Duolingo

What Is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is an online exam that you take on your personal computer. Like the TOEFL and IELTS, it tests all four language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. However, you’ll find these skills tested in pretty revolutionary ways! Take a look at “What Does the Test Involve?” below to find out what it looks like.
The test is adaptive, which has some significant consequences for test-takers. Basically, if you answer a question correctly, the next one gets harder. If you answer it wrong, the next one gets easier. This means that, with relatively few questions, the exam can pinpoint your ability level quickly—that’s why it only takes around an hour to complete!
 

How Is the Duolingo English Test Different from the TOEFL?

Even though they’re both computer-based tests, there are many differences between the Duolingo exam and the TOEFL. Those differences go far beyond the location, timing, and price!

The first thing you’ll notice is that Duolingo item types look totally different than traditional test items (take a look at “What Does the Test Involve?” below for more details). There aren’t long texts to read, listen to, or write about.