Get Comprehensive Guidance with Duolingo English Test Syllabus

Duolingo English Test Syllabus

If you are struggling to up-skill your language of English, nothing could be better than the Duolingo English test syllabus. What you can find here are classic to contemporary topics, advanced grammar rules, comprehension exercises, and a lot more.

The best part is there aren't any restricted syllabi. Instead, you can experience Duolingo's computer-adaptive technology.

An Introduction to the Duolingo English Test

The structure of the Duolingo English test syllabus is very flexible. Hence, it does not need any particular setup for the test. In fact, you can complete the test within an hour and get results in a couple of days.

Further, the Duolingo English test pattern is divided into two segments. Here's what you need to know -

1. The first part of the test is a 45-minute adaptive exam that comprises a series of questions designed to determine a candidate's level of English ability.
2. The other is a 10-minute-long writing and speaking test with open-ended prompts, the results of which are shared with institutions together with the candidate's responses.
3. Test-takers are informed about the exam rules and prerequisites within the first five minutes of the introduction.
4. Here, the scale ranges from 10 to 160. Furthermore, the four parts of the DET Test Pattern are used to monitor a candidate's overall proficiency in the English language.

Duolingo English Test Syllabus Highlights You Must Know

In order to successfully finish the exam, you must fully understand what is included in the Duolingo English test syllabus. Now, as mentioned earlier, there isn't any traditional rule in this syllabus since it is a computer-based assessment. Yet, it has certain guidelines which you must know to clear the test in one go.

Hence, follow the below table –

What is the Pattern and Syllabus of the Duolingo English Test Syllabus?

Reading Comprehension

1. The first part of the Duolingo English test syllabus measures your literary skills.
2. This section is divided further into two categories: expository and narrative-style reading.

Based on that, the question types are as follows -

Complete the Sentence

In this task, you will be provided a part of the reading passage with deleted words. You have to choose the answer from the multiple options accordingly.

Pro Tip - Before choosing the word, read the entire passage and use context clues as well.

Complete the Passage

Here, you will see the full passage but with a 'deleted sentence'. Your task is to choose the appropriate sentence from the options available.

Pro Tip - Understand how the two parts of the paragraphs connect.

Highlight the Answer

In this section, you must highlight the parts of the text that answer the comprehension questions.

Pro Tip - Be particular about the exact information the question demands, as too many options may seem relatable.

Identify the Main Idea of the Passage

Here, you will select an answer from the options that reflects the principle idea of the passage.

Pro Tip - The focus must be on your reasoning skills. So, go deeper than simply reading the sentences.

Select a Title for the Passage

Here, you only need to choose a 'title' from the options provided.

Pro Tip - Focus on choosing the title that captures the essence of the passage.

Listing Comprehension

In this section, the process of answering is based on what you 'listen'. You will find a command that says, 'Type the statement you hear'.

1. You will hear a person speaking a statement, which you must transcribe.
2. This can be a statement, a phrase, or a word.
3. This segment tests your ability to recognize particular words and hold them in your memory long enough to replicate them correctly; these skills are essential for understanding spoken language.

Speaking Comprehension

1. In the 'Read Aloud' section, you receive a question asking you to "Record yourself saying the statement below."
2. The basic idea is to read a written statement out loud into the microphone.

Further, this section is segmented into 3 parts - 

1. Speak About The Photo - 90 seconds to describe the given picture.
2. Read & Speak - 20 seconds to understand/read the prompt & rest 30-90 seconds to describe.
3. Listen & Speak - 20 seconds to listen to the prompt & rest 30-90 seconds to speak or describe.

Pro Tip - Before you record your voice, practice speaking the phrase out loud once if you have time to spare. Also, consider the statement's punctuation to help you pace yourself; take a little break at each comma. This will help you express each prompt meaningfully.

Writing Comprehension

In the 'writing' section of the DET, you will have two sections -

Write about the Photo

Here, you will be given a picture to which you will have 60 seconds to respond. On the test, there will be three of these questions. Always follow the same instructions: "Write one or more sentences that describe the image."

Read Then Write

1. Consider this question to be a short essay. At least 50 words must be written in the allotted five minutes. Attempt to have a response of at least 100 words, even though you only need to write 50 words.
2. This section focuses on using your cognitive skills and bringing the best within a limited time. This section also measures your vocabulary for forming each sentence.

Pro Tip - Try to include a thorough description of the image rather than just a label. Even though the instructions only require one complete sentence, attempt to write more than one because a longer response can show off more of your abilities.

Vocabulary and Grammar

The Role of Vocabulary in DET

You should have a wide vocabulary to get a competitive score because it will let you talk about and write about various topics. It becomes a major issue and could affect your overall score if you cannot use the right terms.

It's all about the words in the language. It is, therefore, preferable to know as many words as you can. You won't have trouble comprehending English once you've learned more words.

Guidance to Enhance Vocabulary

Focus on the exercises like: 'read and listen', 'writing down words', 'memory techniques', 'reading dictionary daily' etc., to upskill your average vocabulary level.

Common Grammar Concepts & Rules to Practice

Here are the common rules you must go through to score the best in the DET -

1. The subject and verb must agree in number
2. Collective nouns are always singular
3. Every word should make sense in the context
4. Commas separate the main and subordinate clauses
5. Verbs and sentence structure must always remain parallel
6. Correlative coordination means two parts

Duolingo English Test Syllabus for Adaptive Test

An adaptive test is a part of the DET Test Pattern. Here, the abilities of the candidates in reading, writing, speaking, and listening are examined.

Further, the Duolingo English test syllabus includes a graded component that lasts 45 minutes. The questions' difficulty level is configured to alter dynamically during the Adaptive test.

Note that questions will be asked one after the other in the adaptive section of the DET Test Pattern regardless of their type or section. This test can include as many questions as you like, but it won't go more than an hour.

According to the DET Test Pattern, the test will be over once the grading engine is satisfied with the candidate's score.

Here are some factors of adaptive tests you must note -

1. Tools and procedures designed specifically for the question categories will be used to automatically grade questions in sections like 'Read and Complete', 'Read and Select', and 'Read Aloud'. The AI system of Duolingo will evaluate the differences and similarities between your responses and those that are correct.
2. You will also be penalized if you provide inaccurate or insufficient information. Answers that are partially right may only receive half credit.
3. Missing a question could cost you more points than giving an erroneous answer. Therefore, you must respond to each and every inquiry.
4. The evaluation criteria used by the engine include your ability to thoroughly respond to questions, the sophistication and range of your vocabulary, and your fluency in both oral and written tasks.
5. Note that the questions will be evaluated and scored by computer algorithms, and the accompanying video recordings will be evaluated by human proctors.

Preparation Tips for Duolingo English Test Syllabus

Listed below are some helpful tips that can show you the right way to for learning with the Duolingo English test syllabus –

1. The first thing you can do is take the practice test that Duolingo offers on its official website. This will give you an estimation of your performance level in the language.
2. To improve your English language abilities, read articles and other resources of a similar nature. If you master the technique for language interpretation, things will get simpler.
3. You can enhance your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities by practicing alone.
4. You must always prioritize speaking English without shying away. Gradually, it will develop your confidence and help you build relationships with others.
5. You can comprehend English more clearly if you watch films and other types of media, which can help you perform better on the listening portion of the exam.
6. Online, you can find a variety of tools for test preparation. These will support your independent practice and learning.
7. You can find more information on recent events, climatic changes, news, etc.
8. To acquaint yourself with the test, watch the video tutorials on YouTube and similar websites.
9. To make the test easier, practice writing essays and other long-form content.

What are the Benefits of the Duolingo English Test Syllabus?

Here are the top benefits of the Duolingo English test syllabus -

Affordable learning course

To access the module of the Duolingo English test syllabus, you just have to spare a few dollars from your pocket. After which, you get an array of English language exercises that can turn you into a professional in just a few steps.

Syllabus accepted by worldwide universities

There are no hard and fast rules in the syllabus of Duolingo. But even if it's a computerized test, it's widely acknowledged by universities like Imperial College London, King's College London, Charles Darwin University, Griffith University, and much more. Hence, even if you score low grades in other qualifying tests, the Duolingo test can help you.

Results in less time

Another important feature of this syllabus is that the assessments only take a couple of days to return the results. So, if you are in a hurry, you can still take the DET and attach the results just a day before you fill-up the form.

Accepted alternative for IELTS/TOEFL

Lastly, the value of the Duolingo English Test Syllabus is widely applauded because it can be an alternative to IELTS, TOEFL, and other such tests. This means you don't have to worry about getting extra coaching on language classes since the Duolingo syllabus has all of it to guide you!

How Can Students Prepare for the Duolingo English Test with the Help of AbroAdvice.com?

Here are the ways you can prepare for the Duolingo English Test, exclusively with the help of AbroAdvice -

1. You will receive the treatment of individualized one-on-one sessions with knowledgeable DET professionals.
2. There will be grammar and vocabulary revision provisions in both simple and advanced English.
3. AbroAdvice can offer resources for practicing listening skills with audio files with various dialects. This is where you can improve your vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more.
4. A significant factor of learning from the team of AbroAdvice is - you can practice English with native speakers.
5. Moreover, you will receive step-by-step assistance for signing up for the Duolingo English Test.
6. Lastly, you will be offered guidance on solving practice papers on a regular basis while simulating test conditions.

The demand for having a professional level of English language skills is non-negotiable. That's where professional English language experts can guide you at AbroAdvice. So, why not sign up with our team and be confident in English from our native experts?