When the Duolingo English Test was first known by the public, its score structure was one of the most confusing stuff in the whole test. Many test-takers don’t completely understand the DET scores even after spending time on researching. It’s understandable because the DET’s sub-scores is different from other English proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL. They have Individual subscores, Integrated subscores and an overall score.
I. What your scores mean?
You will see your overall score, Individual subscores and Integrated subscores on your report, which will take effect from July 01 2024.
If your test result is certified you will receive a DET certificate as follows.
cre: DET team
1. Overall score and sub-scores
The Duolingo English Test report shows a holistic score on a scale from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments. The DET score scale is aligned with the IELTS, TOEFL, and CEFR, an international standard of language proficiency. Your overall score is the average of four Individual subscores.
Besides the overall score, you also see Individual and Integrated subscores for a better understanding of your English proficiency in order to improve them more easily.
Individual subscores: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
Literacy: The test-taker’s ability to READ and WRITE
Comprehension: The test-taker’s ability to READ and LISTEN
Conversation: The test-taker’s ability to LISTEN and SPEAK
Production: The test-taker’s ability to WRITE and SPEAK
2. How are sub-scores calculated?
Each Duolingo English Test question type contributes to at least two Integrated subscores, you can see details as following.
Literacy: Read and Complete, Read and Select, Interactive Reading, Write about The Photo, Read then Write, Summarize the Conversation, and Writing sample.
Comprehension: Read and Complete, Read and Select, Interactive Reading, Listen and Respond, Listen and Type, and Read Aloud.
Conversation: Listen and Respond, Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Read then Speak, Listen then Speak, Speaking Sample, and Speak about The Photo.
Production: Write about The Photo, Read then Write, Writing sample, Read then Speak, Listen then Speak, Summarize the Conversation, Speaking Sample, and Speak about The Photo.
You also need to know the frequency of questions appear in the test to expect what you see, so you may prepare better for the Duolingo English Test.
cre: DET team
3. Why are these different from other tests?
The Duolingo English Test shares on its DET Official Guide for Test Takers that research shows that combined skills can better represent how language is used in real life. They also said that effective and natural language use need multiple skills simultaneously, especially for academic purposes.
II. How long results are valid?
1. Validity period
Similar to other proficiency tests, the DET certificates last for two years.
2. Certificates Protection
Are you worry that someone may hack your account to delete or take advantage of your DET certificates? You should not worry as the only way to send your scores is through your online account.
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3. When to retake the test
If you want to retake the DET for any reason, you can take it up to three times in any 30-day period.
The Duolingo English Test is not new anymore; however, lots of people still find it hard to get their DET Ready. We wish to be a part in your Duolingo English Test journey. The DET Practice Platform offers thousands of practice questions and instant feedback to boost your scores.
cre: DET Practice
In detail, you can access practicing questions for all question types, and you will receive instant feedback after submitting your answers. Regarding your Speaking and Writing answers, we evaluate your proficiency based on Fluency, Lexical Sophistication, Lexical Diversity, Grammatical Accuracy, and Acoustic Features (Pronunciation). It means we help you identify your mistakes , so you can learn from them and improve your scores. Feel free to check video sample feedback here.
Go to the DET Practice Platform, create your FREE account, and get your DET Ready today.
