If you are willing to pursue higher education abroad from your dream college, then know that you must prove your English proficiency there. To help students validate the same, authorities have introduced several tests. Duolingo English Test is one of them.
More and more international students are choosing the Duolingo English test over tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and others as the number of prestigious colleges that recognise it rises.
You should keep no stone unturned while preparing for the Duolingo test. Here are a few tips to ensure better grades on the test.
Tips to prepare and pass the Duolingo test
Get familiar with the test -
The ideal place to get your bearings is to start here. Start becoming acquainted with the exam by viewing a video tour on the Duolingo test website before you even begin studying.
In this three-minute video, you can quickly learn some important details about how the test operates, what some of the questions look like, and how to register and prepare for the exam itself.
Take sample test –
You can take a free Duolingo sample test that lasts only 8 minutes on the website. The test's sample questions and answers are the greatest methods to familiarise yourself with it, and you can also get a rough idea of how you did.
You see, it's pretty challenging to prepare straight for the questions without working through the sample exam because no two Duolingo examinations are precisely the same (more on below).
Here's a quick rundown of how Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) functions:
For example, on the Duolingo test, the next question automatically gets trickier if you respond properly to a previous question.
On the other hand, the following question will be a little 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 especially challenging; it can just be a sign that you've done exceptionally well up to that point.
Learn about the Duolingo test question types
Again, you can find a lot of information on the different kinds of questions on the Duolingo test on the exam website, but here is a brief sample so you can get an idea of it:
Fill in the blanks to make words in a text.
Real English words and "fake" English words are available as options (text and/or audio).
Type a sentence after listening to it.
Make a recording of yourself speaking sentences.
(Writing or speaking) Clearly describe an image.
Write brief sentences (about 50 words) in response to a prompt.
Depending on a prompt (text or audio), speak for 30 seconds.
Give a 1-3 minute open speech on the assigned subject.
Write for 3–5 minutes about the assigned subject.
Practice Duolingo speaking exercises
Even many native English speakers find this difficult, let alone overseas students!
But don't worry; all it takes is getting used to hearing your own voice and learning how to swiftly prepare your speech. How, then should you get ready for this?
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 it might encounter before attempting to videotape yourself speaking aloud about it.
Download and go through the official guide
We always advise getting your hands on a test's official Abroad Study guide! After all, the exam creators are the finest individuals to guide you with useful advice and success strategy notes.
So, where can you get the official Duolingo English Test guide? It’s easy; just head over to the website to download it once you've made an account!
Take the practice tests at regular intervals.
The Duolingo sample test has previously been highlighted, but it bears repeating. Try out a free sample test and see how you're doing every few days or weeks.
Keep some time in hand.
Allow plenty of time for test day preparation. Again, starting early is advised—at least one month or possibly six weeks before your anticipated exam date, just to be safe.
You won't have to work under excessive stress or strain, and your brain will have time to actually process any new knowledge if you do it this way. There is no need to make a reservation, so if you aren't yet ready, don't worry—you may just take the test whenever you're ready!
Besides these, before you sit for the test make sure that you have all the documents with you along with a stable network connection and webcam facility.
