bySayantani Barman Study Abroad Expert
In an era of globalization, the desire to study abroad has surged among students worldwide. The promise of experiencing diverse cultures, accessing top-notch education, and broadening career opportunities drives this trend. This surge underscores the importance of language proficiency tests like the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a means for students to demonstrate their readiness for English-speaking academic environments. As universities worldwide increasingly rely on standardized tests to assess applicants' language abilities, achieving a high score on the DET will increase your chance of getting admission to top universities worldwide like Harvard University, Yale University, Northeastern University, etc.
Click here to check the Tips to improve the Duolingo English Test scores
Tips for Improving your Duolingo English Test Score
Test takers must strengthen their reading, writing, listening, speaking, and comprehension skills to score well on the Duolingo English Test. A DET score of 120 or higher is considered a high enough score to get into a top university. Below are some tips to obtain a good score on the DET:
- Before attempting the DET, take the time to understand its format and structure. Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions and timing constraints will help you navigate the test with confidence. Below is a table of the new and redesigned question types recently updated in the test.
| Question Types | New Time Required | Scores contribute to |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Writing | 5 minutes for the first prompt followed by 3 minutes for the second prompt, making for a total duration of 8 minutes 30 seconds | Literacy and Production subscores |
| Read and Select | 5 seconds to guess each word with approximately 15–18 words | Literacy and Comprehension subscores |
| Fill in the Blanks | 6–9 sentences containing one unfinished word, with 20 seconds for each blank | Literacy and Comprehension subscores |
- Dedicate time each day to practice English language exercises, focusing on areas of weakness such as grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. Actively engaging in activities such as listening to podcasts, and music, watching movies, and consuming various media forms can substantially enhance comprehension as well as communication skills.
- Consistent practice is key to mastering any language skill. The Duolingo English Test website offers free practice tests that can be taken anywhere. It is available on desktop computers, tablets as well as smartphones to help you gain insight into the exam's content and question formats, and get an estimated score promptly after completion. However, you can only take the actual test on a laptop or desktop.
- To maintain fairness and integrity during at-home testing, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has clear guidelines. These include staying focused on the screen, keeping the camera and microphone on, being alone in a well-lit, quiet room, ensuring clear visibility of face and ears, and refraining from using external devices, headphones, or notes. Familiarizing yourself with these rules is crucial for a smooth testing experience. Watch this video to learn more about the DET’s rules and regulations.
- Time management is critical during the test. Practicing answering questions within the allocated time frames will help develop a pacing strategy that allows you to complete the test efficiently without rushing.
By implementing these tips and committing to diligent practice, you can boost your DET scores and embark on your study abroad journey.




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