Duolingo Exam Pattern in 2024: Latest & Updated

The Duolingo exam pattern has undergone significant changes recently, and knowing the new Duolingo format is important so that you can pass the test. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the different sections in the Duolingo exam (as per the latest pattern). We will also talk about the question types and the scoring mechanism for the Duolingo exam.

What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

Before we get into the latest Duolingo exam pattern, let’s find out more about the exam itself. 

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a computer-based language proficiency test. It checks how good your English is and includes tests of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

It is a cost-effective alternative to IELTS and TOEFL, which are more expensive. A lot of universities and other institutions have started to accept DET as a replacement for TOEFL and IELTS. In fact, more than 5,000 institutions across the globe accept DET scores as proof of language proficiency. Thus, DET has become an important part of students’ study-abroad journeys. 

What is the Duolingo exam pattern for 2024? (Section wise)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) follows a straightforward pattern with three sections. While there have been no recent changes in the Duolingo exam pattern and marking methodology, three new types of questions have been added to the DET. (We’ll be learning about all the question types in the later sections.)

Before that, here’s a detailed breakdown of the pattern of the Duolingo exam.

Overall Duolingo exam pattern

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a 60-minute online exam that follows a simple, adaptive pattern. Here’s a breakdown of its structure and key points:

Section 1: Introduction and Induction 

Time: 5 minutes

This initial phase is where you are given instructions to check your camera, microphone, and speakers. You’ll also be familiarized with the test rules and interface.

Section 2: The Adaptive Test 

Time: 45 minutes

This is the core of the DET and focuses on your core English skills. This section uses adaptive technology, which means the difficulty and order of questions are adjusted automatically based on your performance. 

Note: The pattern of the Duolingo exam remains the same whether you use it for an MS or any other program. 

Section 3: Writing and Speaking Sample 

Time: 10 minutes

This unscored section assesses your fluency and clarity in written and spoken English. This section helps institutions gauge your writing and speaking fluency. 

Here’s what you can expect:

You’ll receive separate writing and speaking prompts, and each of these prompts will come with 30 seconds of preparation time.

Writing Task

You’ll have to respond to an open-ended question within a short time limit.

Speaking Task

The Duolingo verbal exam pattern is simple. You are only required to answer a question using the microphone within a set time.

Duolingo exam latest pattern: Question types

The Duolingo exam includes several different types of questions. They are listed as follows:

Listening Comprehension

Short audio clips with multiple-choice or open-ended questions. These clips feature diverse accents and conversational scenarios.

Source

Reading Comprehension

Passages with multiple-choice questions, testing your understanding of different writing styles and topics.

Verbal Test

You have to record yourself saying the written text. 

Source

Vocabulary Check

Say yes/no to whether a word presented in front of you is a genuine English word or not.

Source

Read and select

Analyze short passages and choose the most relevant vocabulary option.

Source

Note that the new Duolingo format now includes 3 new question types.  These are:

Fill-in-the-blanks

Test your vocabulary and grammar in context by filling in the blanks with appropriate words.

Source

Interactive reading

Answer questions based on the passage.

Source

Interactive writing

Evaluates your writing skills through a two-part prompt. You first respond to a prompt and then elaborate further with another prompt. 

Duolingo exam scoring

The Duolingo exam has a maximum score of 160 points.

The difficulty level of the questions adapts based on your answers, ultimately determining your final score, which can range from 10 to 160.

Test takers receive 5 scores: 4 subscores and 1 overall score.

The 4 subscores are:

• Literacy (combines reading and writing skills)
• Comprehension (combines reading and listening skills)
• Conversation (combines speaking and listening skills)
• Production (measures writing and speaking abilities)

Each subscore is also on a scale from 0 to 160. However, you must note that the total score is not an average of the 4 subscores. 

Scoring of the writing and speaking sample

The writing and speaking samples don’t affect your raw score. However, universities that receive your DET results will be able to view your writing and speaking samples. This gives them a chance to assess your English communication skills in a more natural way, beyond multiple-choice questions.

 These sections are your opportunity to: 

• Show your fluency, 
• Vocabulary range, and 
• Ability to express yourself clearly. 

You can use this section to show your strengths in areas not captured by the other parts of the test. 

Having understood the Duolingo exam scoring pattern, you can now approach the DET with more confidence.

How to Prepare for the Duolingo Exam?

Below are some helpful tips: 

Preparation essentials

• Secure a quiet environment with a stable internet connection. 
• Before test day, ensure your camera, microphone, and speakers function properly.

General test-taking strategies

• Stay calm under pressure. 
• Manage your time effectively by allocating a set amount of time for each question type.
• Don’t get discouraged by one question; if you’re unsure, move on and flag it for review if time permits. 
• Finally, trust your first instinct and avoid overthinking your answers.

Strategies for the Adaptive Test

• Active listening is crucial. Practice understanding various accents by watching movies, and listening to podcasts.
• You can also mimic English-language YouTubers in accents you find challenging.
• Enhance your reading comprehension by reading diverse materials like news articles, fiction, or non-fiction books. 
• Focus on understanding different writing styles and grasping the overall message.
• Build a strong vocabulary foundation by using flashcards, spaced repetition apps, or simply reading widely. Practice filling in blanks with contextually appropriate words.
• Brainstorming is your friend. Before writing, take 30 seconds to organize your thoughts and plan your response. 
• Consider using mind maps or quick bullet points to ensure a clear and well-structured answer.
• Hone your ability to understand context and word choice. 
• Practice by reading passages and identifying the word that best fits the meaning within the sentence.

Strategies for the Writing and Speaking sample

• Practice writing concise and clear responses to open-ended questions within a short time limit.
• For the speaking task, practice speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. 
• Record yourself beforehand to identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation or fluency.
• Demonstrate your vocabulary range and proper grammar usage in both your writing and speaking responses.

Bonus tips

• Familiarize yourself with the Duolingo exam pattern and Duolingo’s new format and question types. You can do this by taking advantage of the official DET practice test available online.
• Get a good night’s sleep before the test day. A well-rested mind performs better!
• Remain focused throughout the exam and avoid distractions.

By following these tips and preparing as per the Duolingo exam pattern, you can ace DET and inch toward your international education dream.

Note: Choosing the right test is just one part of your study abroad journey. To make the most of your opportunities, you also need to choose the right university. Then, you will need to secure the best financial support. This is where SelectRight and FundRight make life easy for students.

How can SelectRight simplify your university search?

Over 60,000 students have already found their best university for higher education using SelectRight. Here’s how it works:

1. Register and provide your personal details and educational history.
2. Outline the type of program, field of study, and university location you are seeking.
3. SelectRight will suggest programs that fit your criteria.
4. Review the matches, considering costs, rankings, and what matters most to you.
5. Get personalized advice and help with your applications.

How can FundRight simplify your loan search?

FundRight lets you find the best possible loan from the comfort of your home. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Start by creating your account on FundRight.
2. Get access to loan offers from over 15 top lenders, both Indian and international.
3. Submit the necessary documents to proceed with your loan application.
4. Work with our expert financial advisors to customize your loan offer according to your needs.
5. Once everything is set, receive your loan disbursement in 10 days.

By using SelectRight and FundRight, you can make your study abroad journey smoother and more affordable–from choosing the right program to securing the best loan.

FAQs

Is the DET accepted by universities worldwide?

The DET isn’t accepted by every university worldwide just yet. However, it is quickly gaining recognition. The Duolingo exam pattern and difficulty are at par with these two tests. However, it is cheaper and thus, more preferred by students. 

5,000+  universities across 110 countries currently accept DET scores. This includes many top colleges in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland and more. 

See the list of institutions accepting the DET on the Duolingo website.

Can I use my DET score to get study abroad scholarships? 

This depends on the scholarship you are applying for. Some scholarships clearly specify which language proficiency test you need to take. Others simply accept any test (including DET) that you may have attempted. It is best to check the scholarship’s website/information page to find out if DET is accepted. 

I need financial aid to study abroad. Can my DET score help me secure an education loan?

The DET score itself won’t directly affect your eligibility for an education loan. 

Lenders typically focus on your financial history, creditworthiness, and the credibility of your chosen university program. However, demonstrating English language proficiency through the DET can be a helpful step. This is because it helps secure admission to your desired program. That’s a key requirement for obtaining a student loan.