Duolingo vs IELTS
When it comes to the differences between Duolingo and IELTS, there’s always a main question: is the Duolingo test accepted as a proficiency test just like the IELTS?. The short and sweet answer is YES!.
There are a ton of forums discussing it, people that recommend Duolingo over IELTS, and others that bash the Duolingo test and its process almost as if it were a scam.
The purpose of this article is just to clear your doubts and understand what the differences between them are so you can take an informed decision. If you would like to know more about the Duolingo exam check our Complete Guide.
Duolingo vs IELTS Price
One of the first differences to address is the price. The Duolingo test is today the most price-effective English proficiency test, it’s ahead when compared to the competition.
You will only pay once $65 which will give you access to the full test, and after you will be able to send it to all the universities or institutions that you would like to for no extra cost.
When compared to the IELTS, which costs around $250, there’s a clear gap in terms of price. By just taking 1 IELTS exam, you can take around 5 Duolingo tests for the same price.
And that’s not all! Once you get your desired IELTS result, you can only send it to up to 4 institutions. After that, you will have to pay an extra $20 to send your results to any other schools.
Then, you will also have to commute to take the IELTS, since it’s an in-person type of test, meaning that you will also have to pay for transportation adding an extra cost to your total amount.
Duolingo vs IELTS Test Length
Another big difference between the Duolingo English test and the IELTS is the time that will take you to complete the evaluation.
The Duolingo is a 2 part test where you will have an Adaptive Test (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) that will take you around 45 minutes, and then you will have a Video Interview that will take you an extra 10 minutes. So the whole test will take around 1 hour to finish.
On the other hand, the IELTS exam is divided into several sections:
- Reading (1 hour),
- Writing (1 hour),
- Listening (30 minutes),
- Speaking (12 minutes).
Overall, the IELTS takes around 3 hours to complete, which is significantly longer than the Duolingo test.
Duolingo vs IELTS Results Time
This is another advantage that the Duolingo English test has over the IELTS. After you finish your test, you need to wait for the results.
This is a tedious wait since you have a lot of expectations to be accepted by the institutions of your choice, either a university or an embassy in case you want to have a residency in another country.
So the time frame to get your results needs to be as short as possible.
The Duolingo folks will have your result ready in up to 48 hours, but in some cases, after only 24 hours you will have your score already.
Meanwhile, the IELTS will take 3 to 5 days if you choose the computer-based mode, and for those that will take the paper-based mode the waiting period will be up to 2 weeks.
Duolingo vs IELTS Format of the Exams
When it comes to the format of each exam, the Duolingo and IELTS tests are totally different. The Duolingo test is designed to check the exact level of your language proficiency via an adaptive test. After each response you give, the AI behind the test will grade your level and give you the following questions based on that.
The IELTS, on the other hand, has 2 types: Academic and General. The listening and speaking sections will be the same for all students, but the reading and writing sections will be slightly more difficult for those taking the Academic IELTS.
Another point to have in mind is that in the IELTS test the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections will have to be completed on the same day with no breaks in between the tests. However, when it comes to the Speaking part, you can take it the previous day or in the morning. For instance, if you take the test on a Saturday afternoon, the speaking part will be either in the morning or the day before (Friday).
The Duolingo Test will take 1 hour to be completed and the IELTS will take around 3 hours to be done.
Have in mind that before you purchase the IELTS test you have to choose either to take the computer-based test or the paper-based one.
Duolingo Format
Adaptive Test
This is a graded section that evaluates your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills in under 45 minutes.
Video Interview
Since 2022 this part is also a graded section ( it used to be ungraded ) that records your answers to open-ended questions. And it will take around 10 minutes to be finished.
IELTS Format
The IELTS is divided into 4 sections:
The listening section takes 30 minutes to complete and consists of 40 questions in total.
The reading section takes 60 minutes and also contains 40 questions.
The writing section also takes 60 minutes but instead of 40 questions, it has only 2 tasks.
Finally, the speaking section consists of 3 parts and takes between 11 to 14 minutes to be completed.
Duolingo vs IELTS Test Differences
Listening Section
Once the tests are conducted you will have different approaches for each test.
When it comes to the Listening section, the IELTS test will require you to listen to four recordings which will have a series of questions. These recordings may either be a monologue or a conversation. The types of tasks that come under this section may include matching headings or paragraphs, MCQs, and sentence completion.
The Duolingo test, on the other hand, will test your listening skills by giving you a list of spoken words to listen to that will contain both real and pseudo-English words so you can identify which ones are true English words. After that, you will also be given audio recordings that you have to transcribe properly.
Writing Section
When it comes to the writing section the IELTS is divided into two tasks. For the first task in the Academic IELTS, you will be required to summarize the information presented in the form of a graph, a diagram, or a table. You might also be required to describe and explain the data, describe the stages of a process or describe a person or an object. In the General IELTS, you will have to write a letter that can be formal (i.e. letter of application, complaint, or request of information), informal (i.e. letter to a friend or family member), or semi-formal (i.e. letter to your boss or a professor).
For the second task, you will need to write an essay in response to an argument, point of view, or problem. The responses need to be compulsorily formal.
For the Duolingo exam, you will need to select the real English words amongst the pseudowords, fill out the missing text from a given sentence, write a minimum of 500 words in response to a given question, and type the statement after hearing the audio recording.
Reading Section
When it comes to the reading section, the IELTS test will examine a variety of skills such as reading for the main idea, reading for the gist, and understanding logical arguments and viewpoints.
In Academic Reading, you will have to read 3 long texts that are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, and complete the tasks accordingly. These texts range from being descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
In the General Reading, the texts are also taken from advertisements, notices, company handbooks, and guidelines.
For the Duolingo reading section, you will be required to read the sentences properly and fill in the missing letters and words to make the sentence sensible.
Speaking Section
Last, but not least, we have the speaking section. For the IELTS, the speaking section is divided into 3 different tasks. For the first task, you will need to answer general questions about yourself, such as your hobbies, your interests, and your family life.
Right after, for the second task, you will be given a card with a topic that you will need to elaborate on. Then. for the third task, you will have a discussion round, where you will discuss a topic in-depth with the examiner that will test your abilities in both critical thinking and analysis.
For the Speaking section on the Duolingo English Test, you will be presented with an image that you will have to describe. Then, you will need to read aloud a few sentences and answer some questions. Furthermore, during the video interview, you will have a speaking section where you will need to talk about a given topic and submit writing sample prompts. They will give you 2 topics to choose from and you will need to talk about one of them for at least 1-3 minutes.
Duolingo English Test Preparation
If you would like to get ready to take the Duolingo English Test, I have prepared some free exercises to improve your overall skills. All the exercises are similar to those in the DET, they have not been taken from the real Duolingo exam.
You can also check my Youtube Channel where you can find Full Doulingo exams to practice and also video exercises.
I also offer paid courses that go from as little as $10,99 where you can improve your writing skills and your overall performance on the exam and get the score that you need.
Links:
Which Test is More Accurate in Measuring English Proficiency?
Some argue that IELTS offers a more comprehensive evaluation due to its in-person speaking test, where candidates interact directly with an examiner. This face-to-face communication can sometimes give a more nuanced assessment of your speaking skills.
Duolingo, on the other hand, uses a computer-based format that incorporates both speaking and writing, allowing for a more automated evaluation. However, the adaptive nature of the test means it adjusts to your abilities, potentially making it more accurate for identifying your proficiency level.
Ultimately, the choice of test might come down to your personal preference and how well you perform in either test format. You may want to try practice tests for both to gauge which one suits your strengths better.
Duolingo vs IELTS: Which One is More Convenient for Non-Native Speakers?
For non-native English speakers, convenience is a major factor in choosing between the two tests. Duolingo is particularly appealing because it can be taken from home, requiring only a computer with a camera, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. This makes it easier for people in remote locations to access the test, saving time and travel expenses.
IELTS, however, typically requires a visit to a test center. While some test centers offer computer-based testing, the overall process is less flexible compared to Duolingo. Depending on your location, the nearest test center may be far away, potentially increasing costs and logistical challenges.
For students who live in areas with limited access to IELTS test centers, Duolingo offers a more accessible alternative.
Duolingo’s Adaptive Testing System
One standout feature of Duolingo is its adaptive test system. The difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your responses, allowing it to efficiently determine your English proficiency level. If you answer a question correctly, the next one may be more difficult; if you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier.
This means that Duolingo can potentially save time by providing a more personalized and streamlined testing experience compared to the more traditional, static format of the IELTS.
How to Prepare for Duolingo and IELTS
While both tests assess similar language skills, their preparation strategies vary.
- Duolingo Preparation Tips:
- Focus on listening and speaking. Duolingo’s adaptive test requires quick thinking and verbal fluency, so practicing with online tools and listening to podcasts or watching videos in English can be helpful.
- Use the Duolingo English Test app for daily practice to familiarize yourself with the test’s format and pacing.
- Make sure your test environment is quiet and distraction-free, as Duolingo requires a high level of concentration and clear speaking responses.
- IELTS Preparation Tips:
- Mock exams and time management are key to succeeding in the IELTS. Since the exam is much longer, it’s important to practice completing sections under time constraints.
- For the Speaking section, practice engaging with someone who can give you feedback or use online platforms that simulate real-life interactions with examiners.
- Vocabulary is crucial for the IELTS, especially for Writing and Speaking. Build a strong academic vocabulary to improve your overall score.
Both tests require solid preparation, but Duolingo’s quick, adaptive format may suit those who are already comfortable with English, while IELTS might appeal to individuals who prefer more structured, in-person testing.
Final Verdict: Duolingo vs IELTS
In conclusion, both Duolingo and IELTS have their advantages and drawbacks. If you value cost-effectiveness, speed, and flexibility, Duolingo may be the better option. However, if you need a more traditional, established test for professional or academic purposes, IELTS remains the gold standard in many regions.
Ultimately, the right test depends on your goals, the requirements of your chosen institution, and your personal preferences regarding test format, location, and preparation time.
