Duolingo English Test: The Full Guide for 2025

You can get a comprehensive explanation of the Duolingo English Test methodology, scoring, and speaking/writing tips on YouTube if you'd rather watch videos.

KEY POINTS:

• Results are available in 48 hours, and the cost of the Duolingo English Test is far less than that of the PTE and IELTS.
• The test checks four skills using one adaptive exam and one video interview.
• The best way to prepare is consistent Duolingo English Test practice using sample questions and daily speaking/writing drills.
• IELTS, PTE, and Oxford ELLT are also popular, and this guide explains the fees, login process, and test dates clearly.
• If you plan to apply abroad for 2025–2026 admissions, this guide gives you complete clarity in very simple English.

Introduction

If you want to study abroad or overseas, the Duolingo english test is best to show your english proficiency. Thousands of universities are accepting Duolingo English tests due to its speed, and online format. Because they may take the test at home with just a laptop and suitable space, Pakistani students enjoy it. You will comprehend everything with the aid of this guide.

Let’s begin.

What Is the Duolingo English Test & Why Should You Care?

An online test of English competence is called the Duolingo English Test. At home, you take it.

• No test centre.
• No travelling.
• No long waiting time.

The test checks four skills in one single exam:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

The exam is “adaptive”. This means the difficulty increases when you answer correctly. It decreases when you answer incorrectly. This helps the system measure your real English level quickly and accurately. The results appear quickly. The exam is less expensive.

In 2025, who will take the Duolingo English test?

The test is accepted by thousands of universities in:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Europe
• UAE
• Asia

Top universities that accept Duolingo include:

• University of Colorado
• University of Glasgow
• Arizona State University
• George Mason University
• University of Waterloo (selected programmes)
• University of Adelaide (selected courses)
• Coventry University
• Bangor University

Always check your chosen university’s website. Some programmes may require IELTS or PTE instead.

Duolingo English Test Fee (Global & Pakistan)

Global Fee

The standard Duolingo English Test fee is:

USD $59

(Test + Certified Results)

Duolingo English Test Fee in Pakistan

Payment in Pakistan depends on the exchange rate. Payment is made online using:

• Debit card
• Credit card
• Online payment wallet

There is no separate registration fee. You only pay once.

Duolingo English Test Practice: Your Study Plan

You need a clear practice schedule if you want to score high. Here's a quick and efficient seven-day plan:

Day 1: Understand the format

Watch sample questions on YouTube or Duolingo’s practice site.

Day 2: Writing practice

Write short answers and long essays daily.

Day 3: Speaking practice

Speak for 30–60 seconds on simple topics.

Day 4: Reading practice

Read short passages and summarise them.

Day 5: Listening practice

Watch short videos and explain them in one sentence.

Day 6: Full mock practice

Use online tools with real exam-style questions.

Day 7: Revision

Review your mistakes. Improve your timing. Daily practice builds confidence. This is the simplest way to reach a score of 105–125, which most universities require.

Test Format: A Full Breakdown

The Duolingo exam has two parts:

1. Adaptive Test (45 minutes)

Includes mixed questions:

• Read and select
• Listen and select
• Read aloud
• Speak the answer
• Write the answer
• Summarise spoken text
• You speak for 1–3 minutes.
• Further, you write for 3–5 minutes.
• These samples are sent to universities.

Speaking Section Guide

The speaking part tests clarity, fluency, and confidence.

You may be asked to:

• Speak for 30 seconds
• Describe a picture
• Answer a random question
• Tell a story

Example:
My favourite hobby is reading. It helps me relax. I enjoy learning new ideas from books.

Avoid long complicated grammar. Simple is better.

Writing Section Guide

Writing questions include:

• Short responses
• Long essay-style tasks
• Descriptions
• Expanding sentences

A strong answer includes:

• Clear sentence structure
• Correct grammar
• Good vocabulary
• Logical flow

Example practice topic:
Describe a place you enjoy visiting.

Write in 5–6 simple sentences.

Reading Section Guide

Reading tasks check your ability to understand English quickly.

Main task types:

• Fill in missing letters
• Select correct English words
• Read a passage and answer questions

Read slowly. Focus on meaning. Do not rush.

Listening Section Guide

You listen to short audios with:

• Words
• Sentences
• Conversations

You must identify what you heard. The key rule is to use headphones for better clarity.

Duolingo Scoring Explained (10–160)

Here is the scoring of Duolingo test explained

• Literacy
• Comprehension
• Conversation
• Production

Common university requirements:

• 90–110 (foundation programmes)
• 105–120 (bachelor’s)
• 115–130 (master’s)

Higher programmes may require:

• 130+

Computer, Camera & Room Requirements

You need:

• A working laptop
• A quiet room
• Strong internet
• Good lighting
• Working webcam
• No headphones during test
• No one else in the room

Follow all rules strictly

Det Rules You Must Follow

During the exam:

• Do not look away
• Do not read notes
• Do not speak to someone
• Do not use other devices
• Do not wear earphones
• Do not leave your seat

Breaking rules may cancel your exam.

Duolingo vs IELTS vs PTE vs Oxford ELLT

Duolingo

• At home
• 1 hour
• Cheaper
• Fast results

IELTS

• In test centre
• Longer test
• More traditional
• Widely accepted

PTE

• Computer-based
• Growing acceptance
• AI scoring
• Good for Australia/UK

Oxford ELLT

• Fully online
• Four separate skills
• Used by many UK universities
• Clear scoring

Oxford ELLT: Login, Portal, Process

To take Oxford ELLT, you must use:

• Oxford ELLT Login
• Oxford ELLT Portal

The portal allows you to:

• Register
• Upload documents
• Take reading, writing, and listening modules
• Attend a live speaking interview

The test is accepted by many UK universities for 2025–2026 intakes.

IELTS Mock Test: Free Preparation Tips

Mock test tips:

• Time yourself strictly
• Check answers after finishing

PTE Exam: PTE Stands For, Full Form, Fees in Pakistan

PTE Stands For:

Pearson Test of English

PTE Full Form:

Pearson Test of English Academic

PTE Fees in Pakistan:

PKR 50,000 – PKR 60,000

Students choose PTE because:

• It is fully computer-based
• Results come in 48 hours
• Many countries accept it

My Simple 7-Step Duolingo Study Method

Use this simple method each day.

1. Learn the format
2. Practise short speaking answers
3. Improve writing with 5-line paragraphs
4. Read one short passage daily
5. Listen to short English clips
6. Use online Duolingo practice tools
7. Review mistakes weekly

Simple. Easy. Effective.

Common Duolingo Exam Mistakes to Avoid

You need to avoid these mistakes.

• Talking too fast
• Using difficult grammar
• Writing long confusing sentences
• Ignoring timing
• Poor lighting
• Slow internet
• Moving your eyes too much

Stay calm. Keep answers natural and simple.

FAQ

1. Is the Duolingo English Test accepted worldwide?

Yes. More than 4,500 institutions accept it.

2. How long does the test take?

About one hour.

3. What is the Duolingo English Test fee in Pakistan?

Between PKR 16,000–18,500.

4. How long does it take to get results?

48 hours.

5. Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?

For many students, yes, because the format is simpler and shorter.

6. Can I retake the test?

Yes. You can retake after three days.

7. Do UK universities accept it?

Many do, but not all. Always check your course requirements.

8. What score is good for a master’s programme?

115–130.

9. Is Oxford ELLT better than Duolingo?

It depends on university requirements.

10. Do I need a passport for the exam?

Yes. A valid ID is required.

11. What is PTE full form?

Pearson Test of English.

12. Can I practise Duolingo for free?

Yes. Many free practice tools exist online.

13. Can I take the exam on my phone?

No. Only on a laptop or desktop.

QUIZ: Test Your Duolingo Knowledge

1. How long does the Duolingo test take?
A. 60 minutes
B. 4 hours
C. 2 hours

2. What is the Duolingo English Test Fee?
A. $59
B. $120
C. $300

3. What score do most universities require?
A. 50
B. 105–120
C. 10

4. PTE stands for:
A. Professional Test of English
B. Pearson Test of English
C. Public Testing Exam

5. How long does Duolingo take to send results?
A. 48 hours
B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month

Conclusion

The Duolingo English test is very easy and the fastest way to improve my English skills. This test is very affordable, and many universities accept the Duolingo test. For this test, you need to follow all plans and structures to get the best score in even basic English. Right guidance is very important, and this is what you will get in GS Trainings. Whether you choose Duolingo, IELTS, or any other test, GS Trainings is here to guide you.