You will need a computer with a good internet connection and a front-facing camera to take
the Duolingo English Test. The full exam is given online, and the proctors will evaluate
your recording to confirm that you are following the test requirements. As a result, you
must be in a well-lit room with your computer's video camera, microphone, and speakers
turned on. Prior to beginning the exam, Mac users will be required to allow permission to
record their computer screen and access their keyboard. This step is required to maintain
the test-taking process's integrity and to track your activities during the exam.
For Mac users, prior to starting the exam, you will be prompted to grant permission to
record your computer screen and access your keyboard. This step is necessary to ensure the
integrity of the test-taking process and to monitor your activity during the
exam.
The Duolingo English Test takes about one hour to complete. It’s broken down into three
segments:
- Setup
- Adaptive test
- Video interview
SET UP - Candidates will
be provided with a five-minute setup period before the test begins. This time is allocated
to ensure that candidates can properly configure and verify their system requirements before
starting the test. It allows candidates to check their computer settings, test their
microphone and webcam, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth testing
experience.
ADAPTIVE TEST - In an adaptive test, the
difficulty level of the questions adapts based on the candidate's responses. The test
initially presents questions of moderate difficulty, and depending on how well the candidate
performs, the subsequent questions become easier or more challenging. This adaptive approach
allows for a more precise assessment of the candidate's proficiency level.
During the adaptive test, the candidate will encounter tasks related to reading, writing,
speaking, and listening. These tasks may include reading passages with associated questions,
listening to audio clips or conversations and answering related questions, recording spoken
responses to prompts, and composing written responses to given prompts.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
- Reading: The
Duolingo English Test presents the applicant with challenges that measure their ability
to identify English words and fill in missing words within texts. Here's an abridged
version: The applicant will be expected to read a certain line or passage and choose the
words they feel are in English in some areas of the test. They must correctly identify
and mark the English terms. The candidate may come across paragraphs with missing words
or blanks as the test advances.
As the test progresses, the candidate may encounter passages with missing words or
blanks. They are then given a timed opportunity to fill in the missing words within
these passages. It is important for the candidate to complete the task within the given
time limit, as the screen will move forward automatically once the time is up.
These tasks are designed to evaluate the candidate's vocabulary recognition,
comprehension, and ability to complete sentences or passages with appropriate words. It
is crucial to manage time effectively and respond promptly to ensure completion of these
tasks within the allocated time frame.
- Listening:
During the Duolingo English Test, candidates are presented with tasks that assess their
listening skills. Here's a paraphrased description:
In one part of the test, candidates are required to listen to sentences and identify the
English words within them. They need to carefully listen to the sentences and select the
words that are in English. This task evaluates their ability to distinguish and
recognize English vocabulary within spoken sentences.
Subsequently, the test progresses to sentences that are spoken in English. Candidates
are required to listen to these English sentences and accurately type them out in
English. This task assesses their listening comprehension as well as their ability to
transcribe spoken English accurately.
It is important for candidates to actively listen, pay attention to the words being
spoken, and accurately type them out in English. This portion of the test evaluates
their listening skills, vocabulary recognition, and transcription accuracy.
- Writing: Candidates are given a photograph
and tasked with observing the image carefully. They need to analyze the content,
context, or details of the photo and then write a concise description using one or two
sentences. This task evaluates their ability to comprehend visual information and
express their observations in English effectively.
The candidate's written description should capture the essence of the photo and convey
relevant information or impressions within the given sentence limit. It is important to
provide clear and concise descriptions that showcase their language proficiency and
descriptive skills.
- Speaking: TCandidates will listen to audio
recordings that contain prompts or questions, and they will be required to speak out
their answers in response. After listening to the prompt, they are given an additional
20 seconds to replay the audio recording if needed and then record their spoken
response. This task assesses their ability to comprehend spoken English and express
themselves verbally.
Additionally, there is a part of the test where the candidate is shown a picture for a
duration of 20 seconds. After observing the picture, they are expected to speak about
it. This task evaluates their ability to describe visual content, provide details, and
express their thoughts or observations within the given time frame.
VIDEO INTERVIEW
The last part of the test is a video interview. This section
consists of ten minutes. This part is ungraded and the candidate has to answer
open-ended
questions.
- The candidate must ensure
clear
audio.
- The candidate must sit in a
way
that they are in the centre of the camera frame.
- The candidate must be
confident
and clear.