Scoring high on your Duoling English Test gives you a better chance of getting admitted into a reputable school of your choice. This English language proficiency test can also improve your vocabulary and understanding of English grammar.
If your goal is not only to do well in the exam but to pass with an incredibly high score, then you need all the help you can get. This article covers 10 Useful Tips and Techniques to Increase Your Duolingo English Test (DET) Score.
These tips are easy to understand and apply. Read till the end for all the details.
Overview of Duolingo English Test (DET)
The Duolingo English Test is among the most convenient and trusted proof of English proficiency, and it is also accepted by different institutions worldwide during the admission and placement process.
The test is designed to test your Literacy skills (ability to read and write), Production skills (ability to write and speak), Conversion skills (ability to listen and speak), and Comprehension skills (ability to read and listen).
Once you have completed the test, Your score is calculated based on your proficiency in these areas. After which, your Duolingo English Test score will be reported on a scale of 10 to 160. The test will be done online, after which you will be issued a certificate showing your subscores.
A score of 120 and above is considered an excellent grade, but it is also advisable to score as high as 145, equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 113 to 116 and an IELTS Academic score of 7.5.
Your test result would typically be ready after two days of completing the exam and can be sent to your desired institution only through your online account. Your certificate will also be issued two days after the test, valid for two years.
If you desire to retake the test, you can purchase and attempt it only thrice in 30 days.
10 Tips and Techniques to Increase Your Score on Duolingo English Test (DET)
Tip 1: Speak English a Lot
Whether you have someone to speak to or not should be fine. You can speak the language even when you are alone, say it out loud, use it to describe your current situation or things you are doing, speak out your plans, and repeat what you hear in English, especially if it is a new word or it is difficult to pronounce.
You can also work with online tools and videos to help you speak English and improve your pronunciation. This will significantly assist you during the test as you will be familiar with the words and the appropriate ways they should be used.
Tip 2: Read Materials in English
These could range from books to magazines, blogs, articles, and literature written in English. You could also follow social media accounts or join reading clubs where reading practices are done regularly.
Doing this will improve your grammar, sentencing, writing, and pronunciation knowledge. It will also make you confident with the language, which will help you attempt the test correctly.
Tip 3: Listen to Audio in English
One of the best ways to do well in the test that tests your conversation and comprehension skills is to listen regularly to sounds in English. You can listen to music, podcasts or use audiobooks and apps. Watch movies and shows in English, and include subtitles. Be sure to watch news, fashion shows, and sports, and listen attentively to their English use.
This will significantly improve your comprehension and conversational skills and help you ace this part of the test, significantly improving your total score.
Tip 4: Practice Your Writing
You can practice your writing by doing your regular writing in English as often as possible. It can be as small as preparing your shopping list in English, to typing messages on your phone or computer. You could also type in English when browsing the internet and connect with English-speaking people. There are also several online communities you can join where you are prompted to write and respond in English.
This will help you improve your ability to read, write and speak, which would be beneficial in getting a high score in the areas of the test that assesses your Literacy and production skills.
Tip 5: Take the Practice Test
On the Duolingo website, there are practice tests that you can take. This mock test will give you an idea of the actual test and how the questions are prepared. It will also teach you how to read and answer questions quickly so that you can answer questions in the actual test before your time runs out.
The practice test usually runs for 30 minutes, after which you will be awarded an unofficial score. However, the score does appear on your certificate.
Tip 6: Avoid Fillers
Avoid using fillers such as “like,” “Hmmm,” “Yeah,” “Well,” “You Know,” and “Ahh.” too frequently, especially when you are not sure of what to say. Doing so tells Duolingo that you do not know or understand the correct language, which can affect your score. Instead, speak confidently and use the appropriate terms.
Tip 7: Develop Your Critical Thinking
Developing your critical thinking will help you quickly choose correct answers after reading and understanding the question, especially when the options might be confusing or look too similar.
You can develop your critical thinking by understanding the connection with each word and the context it is being used.
Tip 8: Practice Your Grammar
A great way to practice your grammar is by studying and practicing English grammar rules in a sentence. This will enable you to identify common grammar mistakes and how you can correct them. It also makes it easier to identify the correct answer in record time, significantly increasing your score.
Tip 9: Manage Your Time Efficiently
It takes about an hour to complete the Duolingo test, and if you do not manage your time, you might not finish the test in time and if you are unable to complete your test. The chances you will do well could be higher. So instead of dwelling on a difficult task, skip it and return to it before the test ends. You can also assign several minutes for each stage and stick to it.
Tip 10: Remain Positive and Relaxed
Being nervous can disrupt your ability to focus and ruin all the preparations that you have made, which could affect your performance. So relax, and keep a positive mindset. If you are nervous, take a deep breath before you start.
Staying relaxed will help you make intelligent choices, meaning you have a great chance of doing well on the test.
These tips will help you do significantly well in your Duolingo English Test. Still, you must also remember to consistently practice and apply a well-rounded approach to learning English and dedicate time to becoming proficient in the language even before you take the test. And also, remember that preparing for the test is a gradual process that requires a lot of patience.
We hope you can ace Duolingo English Test (DET) after preparing adequately. Make sure also to check out our Scholarships Page for different information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
