Duolingo English Test 2025 : Preparation Tips and Strategies

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has fast become a convenient, affordable and trusted English proficiency test for Indian students looking to study abroad. Conducted by Duolingo, the DET is an hour-long computer adaptive test that is conducted remotely and the Duolingo English Test fee is US $59 for a single test and US $100 for two tests when bought as a bundle. However, the candidates are required to take the test within 21 days from the date of purchase.

Duolingo English Test Pattern

Duolingo English Test Preparation 2025

• Immerse yourself in English: The best way to prepare for the Duolingo English test is to immerse yourself in English as much as you can. This includes reading, writing, speaking and listening in the English Language.
• Understand the DET Pattern: It is important to familiarize yourself with the Duolingo English Test pattern. Know the kind of questions that would be asked in each section and the best way to solve them.
• Utilize the Official Practice Test: The official website of the Duolingo English Test allows candidates to solve as many Duolingo English sample papers as they want at no cost. Test takers are only required to register on the official website and start solving practice test papers. And every time you will have a new sample paper to solve and an approximate reported score range.
• Explore Additional Resources: Test takers can also tap into audio and video resources like YouTube videos from the Duolingo English Test Channel, playlists and watch the test walkthrough video to see a test taker complete the entire experience to familiarise yourself with the test.
• Prepare for the Remote Test Environment: Unlike other English language tests, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is entirely remote. And there are no fixed Duolingo test dates that candidates need to book. They have to only buy the test and appear for the test within 21 days of the purchase. Hence, it is important for the test taker to have the right equipment, have a date in mind and above all a test conducive environment to be able to perform his best on the day of the test.

Duolingo English Test Preparation by Section

While the Duolingo English Test is not divided into multiple sections based on your skills however, the questions in the adaptive section of the test assesses your performance based on your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Know more about acing the test below.

Duolingo English Test: Speaking Section Tips

• Practice Solo Conversations: Test takers looking to take the DET should speak in the English language at all times. They are encouraged to narrate activities, verbalise plans or challenge themselves to describe cherished traditions and childhood memories. This way you will be able to recall words effortlessly anytime and anywhere.
• Immerse and Imitate: When watching English movies or videos repeat what you hear. This way you will be able to train your mouth and brain to master new sounds. You can also note down catchphrases or memorable lines and try to use them in your everyday speaking practice.
• Master Tricky Sounds: Pronunciation could be a bit of a struggle for students who were not introduced to the English language at an early stage. Such students can explore online resources and videos designed to provide targeted guidance and improve your pronunciation.

Duolingo English Test: Writing Section Tips

• Start Simple, Grow Strong: For starters, students looking to take the DET should start writing everything in English. Whether it be something as trivial as a shopping list, a to-do list or even a journal. Switching everyday writing to English will build your confidence.
• Connect and Communicate Online: Not only writing on paper, test takers should start writing text messages, social media browsing and all forms of online communication should happen in English. Joining online communities and groups to communicate in English will allow students to craft long responses and practice their English writing skills.
• Craft Compelling Longer Pieces: While attempting longer writing pieces, candidates are advised to expand on their main points. Support your arguments with relevant details and concrete examples. Enhance clarity and flow by using a diverse range of linking words to illustrate the connections between your ideas.

Duolingo English Test: Reading and Listening Tips

To build on your reading and listening skills, test takers are advised to

• Engage with Diverse English Content: Read blogs, social media posts, articles, news, books, and ebooks on topics that interest you.
• Immerse Yourself in Audio-Visual Media: Listen to English music and watch movies and TV series in English to learn vocabulary and phrases in context.
• Utilize Language Learning Apps and Podcasts: Incorporate English learning into your daily routine with accessible apps and podcasts.

Duolingo English Test Day Preparation Tips

• Use All Available Time: Test takers should use all of the time that they have to answer the questions. As they will not be rewarded for completing the test faster.
• Review Before Submitting: Always remember to cross verify your answer before submission. As you will not be able to change your response after submission.
• Manage Your Focus: Try not to look at the timer too often as it can distract you from effectively responding
• Speak Clearly and Naturally: For the Speaking section, candidates are advised to speak loudly clearly and at an understandable pace.
• Pay Attention to Writing Conventions: For the writing section, candidates are required to use proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. The Duolingo English Test accepts both American and British spelling. The only exception is the Read and Complete question type, which uses American spelling only.

While this comprehensive preparation strategy is designed to maximize your chances of success on the Duolingo English Test 2025, remember that individual learning styles vary. If you feel you require more personalized guidance, do not hesitate to connect with language learning experts at AECC for tailored support and the latest preparation resources.