
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) as part of the US admission process can be both exciting and a bit daunting. But with the right approach, you can feel confident and ready. Here’s how you can prepare effectively:
- Understand the Test Format
The Duolingo test is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions changes based on your responses. It’s also relatively short—about 1 hour—compared to other English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. The test is divided into four main sections:
Listening: Includes listening and typing what you hear.
Reading: You’ll read sentences and answer questions about them.
Speaking: You’ll record responses to prompts.
Writing: You’ll answer questions that require a written response.
You’ll also have some additional unscored questions related to identifying the level of English you’re most comfortable with.
- Practice Listening and Speaking
The speaking and listening sections can feel tricky, but they are manageable with practice.
Listening: Try listening to English podcasts, watching TV shows, or listening to news broadcasts in English. These will help you get used to different accents and vocabulary.
Speaking: Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Duolingo uses voice recognition, so enunciate well. You can record yourself answering prompts or engage in conversation with friends or tutors. Focus on pronunciation, but don’t stress too much about perfection.
- Sharpen Your Reading Skills
The reading section can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the types of questions asked.
Read a lot: Make reading a part of your daily routine. Choose news articles, books, and essays that challenge you. Pay attention to unfamiliar vocabulary and try to understand the context without always relying on a dictionary.
Practice answering questions: Find practice questions online or create your own. Read a short text and then answer comprehension questions. This will help you get comfortable with the format and boost your reading speed.
- Writing: Get to the Point
The writing section requires you to compose clear, concise responses.
Be organized: Focus on structuring your response logically. Have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Even if you’re not sure about the grammar or vocabulary, focus on getting your point across in a simple, clear manner.
Practice typing: Speed is important here. Practice typing essays or short answers under timed conditions to simulate the test environment.
- Take Practice Tests
Duolingo offers a free sample test. Take it to get a feel for the structure and the timing. Don’t stress if you don’t perform perfectly—use it as a learning experience.
Analyze your mistakes: After each practice test, review the areas where you struggled. Was it listening comprehension? Or maybe time management during the reading section? Focusing on weaknesses can make a big difference.
- Get Comfortable with the Test Interface
Since the Duolingo test is taken online, make sure you’re familiar with the test interface. You’ll have to type your answers, record your voice, and interact with the screen. Spend some time navigating the test platform to avoid surprises on the test day.
- Relax Before the Test
Test anxiety is real, but it won’t help you perform better. Make sure you take care of yourself:
Get enough sleep the night before Being well-rested will help you think clearly.
Eat well: A healthy meal can fuel your focus.
Stay calm: Remember that it’s just a test. Do your best, but don’t stress if you don’t get everything perfect.
- Be Prepared for Test Day
On test day, make sure you’re in a quiet, comfortable space with a stable internet connection. The test is proctored remotely, so there are certain rules you’ll need to follow. You’ll need to show your ID and keep the camera on throughout the exam.
