How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test 2024: Expert Tips & Strategies

Preparation for the Duolingo English Test can be stressful for test-takers. However, with the best Duolingo English test preparation tips it will be easy for aspirants to ace the exam with ease. This article will provide you with valuable Duolingo exam tips to prepare for DET, which can help candidates unlock their true potential.

This Story also Contains

1. Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips
2. Duolingo Test Preparation Materials
3. Duolingo English Test 2024 Sample Test
4. Duolingo Test Preparation Books
5. How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test at Home?

For international students, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has quickly gained recognition as a cutting-edge modern English proficiency assessment that is convenient, fast, and reliable. With over 4,500 schools and universities accepting the test and an increasing number joining the list every day, achieving a good DET result can open a gateway to a multitude of academic and career opportunities. Read the complete article to learn details on how to prepare for the Duolingo English test and many more.

Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips

Here are the 6 expert tips to boost test performance that help you smoothen the Duolingo preparation process for the Duolingo English Test. Have a look at these DET prep tips and then begin your Duolingo English Test Preparation.

1. Practice English language skills holistically

DET assesses competency in all four language skills reading, writing, listening, and speaking, so it is important to allocate sufficient time to practice these skills in the daily routine. There is no particular syllabus for the DET test, practicing on improving the English language skills is one of the main Duolingo English test preparation tips. Cultivating habits such as reading English literature and staying updated with English news regularly can significantly enhance your language comprehension. Actively utilising time to listen to podcasts, music, movies, and various forms of media can greatly contribute to the development of students’ oral communication abilities during Duolingo preparation.

2. Get familiar with the DET test pattern

Before attempting the Duolingo English Test (DET), it's crucial to acquaint yourself with the DET Exam pattern. The DET comprises question types in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The test questions encompass a diverse range of tasks, such as speaking on a specific topic for 90 seconds or writing about a provided image.

Recently the DET introduced a new question type called ‘Interactive Listening’, which has a multi-step question type that will contribute to the overall score as well as all four subscores. Getting familiar with the test format makes the Duolingo preparation easier and more convenient and this is one of the best Duolingo English test preparation tips for DET test takers.

3. Utilise Duolingo Mock Test

Engaging in practice tests or mock exams is a beneficial approach to evaluate students’ advancement in Duolingo preparation and pinpoint areas that demand additional focus. The Duolingo English Test website presents a free practice test that can be taken repeatedly. While this test is shorter, lasting 30 minutes, it grants insight into the exam's content and question formats and also provides an estimated score promptly after completion. Getting practice with these mock tests makes the candidate manage time proficiently during the examination and this is one of the best Duolingo English test preparation tips for the test takers.

4. Understand the rules and regulations of DET

To maintain fairness and integrity during at-home testing sessions, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has specific guidelines that test takers must adhere to. These guidelines include

• Maintaining focus on the screen,

• Keep the camera and microphone enabled

• Take the exam in a well-lit and quiet room

• Ensure clear visibility of the face and ears

• Do not use any external devices or headphones

• Use real identification

• Avoid the use of outside materials or note-taking during the test

• Utilising a second monitor is also prohibited

Familiarising oneself with these rules is one of the expert Duolingo English test preparation tips as it is crucial to prevent unintended breaches and ensure a smooth testing experience.

5. Create an optimal test Environment

While attempting the test, preparing the environment before the test is advisable. Choose a suitable location and time, even if it's not your home, as long as the student can ensure a stable internet connection, quiet surroundings, and privacy. This establishes stability for Duolingo test preparation. Additionally, students are advised to have their physical ID readily available during the test setup process, as they will be required to submit a photo of it.

6. Understand the DET Syllabus

Students who meet the DET eligibility criteria start their Duolingo preparation by understanding the DET syllabus. Unlike other proficiency tests, DET doesn’t have a particular syllabus or format. DET tests the candidates in all ways possible in an engaging and adaptive format. There are two sections in the DET syllabus.

1. Adaptive Section - As the test format is unique the questions are asked in different types like fill in the blanks, multiple choice, listen and type, read and select, etc., and a lot more in all possible ways to check your English proficiency level.

2. Video Interview - This component includes a written sample and a video interview, where the candidate needs to write and speak about the given topics.

Duolingo Test Preparation Materials

To score a good Duolingo score, students require strategic preparation. Choosing the right and effective Duolingo English Test study materials is a crucial part of the preparation journey. Students can benefit from multiple resources, starting from the official guide to numerous external resources.

Duolingo study materials are available in both online and offline modes. A detailed list of various online and offline study materials for DET is given below.

Duolingo Test Preparation Materials - Online Resources

Using the online mode to prepare for the DET is an effective way for test-takers. Various online resources, both free and paid, are available to candidates who intend to take the IELTS exam.

• Official Duolingo English Test website: The official website of Duolingo offers free practice tests for all aspirants. Additionally, students can get information about the DET test pattern, scoring, and tips and strategies for each section.

• Duolingo app: The Duolingo app is also an effective way for students to start their Duolingo preparation. Students can improve their vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension through fun gaming sessions.

• DET Test Prep Websites and Apps: Many test preparation websites offer free as well as paid preparation guides and study materials for Duolingo aspirants. Some popular options include Magoosh, Kaplan, and Manhattan Prep.

• YouTube channels: Many popular YouTube channels also offer Duolingo English Test tips and strategies. Candidates can browse through these channels for last-minute revisions and tips.

Duolingo Test Preparation Materials - Offline Resources

Candidates who are used to learning through tangible resources can easily prepare from various study books and guides or listen to podcasts to accelerate their DET preparation. A few offline resources for DET preparation are given below:

• English textbooks and grammar books: Students can refer to multiple English textbooks and grammar books to improve their English skills.

• Newspapers and magazines: Another effective way to help students with their vocabulary and reading comprehension is to have them read newspapers and magazines written in English.

• English-language movies and TV shows: Watch English-language movies and TV shows to improve your listening comprehension and speaking skills. Students can refer to watch with or without subtitles depending on their capabilities.

• Coaching Centres: Several coaching centres are also available in major Indian cities that offer coaching for the DET test. Students can get admission to various coaching centres depending on their budget and preferences.

Duolingo English Test 2024 Sample Test

The students can visit the Duolingo site and take the sample test to familiarize themselves with the real test. The sample test is shorter in duration that is of eight minutes and the score range is also not very accurate and is unofficial. However, by taking the sample test, the students will come to know about the real test and become familiar with what is going to come in the actual exam.

One of the best parts about the sample test is that it is of no cost and the students can take it as many times as they want. Also, once the student completes the sample test, it shares an estimated score range which helps the student to judge their preparation for the exam.

Duolingo Test Preparation Books

While relying solely on books might not be completely comprehensive for aspiring test-takers, however, students can follow the below-mentioned books to supplement their DET preparation alongside other options like online practice tests and apps.

Duolingo Test Preparation Books Prices

How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test at Home?

Many students feel stressed about preparing for DET at home. However, conquering the Duolingo English Test from your couch can be possible with the right strategic preparation and effective study plan. For students preparing for the Duolingo exam at home, it is advised that they browse the official Duolingo website to gather trustworthy information and familiarise themselves with the format of the test.

Check some of the key preparation tips for DET for candidates who are preparing for DET at home:

• Download the free Duolingo English Test practice test and guide available on the official website.

• Browse multiple online study resources including the Duolingo app, YouTube channels, online forums, and many more.

• Buy several Duolingo preparation books and study materials from different online and offline stores.

• Set a realistic goal and prepare a personalised study plan depending on your strengths and weaknesses.

• Supplement your learning with news articles, podcasts, and English-language movies.

• Attempt numerous Duolingo practice test and sample papers to learn time management.

Duolingo English test Accepting Universities

Duolingo English Test has been gaining popularity for offering an alternative approach to traditional English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS for its speed, convenience, and affordability. The exam has received international recognition from many of the well-known universities and educational institutions worldwide. The list of universities that accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) is continuously growing. Some of the acclaimed institutions include

• Stanford University (USA)

• University of Edinburgh (UK)

• King's College London (UK)

• Berkeley City College (USA)

• Knox College (USA)

• National College of Ireland (Ireland)

• Adelaide Institute of Higher Education (Australia)

• Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (Australia)

• Dublin City University (Ireland)

Students are advised to check the preferred universities before the start of DET preparation.