bySayantani Barman Study Abroad Expert
English language exam scores are an essential part for the students who want to pursue their studies abroad. The DET, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT are the most preferred English-language exams among the students living in India or abroad. These language proficiency tests are also used for migration purposes, job opportunities at international companies, etc. Score Comparison Between the DET, TOEFL iBT and IELTS can be done while sending the scores to the required colleges or universities.
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Overview for DET and TOEFL iBT and IELTS
The Duolingo English Test is an online exam that tests your English language skills and ability to communicate in this language. You can avail the test anytime and anywhere in the online mode. The DET is accepted by over 4500 universities worldwide including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland. After receiving a score between 10 - 160, candidates can check their base in the English language and can improve their weaker sections. Certified scores are valid for a period of 2 years.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language exam that is taken by candidates who want to pursue higher studies abroad. The score of this exam is mainly accepted by universities in New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada, etc.
TOEFL exam evaluates the academic English skills of the candidates. It involves 50% academic English and 50% general English skills. It measures the candidate’s communication language ability in the academic context.
DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL iBT
It might be confusing for many students to choose one exam among the DET, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS. In this article, we will see the comparison between these three exams.
| Parameters | DET | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer- based | ● Computer- based ● Paper- based (available in some centers) |
● Computer- based ● Paper- based |
| Exam Fees | USD 59 (less than 5000 INR) | INR 16,900 | INR 16,250 |
| Additional Exam Fees | You can send your scores to unlimited universities at zero additional cost |
|
|
| Duration | 60 minutes | 180 minutes | 165 minutes |
| Results | Declared after 48 hours | Declared after 8 days | ● For computer based: declared after 3-5 days ● For paper- based: declared after 13 days |
| Exam Pattern | ● Reading, writing, listening, and speaking ● Video Interview |
● Reading ● Writing ● Listening ● Speaking |
● Reading |
Score Comparison between TOEFL iBT vs Duolingo vs IELTS Academic
The table given below compare DET scores with TOEFL, and IELTS:
| Duolingo | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 120 | 8.5-9 | Expert |
| 155 | 119 | 8 | Expert |
| 150 | 117-118 | 8 | Very Good |
| 145 | 113-116 | 7.5 | Very Good |
| 140 | 109-112 | 7.5 | Very Good |
| 135 | 104-108 | 7 | Very Good |
| 130 | 98-103 | 7 | Good |
| 125 | 93-97 | 6.5 | Good |
| 120 | 87-92 | 6.5 | Good |
| 115 | 82-86 | 6 | Good |
| 110 | 76-81 | 6 | Competent |
| 105 | 70-75 | 5.5 | Competent |
| 100 | 65-69 | 5.5 | Competent |
| 95 | 59-64 | 5 | Competent |
| 90 | 53-58 | 5 | Modest |
| 85 | 47-52 | 5 | Modest |
| 80 | 41-46 | 5 | Modest |
| 75 | 35-40 | 4.5 | Modest |
| 70 | 30-34 | 4.5 | Limited |
| 65 | 24-29 | 4.5 | Limited |
| 10-60 | 0-23 | 0-4 | Extremely Limited |
DET Score Interpretation
Each test taker's proficiency is reported as an overall score on a scale from 10 – 160 as well as four subscores as of July 2020: Literacy, Conversation, Comprehension, and Production. The scores align to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an international standard of language proficiency. This video explains how the scores and subscores work. The table below is the brief score interpretation for DET:
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 130-160 | ●Able to comprehend idiomatic, sensible, indirect, and fictitious language ●Able to comprehend different challenging languages including the specific and technical language |
| 100-125 | ●Able to communicate easily and smoothly with the native speakers ● Able to speak clearly and understand the concepts of the unknown topics ● Able to comprehend the ideas of the abstract writing |
| 60-95 | ● Able to share plans, goals and ideas but with some hesitation ● Able to comprehend the main concept of writing based on the general topics |
| 10-55 | ● Able to understand only basic English language ● Able to comprehend and communicate only in the simple language on the common topics |
Exam Frequency
Here are the details about exam frequency for DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL iBT:
| Exam Frequency | Duolingo English Test | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Test Days Per Year | Everyday testing schedules, the test can be taken at any time, any where | With 48 pre scheduled test dates | With over 60 pre scheduled test dates |
| Availability of Testing Centers Worldwide | No Test Centers Accessible and Available online 24/7 | 1200 Testing Centers | 4500 Testing Centers |
| Number of Countries that accept the Exam | Accepted in over 100 Countries Worldwide | Accepted in over 140 Countries Worldwide | Accepted in over 190 Countries Worldwide |
Many test-takers consider the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL to be among the top choices and most reputable language competence examinations. These three English language examinations are commonly utilized and recognised by the majority of foreign schools as trustworthy confirmation of an aspiring student's English language competency level, particularly for non-native English speakers. All three examinations: DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL iBT have the distinctive attributes. Depending upon the candidates preferences, each test offers unique characteristics that may be beneficial to them. So, it is advised for everyone to go through the score table of each test to ensure that you get admission to the desired university.
FAQs
Ques. Which test is easier: DET or TOEFL iBT?
Ans. Essentially, the purpose of all these tests is to assess the English language proficiency of test-takers fairly. Upon examining the provided scoring table, it becomes clear that the scoring range covers multiple exams, indicating that regardless of the specific test taken, the resulting score will accurately represent the test-taker's current level of English proficiency. Therefore, it is incorrect to perceive one exam as being easier than the other. This demonstrates that neither the TOEFL nor the Duolingo English Test is inherently simpler than the other; however, the latter offers a more user-friendly testing experience. Additionally, the DET includes shorter reading passages.
Ques. What is the validity of the Duolingo English Test Scores?
Ans The Duolingo English Test score remains valid for a duration of two years. After the expiration, test-takers can still view their expired result on the homepage, but they will no longer be able to share the result or access the certificate. It's important to note that the duration of score validity can vary depending on the requirements set by each university. While some institutions may accept older scores, others may require more recent scores. Therefore, it's crucial to confirm the specific score validity requirements of each institution you are applying to.
Ques. Convert the Duolingo 125 score into the IELTS and TOEFL iBT score.
Ans. A score of 125 in DET exam will be 93 - 97 in the TOEFL iBT exam and 6.5 in IELTS Academic exam.
Ques. Compare the DET and TOEFL iBT and IELTS exam on the basis of the standard exam fees.
IELTS:
- IELTS Academic: USD 200
- IELTS General Computer Based test: USD 200
TOEFL:
- TOEFL iBT: USD 185
- TOEFL PBT: USD 18
DET:
- USD 59
Ques. What is the scoring scale of the DET, IELTS and TOEFL iBT?
IELTS:
- Overall band score of 9 to 0 points
TOEFL:
- Overall scoring scale of 120 to 0 points
DET:
- Overall scoring scale 160 to 55 points
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