The Duolingo test has established a high standard globally because of its flexible and reliable test modules. Moreover, many international students choose the Duolingo English Test For Mock test scores over tests like the TOEFL, and IELTS, because of its global acceptance.
So, if you plan to take the Duolingo Test, start with the practice sessions first to avoid mistakes or waste time repeating several rounds.
In fact, below is an extensive guideline on how you must practise for the Duolingo English Test. Keep reading!
- The Structure of the Duolingo English Test
Before you begin practising the questions directly in Duolingo, you must learn the structure. For example, if you plan to study in Germany after the 10th and take a TOEFL test, you begin with the reading component of the TOEFL before moving on to the Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
However, the structure is entirely different in the Duolingo English Test. Here, you must know three of the most crucial factor when getting ready for the Duolingo English Test:
- Questions like “Speak about the Picture,” “Read, Then Speak,” “Read, Then Write,” and “Listen, Then Speak” are at the end of the test session.
- The section – ‘Write about the Photo’ appears one after another for up to three questions in a row throughout the first half of the test.
- You will come across these questions—Read and Complete, Listen and Select, Read and Select, Listen and Type, and Read Aloud— and the difficulty will change according to how well you perform.
- Take a Tour of the Duolingo Test Module
Start becoming acquainted with the exam by viewing a video tour on the Duolingo Test website before you begin the Duolingo English Test coaching sessions.
When you do so, you can quickly learn some important details. For example – how the test operates, what the questions look like, how to register and prepare for the exam in the three-minute video etc.
Getting an overview of this test will make your practice session easier, and you don’t have to feel like a newcomer.
- Try the Sample Duolingo Test
You can take a free Duolingo sample test that lasts only 8 minutes on the website. The test’s sample questions are an excellent way to familiarise yourself with it, and you can also get a rough idea of how you attempted the test.
It’s challenging to prepare straight for the questions without practising through the sample exam because no two Duolingo examinations are identical.
- Learn about Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)
On the Duolingo Test, every next question automatically gets trickier.
But surprisingly, often, a question may get simpler if you incorrectly answer the previous one. This is how the Duolingo exam determines your proficiency in the English language.
Therefore, try not to worry if a question seems challenging.
- Learn about the Duolingo Question Formats
You will find much information on the types of questions on the Duolingo Test on the exam website, but here is a brief idea so you can get an idea when you practise –
- Typing the missing letters to complete words in a text
- Choose the correct English words in the text and/or audio
- Listen to a sentence and type it correctly
- Record yourself while reading a sentence aloud
- Describe an image in detail through writing and/or speaking
- Write short texts of 50 words based on a prompt
- Speak for 30 seconds based on the prompt in the text and/or audio prompt
- Speak for 1-3 minutes about a given topic
- Write for 3-5 minutes on a given topic
- Download the Official Duolingo Test Guide
Experts always suggest getting a hold of an official test handbook! After all, the test’s creators are the best mentors to guide you with helpful advice and success-oriented strategy comments.
But how do you access the official Duolingo English Test guide? It’s easy. Just head to the website to download it once you’ve made an account!
- Practice Speaking exercises on Duolingo
In the Duolingo Test, you’ll be required to speak about a predetermined topic for 1-3 minutes. Even many native English speakers find this difficult!
But don’t worry for all it takes is getting used to hearing your own voice and learning how to swiftly prepare your speech. But how will you do that?
Take literally any subject you like! It could be a current event, your favourite TV show, a dish you enjoy, a problem with the environment, or anything else you come across.
Consider briefly what you could say about it and any difficulties you might encounter before attempting to videotape yourself speaking aloud.
- Try Challenging Yourself
Remember that the Duolingo English Test has five adaptive questions that get more complex if you do well in the first few rounds. So, do the following –
- Read and Complete
- Read and Select
- Listen and Select
- Listen and Type
- Read Aloud
Next, answer the more challenging questions. This way, you will feel more confident and perform better on exam day if you practise with more challenging issues at home.
- Do Voice Recording Sessions
Most experts advise working with a Duolingo English Test instructor because speaking and writing questions require feedback from someone. Generally, a teacher, and are therefore the hardest to prepare for.
However, a lot of test-takers may study independently. Therefore you must record your voice when you speak out loud during practice sessions.
Once you’ve recorded your voice, play it again and think of one or two ways you can make it better.
- Stay Updated with the Regulations for the Test Day
There are specific guidelines to follow even though you can take the Duolingo English Test at home.
So, save the rules mentioned below because these are what you can expect on the Duolingo English Test –
Before taking the Duolingo English Test, you will need the following:
- A government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, government ID etc.)
- A peaceful location with a good lighting setup
- An uninterrupted period of more than one hour
- A computer setup with speakers, a microphone, and a front-facing webcam built-in (Note -earphones aren’t allowed to prevent cheating)
- A strong internet connection and a browser that works with the test
- Practice with the Duolingo English Test Rules
While you practise the question sets in Duolingo, make sure to do that with the rules followed in the actual test. This way, you won’t have to struggle on test day.
Here is what you must follow –
- You must be alone in the room (which must be well-lit)
- Your face must be visible
- You cannot keep mobile devices, notes, or textbooks
- No communication with anyone else is permitted
- No writing instruments or paper are permitted
- Do not look away from the screen during the test
- You aren’t permitted to leave the test window on your web browser during the test
Try the above methods when you practise for the Duolingo Test; the difference will highlight your scores.
