English Proficiency with the Duolingo English Test: Best Practices You Must Know About
The author is an experienced student counsellor and has conducted research in several areas of education. He has also contributed several articles to a number of leading education-related newspapers.
Pratham Sharma 
For students interested in pursuing higher studies in Canada, providing their English language ability would be among the most crucial steps in the university application journey. Traditionally, due to the availability of limited options, students had to apply for costly and time-consuming English proficiency tests. But with the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) policy, you can find a large number of Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada. The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a cost-effective, convenient, and simple way to demonstrate your English proficiency.
Why Choose the Duolingo English Test?
Accepted by 300+ Universities in Canada
More than three hundred universities across Canada, including a large number of public colleges, recognise Duolingo English Test scores as valid proof of English proficiency.
Highly Convenient
As opposed to traditional English proficiency exams that require in-person attendance at a test centre, the DET is fully online. You can take this test right from your home, at a time that is convenient for you. The Duolingo English Test eliminates the stress and hassle of travel and rigid scheduling. You would simply need a laptop or computer with a camera, microphone, speakers, as well as a stable internet connection to give this test.
Cost-Effective
Cost is a huge concern for students planning to study abroad. The costs involved in DET are significantly lower than those of other English proficiency tests. Hence, it is a practical option for students who have a strict budget for overseas studies.
Best Practices for Achieving a High Score in DET
Understand the Test Format: You must familiarise yourself with the Duolingo English Test structure, including its question types and time limits. DET is a 60-minute online exam that follows a simple, adaptive pattern.
|
Sections |
Duration |
Overview |
|
Introduction and Induction |
05 minutes |
|
|
Adaptive Test |
45 Minutes |
|
|
Writing and Speaking sample |
10 Minutes |
|
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Enhance Vocabulary and Grammar: To perform well in the literacy and production sections, you must try your best to improve your word bank and sentence structures.
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Practice Listening and Speaking: You must engage in conversations in English, listen to podcasts and videos in the language to improve your comprehension and pronunciation.
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Improve Reading Skills: Reading articles, books, and academic papers in English would enhance your reading fluency and analytical skills.
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Take Mock Tests: Attempt Duolingo practice tests on a regular basis to track progress and identify weak areas.
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Manage Time Effectively: You should practise answering quickly and accurately in English under timed conditions.
Duolingo Test Results Validity
Checking the Duolingo exam validity is crucial for people pursuing higher studies or exploring employment prospects overseas. After taking the Duolingo English Test, you shall receive a certificate that contains your DET results and scores. This certificate is valid for two years from the date you take the DET. After two years, your DET Certificate shall be marked expired, and you will no longer be able to share it with third parties, like educational institutions and employers. You would have to retake the exam to obtain a new, valid score for university or visa requirements.
Over the years, DET, or the Duolingo English Test, has become a more affordable and accessible alternative to IELTS and TOEFL for students interested in studying in Canada. There are several Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada today, including McGill University and the University of Toronto.
