Duolingo English Test

DUOLINGO Test Format

The Duolingo English Test includes a variety of interactive question types. For listening and writing, you’ll type sentences based on what you hear. Basic English questions require you to identify actual English words from a list. In reading, you’ll fill in blanks, read passages, and answer related questions. The test also features reading and speaking tasks, where you engage in an online conversation, and speaking and writing tasks, where you summarise conversations and write or speak on given topics. You’ll write about a topic for 5 minutes and speak about a topic or describe an image for 90 seconds. The number of questions varies based on performance, so different test takers will see different questions.

Types of Questions:

Questions on the test include a range of formats such as Read and Select, fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete, Read Aloud, Listen and Type, and Complete the Sentences. You might also encounter Read and Complete, Highlight the Answer, Identify the Idea, Title the Passage, Listen and Respond, Summarise the Conversation, Write About the Photo, and Interactive Writing tasks. Additionally, you may need to Listen, then Speak, speak about the Photo, Read, then Speak, and complete Writing and Speaking Samples.

Preparing the Environment for the Test

Ensure a comfortable and quiet testing space, which does not necessarily have to be at home. Avoid any background noise and ensure privacy to avoid disturbances. Good lighting is important so that you are clearly visible to the proctor.

Equipment Required:

You will need a computer (desktop or laptop) with speakers, a microphone, and a camera. A valid government-approved ID is required in its original form. A stable internet connection with a minimum of 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed is necessary. You will also need the Duolingo Desktop App, which provides instructions upon registration.

Purchase the Test

To purchase the test, log in to the Duolingo website, select your test, and choose the timeline for receiving your score report. You have 21 days to take the test after purchase, with a maximum of three tests allowed in a 30-day period.

Test Security

Duolingo employs advanced security measures to ensure test integrity. Each test is unique, and remote proctoring involves both human proctors and AI to monitor behaviour. AI and data forensics are used to detect rule-breaking, while ID verification involves computer detection, vision, AI, and trained proctors. The test will automatically cancel if external applications are opened, and institutions can request a video sample to verify speaking abilities.