DET Guide 2024-10-28 EN
DET Guide 2024-10-28 EN
       2024
                                                                                                                       Table of contents | OFFICIAL GUIDE
      Table of contents
      Introduction. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3
Test structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Test security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Practice questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
            Introduction
             Introduction
            •• About
               Aboutthe
                     thetest
                         test
            •• How
               Howititworks
                      works
            •• Who
               Whoaccepts
                   acceptsthe
                           thetest
                               test
Test structure
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      Introduction
       OVERVIEW
      Welcome to the Duolingo English Test Official Guide for Test Takers! In this section,
      you will learn what the Duolingo English Test is, some advantages of taking the test,
      and how institutions use the test.
           Fast                                                       Accurate
           Complete the test in under 1 hour and receive your         Scores are calculated by the grading engine, which
           results in 2 days.                                         is trained to understand language ability the same
                                                                      way that expert human raters do.
           Affordable
           At a fraction of the price of other tests, you can         Secure
           share your results with an unlimited number of             With the help of AI, multiple human proctors detect
           institutions for no additional cost.                       instances of rule breaking.
           Trusted
           Accepted by thousands of top institutions around       Results are available in 2 days and include your overall
           the world.                                             score, subscores, and writing and speaking sample. You
                                                                  can share this with an unlimited number of institutions
                                                                  for no additional cost.
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      In this section, you will learn about test preparation and readiness for the Duolingo
      English Test. You will read about ways to get to know the test, tips for practicing your
      English, and suggestions for planning your test taking experience.
      Minimizing stress
      This is a test that’s designed for you. Take it any time,
      anywhere, when you’re ready. Hopefully the flexible
      schedule, low cost, and lack of traveling to a test center
      will help minimize stress, so you can stay focused on
      doing your best on the test.                                 HOW TO LEARN ABOUT THE TEST
                                                                   There are many ways that you can experience what it’s
      Learn English, not an English test                           like to take the Duolingo English Test before you begin
      You do not need special preparation in order to do well      your certified test.
      on the Duolingo English Test. No need for memorization,
      rehearsal, or expensive classes. The Duolingo English        Try the following resources:
      Test is designed to show your real proficiency level in      • Read this guide and complete the practice questions
      English. Intense studying right before the test will not       included at the end.
      change your score. Your score will improve as your           • Take the free Duolingo English Practice Test
      proficiency improves.                                          as many times as you want by going to
                                                                     englishtest.duolingo.com/quick. (Keep in mind that
      FREE TEST READINESS RESOURCES                                  the practice version is shorter and is not proctored.
                                                                     Your reported score range on the practice test is an
      No matter how convenient and affordable the test is,           estimate and not as accurate as the real test.)
      there will always be some stress associated with testing.
      That’s why there are many trustworthy resources to help      • Watch the test walkthrough video to see a
                                                                     test taker complete the entire experience at
      you become comfortable with the test in advance.
                                                                     go.duolingo.com/walkthrough.
      All the information you need is online,
                                                                   • Watch YouTube videos from the Duolingo English Test
      for free at englishtest.duolingo.com
                                                                     channel and playlists.
           Speaking                                                      Reading
       • Take advantage of time alone or at home to talk               • Read blogs, follow social media accounts, and join
         to yourself in English. Narrate what you’re doing,              groups with posts in English.
         think out loud about plans, or challenge yourself to
                                                                       • Read articles and news in English. You’ll often be
         describe favorite traditions or childhood memories!
                                                                         able to rely on your general knowledge of current
         A big component of speaking is retrieving words
                                                                         events to help you understand.
         from memory, and you can do this kind of practice on
         your own from anywhere.                                       • Read books or ebooks in English, maybe starting
                                                                         with topics you’re already familiar with. You can even
       • When you watch movies or videos in English on
                                                                         reread your favorite books in the English translation.
         your own, repeat what you hear to give your tongue
         and brain some practice with the new sounds. Write
         down or record especially funny lines or catch                  Listening
         phrases to incorporate into your around-the-house             • Listen to music in English. Music is catchy, has a lot
         speaking practice.                                              of repetition, and helps you learn useful phrases in a
                                                                         memorable context. Look up the lyrics to check what
       • There will be some sounds in English that will feel
                                                                         you hear!
         especially tricky to get right. If you’re having trouble
         with a sound or particular set of sounds, chances             • Watch shows or movies in English by switching the
         are good that others are struggling with them too.              language of the audio. You can check out movies
         Search online for guides and videos that have extra             originally made in English, and you might be able to
         information to help your pronunciation.                         find options that include English subtitles.
                                                                       • Find apps or podcasts in English. Look for options
           Writing                                                       related to news, sports, history, fashion—any topic
       • For fast and easy practice, try writing your shopping           you like to hear about in your own language! Some
         list in English. If you keep a list of tasks for each day,      apps may have helpful videos, too.
         you can also try writing that in English.
       • On your phone or computer, install a keyboard in
         English so you can practice using English to text,
         search, and post on social media.
       • Find online communities and groups that use
         English, and spend some of your social media time
         writing quick responses in the language. Soon you
         might be writing even longer messages!
       • In your longer writing, such as in response to
         a prompt, be sure to expand and support your
         main points with relevant supporting details and
         examples. Use a variety of linking words to show the
         relationships among ideas.
      • Drink enough water before the test.                       • Become familiar with the test by exploring your
                                                                    online account. In addition to this guide and the
      • Have a brain-boosting snack before the test.                practice test, you will find many other free resources.
      Get in the right mindset                                    • In the days leading up to the test, increase your
                                                                    practice of English as much as possible.
      • Read or watch something in English.
                                                                  • Know exactly when and where you want to take the
      • Try an English-language meditation to get calm and          test, and get your space and equipment ready.
        focused.
      • Do some exercise or calming physical activity before      During the test
        the test.                                                 • Right before you start the test, use the advice in “HOW
                                                                    TO TEST YOUR BEST” to get in the right mindset. Don’t
      Ensure privacy                                                forget to refresh your memory of the rules for test
      • Besides the phone used to record your computer, put         taking.
        any devices in another room and turn them off.            • While taking the test, don’t look away from the screen
      • Put away any pens and paper. Taking notes is against        or exit out of the test application. Try not to look at the
        the rules.                                                  timer too often.
      • Warn anyone in the area not to disrupt you.               • After you finish, wait until your test has completely
                                                                    uploaded before leaving the Duolingo English Test
      Check equipment                                               desktop app. You will see a notification on the screen
                                                                    when your results have been uploaded.
      • Make sure your computer and phone are sufficiently
        charged or plugged in.                                    After the test
      • Verify that your internet connection is strong.           • Within 48 hours, or 12 hours if you purchased Faster
      • Check that your ID is not expired.                          Results, you will receive your score report. You can
                                                                    view your results from your online account.
      • Take your headphones off and put them in another
        room.                                                     • You can start sending scores as soon as they’re
                                                                    available to you.
                                                                  • There is no pressure to decide which institutions will
                                                                    receive your scores or when—you can send them
                                                                    to as many institutions as you want, for no
                                                                    additional cost.
Introduction
            Test structure
            • Video walkthrough
• Test length
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      Test structure
       OVERVIEW
      In this section, you will learn about the format, individual sections, and length of the
      test. You will also learn more about computer adaptive testing and how it affects your
      test experience.
Introduction
Test structure
• Diagram of a question
• Question types
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      Understand
      the test questions
       OVERVIEW
      In this section, you will learn about the different types of questions you’ll see on the
      Duolingo English Test. The description of each question type will have important
      information and tips on how to respond.
                                                                   Speaking tips
                                                                   • Speak loudly, clearly, and at an understandable pace.
                                                                   • You will not have a chance to re-record your
                                                                     response. So even if you make a mistake, just keep
                                                                     going.
      Test-taking strategies                                       • Make sure you don’t submit your recording until after
      • Use all of the time that you have available to answer        you have finished your entire response.
        a question. You will not receive a better score for        • Just like with writing, vary your sentence structure
        answering questions faster.                                  and word choice as much as possible.
      • If you can, give longer responses than is required. For
        example, write more than 50 words or speak longer
        than 30 seconds. If you are using English effectively,
        and your response is relevant to the question, a more
        developed answer could help you achieve a better
        score.
      • You will not be penalized for mistakes until you click
        NEXT to submit your answer and move on to the next
        item, so take the time to make any corrections. You
        can’t return to a question once you have clicked NEXT.
      • Try not to look at the timer too often, because it can
        distract you from effectively responding.
      • Leave time at the end of each question to check your
        response.
      DIAGRAM OF A QUESTION
      Refer to this image if you get confused about the parts of each test question that will
      be referenced in this section.
Your time remaining The directions that tell you what to do Try to stay in frame!
        Your progress
      through the test
        The prompt to
        which you are
          responding
            SUBSCORES                                                                                           DURATION
                                                                                                                         0:05
           SPEAKING                   WRITING          READING            LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Click YES or NO to select if it is a real English word.
      • After you click YES or NO, the next question will appear.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                              DURATION
                                                                                                                           0:20
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING              LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Use the backspace or delete button to go back one space and delete a letter.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                     DURATION
                                                                                                                  3:00
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING            LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Use the backspace or delete button to go back one space and delete a letter.
      Read Aloud
            DIRECTIONS
      Read Aloud asks you to “Record yourself saying the statement below.”
      In this question type, you will read a written statement, and then speak it out loud into the microphone.
      The directions for this question will appear when the timer begins.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                             DURATION
                                                                                                                          0:20
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING              LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You only have 20 seconds, and you only have one chance to record the statement, so use your time wisely.
      • When you are ready to record, click RECORD NOW and start speaking. When you are finished recording, click NEXT. If
        you do not click NEXT, the test will advance automatically when the timer runs out.
      • Make sure you capture your full response in the recording.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                            DURATION
                                                                                                                         1:00
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING             LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You can replay the statement up to two times (three plays total) by clicking on the blue speaker icon.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                               DURATION
                                                                                                                 7 or 8 minutes
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING            LISTENING
                                                                                                           for all six questions
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION        PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You can complete the sentences in any order.
      • You won’t be able to click “NEXT” until you’ve selected a response for each blank.
      • To navigate between the sentences, you can use your mouse/touchpad or the tab button.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                              DURATION
                                                                                                                    7 or 8 minutes
           SPEAKING                   WRITING         READING              LISTENING
                                                                                                              for all six questions
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION          PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • If you hover over each option, you will be able to see it in context in the passage.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                             DURATION
                                                                                                                   7 or 8 minutes
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING              LISTENING
                                                                                                             for all six questions
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION          PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Once you highlight the text, it will appear in the box below the answer so you can read it in context.
      • If you want to change your highlighting, you can click and drag your cursor on the screen again to highlight. Be sure
        the answer you want is in the box before clicking Next.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                               DURATION
                                                                                                                     7 or 8 minutes
           SPEAKING                   WRITING         READING             LISTENING
                                                                                                               for all six questions
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION          PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Once you select your response, the box around it and the circle next to it will turn blue.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                         DURATION
                                                                                                              7 or 8 minutes
           SPEAKING                   WRITING         READING              LISTENING
                                                                                                        for all six questions
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION            PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Once you select your response, the box around it and the circle next to it will turn blue.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                            DURATION
                                                                                                                      4 minutes
           SPEAKING                   WRITING           READING          LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Listen carefully! You can only play the audio clips once.
      • You can read the earlier parts of the conversation again to help you.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                            DURATION
                                                                                                                    75 seconds
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING            LISTENING
            TIPS
      RESPONDING TO THE QUESTION
      • Don’t worry if you didn’t choose the best answers in the previous section. Focus on summarizing the conversation.
      • Write a complete paragraph instead of separate bullet points.
      • You don’t have very much time to write, so start with the facts about the conversation. Who was speaking? What was
        the conversation about? What was the outcome?
      • Use all the time to summarize the task in as much detail as possible. If you have time, check the spelling and
        grammar of your response.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                              DURATION
                                                                                                                        1:00
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING             LISTENING
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You will be able to see the image as you write your response.
      • Use your mouse or trackpad to scroll back through your response if you need to check it for spelling and grammar.
      Interactive Writing
            DIRECTIONS
      Interactive Writing asks you to “Write about the topic below for 5 minutes,”
      and then “Write a follow-up response for 3 minutes.”
      For step 1, you will be given a written prompt. Then, you will respond in writing.
      For step 2, you will be given a follow-up prompt based on your initial response.
      Then, you will respond to this second prompt in writing.
      The directions for step 2 will appear when the second timer begins.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                          DURATION
                                                                                                                  5:00 Step 1
           SPEAKING                   WRITING         READING             LISTENING                               3:00 Step 2
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You will be able to see the current step’s question as you write.
      • During step 2, you will be able to see your initial response.
      • Proofread carefully! Do not click NEXT until you have checked your response for the current step and are ready to
        submit.
      RESPONDING TO THE QUESTION
      • Use all of the time you have to make sure your responses are the best they can be.
      • Write as much as you can, as long as you are using English effectively and it is relevant to the topic.
      • Use writing best practices to help you develop your responses (see “GENERAL TIPS” at the beginning of this section).
            SUBSCORES                                                                                          DURATION
                                                                                                               0:30 Minimum
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING             LISTENING
                                                                                                               1:30 Maximum
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION         PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You will need to speak for a minimum of 30 seconds. Once 30 seconds have gone by, you will see the NEXT button turn
        blue, and you will then be able to come to a natural conclusion and click the button to submit your response.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                            DURATION
                                                                                                                 0:30 Minimum
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING             LISTENING
                                                                                                                 1:30 Maximum
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION         PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • You will have 20 seconds to look at the photo before the recording begins automatically. Take this time to observe and
        mentally plan your response before recording your answer.
      • You will also be able to look at the image as you speak.
      • You have only one opportunity to record your answer.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                             DURATION
                                                                                                                  0:30 Minimum
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING               LISTENING
                                                                                                                  1:30 Maximum
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION         PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Take your time to read the question carefully and start thinking about your response before the test advances to the
        recording screen. You will still be able to see the question as you speak your response.
      Writing Sample
            DIRECTIONS
      The Writing Sample asks you to “Write about the topic below for 5 minutes.”
      For this question type, you will be given a written prompt. You will write at length for at least 3 minutes.
      Note that the directions appear for 30 seconds before the 5-minute timer begins.
      During this time you will read and consider the prompt, and prepare to respond
            SUBSCORES                                                                                                DURATION
                                                                                                                     3:00 Minimum
           SPEAKING                   WRITING         READING              LISTENING
                                                                                                                     5:00 Maximum
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION           PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      RESPONDING TO THE QUESTION
      • Practice good writing habits: vary your sentence structure and word choice, and express a variety of thoughts with
        logical transitions.
      • Make sure to leave time to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
      • The topic will be shared with the recipients of your results, so make sure your response is relevant to the topic.
      • Think of this as a short essay. The recipients of your results may use the Writing Sample as additional information
        about your writing skills.
      Speaking Sample
            DIRECTIONS
      The Speaking Sample asks you to “Speak about the topic below for 3 minutes.”
      For this question type, you will read a written prompt. Then, you will speak at length about the topic shown.
      Note that the directions appear for 30 seconds before recording begins.
      During this time you will read and consider the prompt, and prepare to respond.
            SUBSCORES                                                                                             DURATION
                                                                                                                  1:00 Minimum
           SPEAKING                   WRITING        READING             LISTENING
                                                                                                                  3:00 Maximum
            LITERACY             COMPREHENSION     CONVERSATION         PRODUCTION
            TIPS
      INTERACTING WITH THE QUESTION
      • Do not watch the timer, as it may distract you from thinking and speaking clearly.
      • Keep talking at least until the NEXT button turns blue, and speak even longer if you can. Then, come to a natural
        conclusion before clicking NEXT to finish and submit the recording.
      • Practice speaking about a topic in English for 1-3 minutes before taking the test so you are familiar with the length.
      • Remember that the Speaking Sample will be sent as a video recording, so the recipients of your scores will be able to
        see you during this response.
      • The topic will be shared with the recipients of your results, so make sure your response is relevant to the topic and do
        your best to show your speaking skills!
Writing Sample 1
Speaking Sample 1
Introduction
Test structure
• About accommodations
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      In this section, you will learn how to set up the environment and equipment you will
      need to take the test. You will also learn about the Duolingo English Test desktop app.
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Introduction
Test structure
            Test security
            • Why security matters
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      Test security
       OVERVIEW
      In this section, you will learn about why test security is important, and how your test is kept safe and fair. You will
      also learn about the rules that test takers are required to follow. You should review these rules multiple times—
      understanding these before taking the test helps ensure that your results will be certified.
           The adaptive delivers a unique test to every student.         Stay focused on your screen
           Someone would have to take the test more than
                                                                         Since you are testing from the comfort of your home,
           1,000 times to see a question repeated.
                                                                         each test is proctored to ensure that you’re not getting
                                                                         help from an outside resource. Looking away from your
           Remote proctoring
                                                                         computer could be an indication of this. It’s natural to
           Human proctors, with the help of AI, examine each             want to look up when thinking or trying to find the right
           test session for more than 75 different behaviors in          words, but try to remember to look at the question as
           multiple, independent rounds of review.                       you answer it. You may need to occasionally glance at
                                                                         the keyboard as you type your answers—don’t worry,
           AI and data forensics                                         that’s okay!
           Millions of data points collected from tests over time
           train security algorithms to help detect rule breaking        Close all programs on your computer
           and identify patterns of suspicious behavior.                 When you’re ready to take the test, your test session
                                                                         should be the only thing running on your computer.
           ID verification                                               Before you start the test, close programs including all
           A combination of computer vision, AI, and trained             browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.), telecommunication
           proctors verify test takers’ identity.                        software (Skype, Discord, etc.), and remote desktop
                                                                         software (Teamviewer, Anydesk, etc.). You should also
           Test lockdown                                                 double check that there aren’t any programs running in
           The test is canceled if test takers attempt to access         the background without you knowing.
           external applications or plugins during the test.
                                                                         If in doubt, you can shut down your computer entirely,
                                                                         restart, and only launch the Duolingo English Test
           Video sample
                                                                         desktop application. In addition to passing a security
           Accepting institutions can review a short video               check, this also helps ensure you have a stable test
           sample from each test taker’s test session.                   experience!
             Keep your eyes focused                           Do not use any                          Do not navigate away
                 on the screen                            predictive text method.                   from the test window on
                                                                                                    your app for any reason.
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      In this section, you will learn all about score reporting, including what your scores
      mean, where to find them, and how long they are valid. You will also learn how the
      Duolingo English Test uses subscores.
      Overall score
      Your proficiency is reported as a holistic score on a scale from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments. The Duolingo English Test
      score scale is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an international standard of language
      proficiency. In the appendix of this guide, you can see how your score on the Duolingo English Test compares to CEFR
      levels, as well as TOEFL iBT® or IELTS® Academic scores.
      Different institutions have different requirements for admission. Be sure to consult the university’s website to see their
      admissions thresholds.
SUBSCORES
      Why are these different from other tests?                    HOW LONG RESULTS ARE VALID
      Research in applied linguistics indicates that integrated    Validity period
      subscores best represent how language is used in
                                                                   Certified scores are valid for two years.
      practice. Effective and natural language use often
      requires people to simultaneously employ multiple            When to retake the test
      skills, including in academic settings. Combing individial
                                                                   If you received a certified result but want to retake the
      subscores with integrated subscores provides a detailed
                                                                   test for any reason, you may purchase another test.
      view of your English language proficiency.
                                                                   Please note you may only purchase three tests in any
      How are subscores calculated?                                30-day period.
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      In this section, you will learn what to do after you have received your test results
      and are ready to share them.
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
            Conclusion
            • Contact us
Appendix
Practice questions
      Contact us
       LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH
      Thank you for reading the Official Guide for Test Takers! Hopefully, this information
      and advice has helped you feel confident and ready to begin your test experience.
      We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality education, and we hope that the Duolingo English Test
      can support you on your journey.
you can always consult our FAQ or contact our support team
                                  VISIT                                                      EMAIL
                      ENGLISHTEST.DUOLINGO.COM/FAQ                             ENGLISHTEST-SUPPORT@DUOLINGO.COM
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      Example certificate
       FOR YOUR INFORMATION
                                                                                         TOEFL IBT®
                                       10-60                                                  0-23
65 24-29
70 30-34
75 35-40
80 41-46
85 47-52
90 53-58
95 59-64
100 65-69
105 70-75
110 76-81
115 82-86
120 87-92
125 93-97
130 98-103
135 104-108
140 109-112
145 113-116
150 117-118
155 119
160 120
      Comparison
      with IELTS® Academic
       SCORE COMPARISON
      The concordance table below shows how Duolingo English Test scores compare to IELTS Academic scores. This
      concordance is based on 991 individual test takers who took the Duolingo English Test and reported their recent IELTS
      scores.The correlation coefficient is 0.78, which is considered a strong positive statistical relationship for comparing
      scores. Learn more about concordance on our scores page.
IELTS®
10-60 0-4
65-75 4.5
80-90 5
95-100 5.5
105-115 6
120-125 6.5
130-135 7
140-145 7.5
150-155 8
160 8.5-9
      Comparison
      with CEFR
       SCORE COMPARISON
      The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFR, is an international standard of language
      proficiency. The CEFR framework describes six levels of language proficiency, each with increasing complexity. Below
      you can find ranges of scores on the Duolingo English Test that correspond to each level.
CEFR
10-55 A1-A2
60-95 B1
100-125 B2
130-150 C1
155-160 C2
Introduction
Test structure
Test security
Conclusion
Appendix
Practice questions
      QUESTIONS
      Level 1
      A. Scientists strive to unde_ _ _ _ _ _ how the world works to help improve everyone’s lives.
      B. After several attempts to reach him, I fin_ _ _ _ got a call from Jamar.
      C. Did you find any evi_ _ _ _ _ to support your theory?
      Level 2
      A. The rocket’s traj_ _ _ _ _ _ indicated it would land far off the intended mark.
      B. I managed to bar_ _ _ _ with the shop owner to bring the price of the used laptop down to half.
      C. In examining the financial records, irregularities were found, suggesting frau_ _ _ _ _ _ activities.
      Level 3
      A. Over the years as I’ve developed other hobbies, I’ve noticed my interest in video games dwi_ _ _ _ significantly.
      B. The ard_ _ _ _ climb to the top of the mountain left her feeling exhausted and exhilerated at the end.
      C. The chameleon, a master of adaptation, can camo_ _ _ _ _ _ itself to blend perfectly with its surroundings.
      QUESTIONS
      Level 1
      A. The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It i_ seen i_ the s_ _ and gi_ _ _ light t_ the Earth. When t_ _ Sun
         i_ in t_ _ sky, it i_ day. When t_ _ Sun i_ not i_ the s_ _, i_ is ni_ _ _. The planets, including Earth, go around it.
      B. Minneapolis is a city in Minnesota. It i_ next t_ St. Paul, Minnesota. St. Paul and Minneapolis are cal_ _ _ the Twin
         Cities bec_ _ _ _ they a_ _ right ne_ _ to ea_ _ other. Minneapolis i_ the big_ _ _ _ city i_ Minnesota wi_ _ about 370,000
         people. People w_ _ live he_ _ enjoy t_ _ lakes, parks, and ri_ _ _. The Mississippi River runs through the city.
      C. Birds are found on every continent of the world. Birds o_ different ty_ _ _ can li_ _ in free_ _ _ _ cold
         enviro_ _ _ _ _ _, a_ _ others c_ _ live i_ hot des_ _ _ _. Birds live in forests, in grasslands, on cliff faces, in river banks,
         on stony sea shores, down mine shafts and in the roofs of houses.
      Level 2
      A. Humpback whales can live up to 45 years. They mig_ _ _ _ between t_ _ places th_ _ feed i_ the win_ _ _ and t_ _
         places th_ _ give bi_ _ _ in t_ _ summer. They usually live alone.
      B. The novel was called The Sun Also Rises. It i_ about yo_ _ _ Americans i_ Europe af_ _ _ World War One. The w_ _ had
         dest _ _ _ _ _ their dre_ _ _ and h_ _ given th_ _ nothing t_ replace th_ _ _ dreams. The writer Gertrude Stein later
         called these people members of “The Lost Generation.”
      C. Physical exercise is recommended for management of mild depression and has a moderate effect on symptoms.
         It i_ equivalent t_ the u_ _ of medic_ _ _ _ _ _ or psycho_ _ _ _ _ _ _ therapies f_ _ most peo_ _ _. In older people, it does
         appear to decrease depression.
      Level 3
      A. In 1996 Canberra was the first city in the world to set a vision of no waste by 2010. The stra_ _ _ _ aimed t_ achieve a
         waste-free soc_ _ _ _ by 2010, thr_ _ _ _ the comb_ _ _ _ efforts o_ industry, government, and comm_ _ _ _ _. By early
         2010, it was apparent that the ACT Government initiative had failed.
      B. Electrical engineering has many subdisciplines, the most popular of which are listed below. Although th_ _ _ are
         elect_ _ _ _ _ engineers w_ _ focus exclu_ _ _ _ _ _ on o_ _ of th_ _ _ subdisciplines, many de_ _ with a combination o_
         them. Sometimes certain fields, such as electronic engineering and computer engineering, are considered separate
         disciplines in their own right.
      C. The orchestral score of the opera was published in late 1899 by Casa Ricordi. In cont_ _ _ _ to h_ _ other ope_ _ _,
         Puccini appeared t_ be sati_ _ _ _ _ with h_ _ initial sc_ _ _, wh_ _ _ remained relat_ _ _ _ _ unchanged i_ the 1909
         edition prep_ _ _ _ by Osbourne McConachy. An unamended edition was published by Dover Press in 1991.
      Read Aloud
       DIRECTIONS
                                                                                                   LEARN MORE ABOUT
      Record yourself saying the statement below.                                                  THIS QUESTION TYPE
      QUESTIONS
      Level 1
      A. Do you like my car, yes or no?
      B. We do not have class today.
      C. He does not want to do anything.
      Level 2
      A. She works at the laboratory.
      B. My friends said they would wait for me at the airport.
      C. I am certain that the professor will find at least one error.
      Level 3
      A. I don’t know what the future will bring or when I will be back.
      B. I will have gone to the movies by the time you decide what you want to do.
      C. Mathematical and computer models are produced, and field research is done to test the models.
QUESTIONS
      Level 1
                      A            PLAY            B   PLAY        C       PLAY
      Level 2
                      A            PLAY            B   PLAY        C       PLAY
      Level 3
                      A            PLAY            B   PLAY        C       PLAY
      There is some [same/of/good/some/new] news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from
      Canada to Mexico. Scientists have found a new reserve where there [become/are/lot/more/will] more milkweed plants
      and the [king/males/two/larvae/butterflies] will have some place to land. Monarchs are well-known for the
      [long/best/kind/fine/last] journey they make twice a [time/span/year/weekend/beat].They head from Canada to
      Mexico. The butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States
      and Canada counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had
      [seen/during/experienced/spent/changed] the winter in Mexico.
      There is some good news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from Canada to Mexico.
      Scientists have found a new reserve where there are more milkweed plants and the butterflies will have some place
      to land. Monarchs are well-known for the long journey they make twice a year. They head from Canada to Mexico. The
      butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States and Canada
      counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico.
Scientists say the low number is probably because of a lack of milkweed plants where they live.
      QUESTION
      1. What are the monarch butterflies known for?
      2. What do monarch butterflies need to lay eggs?
      There is some good news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from Canada to Mexico.
      Scientists have found a new reserve where there are more milkweed plants and the butterflies will have some place
      to land. Monarchs are well-known for the long journey they make twice a year. They head from Canada to Mexico. The
      butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States and Canada
      counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico. This is
      the lowest number they have seen in 25 years. Scientists say the low number is probably because of a lack of milkweed
      plants where they live.
      There is some good news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from Canada to Mexico.
      Scientists have found a new reserve where there are more milkweed plants and the butterflies will have some place
      to land. Monarchs are well-known for the long journey they make twice a year. They head from Canada to Mexico. The
      butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States and Canada
      counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico. This is
      the lowest number they have seen in 25 years. Scientists say the low number is probably because of a lack of milkweed
      plants where they live.
      There is some good news for monarch butterflies, which are known for their long journeys from Canada to Mexico.
      Scientists have found a new reserve where there are more milkweed plants and the butterflies will have some place
      to land. Monarchs are well-known for the long journey they make twice a year. They head from Canada to Mexico. The
      butterflies need milkweed plants to lay eggs. Scientists from organizations in Mexico, the United States and Canada
      counted the butterflies this year. They found that fewer than one in 10 of them had spent the winter in Mexico. This is
      the lowest number they have seen in 25 years. Scientists say the low number is probably because of a lack of milkweed
      plants where they live.
      Interactive Listening
       DIRECTIONS
                                                                           LEARN MORE ABOUT
      •    Read about the situation.                                       THIS QUESTION TYPE
      •    Pick the best option to start the conversation.
      •    Select the best response each time it’s your turn.
      •    Summarize the conversation you just had in 75 seconds.
      QUESTIONS
      Try the student-to-student scenario
           ANSWERS
           These question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer.
           Refer to HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated.
      Interactive Writing
       DIRECTIONS
                                                                                                          LEARN MORE ABOUT
      Write about the topic below for 5 minutes.                                                          THIS QUESTION TYPE
      Write a follow-up response for 3 minutes.
      QUESTIONS
      A. Describe a time you were surprised. What happened?
             Possible follow-up prompts:
             • How did this experience change the way you make plans or handle unexpected things?
             • What important thing did you learn from this surprising event?
             • How did this event change the way you think about the people, place, or situation involved?
      B. People have jobs because they need money to live, but what are some other important reasons
         that people have jobs?
             Possible follow-up prompts:
             • What skills or knowledge do you wish to develop through your career?
             • Describe a job or industry that you believe significantly contributes to society. Why do you think this contribution
               is important?
             • How might your current or a future job might influence your sense of identity and self-esteem?
      C. People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or different.
         Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give specific reasons for your answer.
             Possible follow-up prompts:
             • Can you share an example from your life or someone you know where contentment was chosen over ambition,
               or vice versa? What were the outcomes and lessons from this choice?
             • How do you see the role of materialism and consumerism affecting people’s satisfaction in your community or
               society at large?
             • Can you explore a psychological or sociological theory that aligns with your view on people’s satisfaction with
               what they have?
           ANSWERS
           These question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer.
           Refer to HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated.
QUESTIONS
           ANSWERS
           These question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer.
           Refer to HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated.
           ANSWERS
           These question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer.
           Refer to HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated.
      QUESTIONS
      A. Talk about a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing.
             • What is it?
             • How long have you been doing it?
             • Who do you do it with?
             • Why is it important to you?
           ANSWERS
           These question types are open response, and therefore there is no “correct” answer.
           Refer to HOW THE QUESTIONS ARE SCORED to better understand how your response is evaluated.
      Writing Sample
       DIRECTIONS
                                                                                                        LEARN MORE ABOUT
      Write for 3 to 5 minutes about the topic below                                                    THIS QUESTION TYPE
      QUESTIONS
      A. What is one thing you like about your personality? How has this quality helped you succeed or be a good friend to others? Is this a
         quality that everyone should have?
      B. Choose a plant or animal that you think is interesting. Describe some of the threats
         or challenges it faces and explain how it overcomes those threats or challenges.
      C. Name a person from history you admire. Why do you admire that person?
         What do you think we can learn from them?
          ANSWERS
          Remember that the recipients of your test will have access to this sample, and will use it to learn more about you and
          your English language skills. For more information, check out the WHAT INSTITUTIONS SEE section of the guide.
      Speaking Sample
       DIRECTIONS
                                                                                                       LEARN MORE ABOUT
      Speak for 1 to 3 minutes about the topic below.                                                  THIS QUESTION TYPE
      QUESTIONS
      A. Describe a story that you enjoy. It can be a book, a movie, a TV show—any story. What do you like best about the story?
         How do you think it could be better?
      B. Describe the geography of the country where you currently live. How does the geography of the country affect its
         people and its culture?
      C. Who is a person you think you have impacted in your life? What impact have you had on the person, and how?
          ANSWERS
          Remember that the recipients of your test will have access to the sample, and will use it to learn more about you and
          your English language skills. For more information, check out the WHAT INSTITUTIONS SEE section of the guide
      Answers
      READ AND SELECT ANSWERS
      Level 2
      A. Humpback whales can live up to 45 years. They migrate between the places they feed in the winter and the places they
         give birth in the summer. They usually live alone.
      B. The novel was called The Sun Also Rises. It is about young Americans in Europe after World War One. The war had
         destroyed their dreams and had given them nothing to replace those dreams. The writer Gertrude Stein later called these
         people members of “The Lost Generation.”
      C. Physical exercise is recommended for management of mild depression and has a moderate effect on symptoms. It
         is equivalent to the use of medications or psychological therapies for most people. In older people, it does appear to
         decrease depression.
      Level 3
      A. In 1996 Canberra was the first city in the world to set a vision of no waste by 2010. The strategy aimed to achieve a
         waste-free society by 2010, through the combined efforts of industry, government, and community. By early 2010, it was
         apparent that the ACT Government initiative had failed.
      B. Electrical engineering has many subdisciplines, the most popular of which are listed below. Although there are electrical
         engineers who focus exclusively on one of these subdisciplines, many deal with a combination of them. Sometimes certain
         fields, such as electronic engineering and computer engineering, are considered separate disciplines in their own right.
      C. The orchestral score of the opera was published in late 1899 by Casa Ricordi. In contrast to his other operas, Puccini
         appeared to be satisfied with his initial score, which remained relatively unchanged in the 1909 edition prepared by
         Osbourne McConachy. An unamended edition was published by Dover Press in 1991.
      Level 2
      A. We have never spoken about work.
      B. This task takes approximately 3 hours.
      C. The company employs people throughout the world.
      Level 3
      A. Finally, the results of this investigation were published in a scientific magazine.
      B. Even without seeing you, I would have recognized you by the sound of your voice.
      C. They will have tried to talk to you by the time the story has published.
      INTERACTING LISTENING
      Review the student-to-student or the student-and-professor scenario
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