Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

Although the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the Duolingo English Test are both exams of English language proficiency, they were created for different reasons and have some significant differences. The following are some of the significant in Duolingo English Test vs IELTS:

• Format: The Duolingo English Test is a computer-adaptive test that is taken online. The IELTS is a paper-based or computer-delivered test.
• Time: Duolingo English Tests are shorter than IELTS. The IELTS exam is 165 minutes long whereas Duolingo is 60 minutes long.
• Recognition: Employers and academic institutions around the world are more likely to accept and recognise the IELTS, especially for academic and professional purposes.
• Difficulty level: The IELTS is thought to be more difficult than the Duolingo test in terms of difficulty.
• Test Sections: The reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are evaluated in both exams. The test does have a distinct format, though, and the questions are different.
• Results: The CD IELTS results are announced in 3-5 days and Pen and Paper IELTS are announced on 13th day. The Duolingo results are made available within 48 hours.

Duolingo English Test format

After introduction there is an adaptive Test (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) of 45 minutes which is followed by 10 minutes long video interview.

Duolingo English test description

• Listening – Candidates will be required to listen to a list of spoken words that will include both actual and fake English words and then choose the correct English terms. Additionally, they will receive audio recordings that need to be accurately transcribed.
• Writing- The applicant must choose actual English terms from a list of made-up words, complete a sentence's missing words, respond to a question with a minimum of 500 words, and compose the statement after listening to an audio recording.
• Reading - In order to make the sentences make sense, the candidates must correctly read the phrases and complete any gaps with the appropriate letters and words.
• Speaking- Candidates will be given an image to describe after being shown it. The sentences that will be provided to them must also be read aloud. Additionally, they must provide verbal responses to any questions posed. The Duolingo English Test's video interview segment also requires participants to speak about a predetermined subject and submit writing samples in response to prompts. The candidates will have two options from which to choose, and they must talk for at least 1-3 minutes.

Also Read: How Can Reading Improve Your English?

IELTS Test Format

The test is conducted on two separate days where writing, reading, listening Is conducted on Thursdays or Saturdays sequentially and students get different day seven days prior or post to the other exam days.

IELTS Description section wise

• Listening- In this section, test-takers listen to a variety of audio clips and answer multiple-choice questions about the audio. The questions assess a test-taker's ability to understand spoken English, including vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic expressions.
• Reading- In this section, test-takers are presented with 3 passages or sections and multiple questions type about the passage. The questions assess a test-taker's ability to understand the main idea, details, and vocabulary of the passage.
• Writing- In this section, candidates have to write a letter or report in Task 1 and an essay in Task 2. The Task 1 is different in case of General Training students and academic students.
• Speaking- In this section, candidate interacts with the examiner where he is asked different questions and speak on an impromptu topic.

Please note that Reading and Writing changes for Academic and General training versions of the test. Other two sections or modules remain same.

Also read: Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test

Acceptance rates of Duolingo & IELTS tests

Universities, employers, and governmental organisations all across the world recognize the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS as valid indicators of an individual's English language proficiency. One of the most commonly acknowledged English proficiency tests in the world, the IELTS is accepted by many colleges, organisations for professionals, and governments.

It is especially common to utilise it in academic settings, and several nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, need it for study or employment. The Duolingo English Test is a more recent exam, and it is gaining popularity. It is increasingly being accepted as a reliable indicator of English proficiency by universities and employers.

Students who are applying to study at institutions in the US and other countries will find it especially helpful. It is advisable to confirm that a particular institution or employer accepts the Duolingo English Test as a reliable indicator of English language proficiency.

In summary, many colleges, employers, and government organisations around the world consider the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS as acceptable tests of English ability, though approval may differ based on area, institution, or employer.

Also read: How to crack the IELTS exam in first attempt?

Duolingo IELTS Score Conversion

Today, a number of foreign educational institutions accept Duolingo. It would be helpful for students to know how they fared in comparison to other prominent language competence exams like the IELTS, despite the fact that this test is rather different from those exams. The levels of the Duolingo test that correlate to the IELTS score bands are displayed in the sections below.

Duolingo & IELTS tests results

Both the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS are assessments of English competence, although their formats and skill levels differ. On a scale from 0 to 9, with 9 representing the highest level of proficiency, the IELTS test results are given.

On a scale from 10 to 160, with 160 denoting the highest level of skill, the Duolingo English Test scores are shown. One total score is given for the test, and it is dependent on how well a person did on the reading, listening, and speaking portions of the exam.

In terms of how the results of these two tests are used, the IELTS test results are widely accepted by universities and employers around the world as a measure of English proficiency. The Duolingo English Test is also accepted by many universities and employers, but acceptance may vary depending on the institution or employer.

It's important to note that both Duolingo English Test and IELTS are designed to measure English proficiency and both are widely accepted by universities, employers, and government agencies around the world. However, the format, content, and scoring system for these two tests are different, so it's always best to check with specific institution or employer if they accept the test you are taking.

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