If you’re an international student planning to study abroad, you’ve likely heard about the Duolingo English Test. It’s an affordable, convenient, and quick option for proving your English proficiency to universities. However, like any test, it requires preparation, focus, and strategy to perform well. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes students often make during the Duolingo English Test and how you can avoid them to achieve the best score possible.
1. Not Understanding the Test Format
The Duolingo English Test is unique in many ways, especially with its adaptive format. This means the test adjusts its difficulty level based on how well you’re performing. Many students make the mistake of not fully understanding how the test works, leading to confusion during the exam.
How to Avoid This:
- Familiarize yourself with the test format by taking practice tests available on Duolingo’s website.
- Understand that the test evaluates your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a variety of ways, including short-answer questions, video responses, and more.
2. Ignoring Time Limits
One of the advantages of the Duolingo English Test is that it is relatively short (about 1 hour). However, the clock is ticking during every section of the test. Students often miss questions or don’t finish in time because they don’t pay attention to the time limits.
How to Avoid This:
- Keep an eye on the timer displayed during the test.
- Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Move on if you’re unsure about an answer.
- Practice time management during mock tests to improve your speed.
3. Skipping the Speaking Section
Many students dread speaking tests, but the Duolingo English Test has a speaking section that is vital to your overall score. Skipping or not taking this section seriously can harm your results.
How to Avoid This:
- Practice speaking clearly and confidently before the test.
- Take your time to record your answers. Even if you make a mistake, keep speaking naturally.
- Remember, the speaking section also evaluates pronunciation and fluency, not just content.
4. Poor Internet Connection
Since the Duolingo English Test is taken online, a stable internet connection is essential. A weak or unstable connection can cause disruptions during the test, leading to missed answers or even disqualification.
How to Avoid This:
- Take the test in a quiet location with a reliable internet connection.
- Ensure that your device is fully charged and connected to a strong network before starting the exam.
5. Not Following Instructions Carefully
The test often provides specific instructions for each section, and failing to follow them can result in lost points. For example, if you are asked to speak into the microphone, not doing so will lead to a missed question.
How to Avoid This:
- Read all instructions carefully before starting each section.
- Follow the instructions exactly as they are given—don’t skip any steps.
6. Overthinking Answers
One of the most common mistakes students make is overthinking their answers, especially in the vocabulary and reading sections. If you hesitate for too long or second-guess yourself too much, you might miss the opportunity to answer correctly.
How to Avoid This:
- Trust your instincts and answer questions confidently.
- Don’t dwell on a question for too long. Remember, the test is adaptive, so moving forward will help you score better.
7. Not Practicing Enough
The Duolingo English Test is designed to assess your overall English proficiency, but some students mistakenly believe they can perform well without practicing. Familiarity with the test format and types of questions will help you feel more confident.
How to Avoid This:
- Set aside time each week to practice your English skills, focusing on speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
- Use Duolingo’s practice test and other online resources to get a feel for the test’s adaptive format.
8. Failing to Prepare for the Writing Section
The writing section of the Duolingo English Test can be tricky, especially since you need to produce coherent and clear responses under time pressure. Many students fail to structure their answers properly or don’t provide enough detail.
How to Avoid This:
- Practice writing short essays or responses to prompts to improve your writing speed.
- Structure your responses clearly with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
9. Relying Too Much on Translation
While it’s tempting to translate questions into your native language during the test, doing so can slow you down and cause confusion. Duolingo’s adaptive test is designed for English speakers, and relying too much on translation can impact your score.
How to Avoid This:
- Try to think in English as much as possible.
- Practice reading and listening to English content regularly to improve comprehension and fluency.
10. Failing to Relax
Test anxiety is common, but it can hinder your performance. Many students feel nervous or stressed, which leads to mistakes. Tension can impact your ability to think clearly and communicate effectively.
How to Avoid This:
- Practice relaxation techniques before the test, like deep breathing or meditation.
- Take short breaks and make sure you’re comfortable before beginning the test.
- Remember, the Duolingo English Test is just one part of your application process—stay calm and confident.
Quick Recap: Top Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
| Not understanding the test format | Take practice tests and familiarize yourself with the format. |
| Ignoring time limits | Keep track of time during the test, and don’t dwell too long on any one question. |
| Skipping the speaking section | Practice speaking confidently and take the section seriously. |
| Poor internet connection | Ensure a stable internet connection before starting the test. |
| Not following instructions | Read all instructions carefully and follow them precisely. |
| Overthinking answers | Trust your instincts and answer questions quickly. |
| Not practicing enough | Set aside time for regular practice in all language skills. |
| Failing to prepare for writing | Practice writing clear and structured responses before the test. |
| Relying too much on translation | Try to think in English to avoid translation errors. |
| Failing to relax | Practice relaxation techniques to reduce test anxiety. |
Conclusion
Avoiding these 10 common mistakes during the Duolingo English Test can help you perform your best and achieve the score you need for studying abroad. Remember that preparation is key—don’t rush through the process, and ensure you’re ready to show your true English abilities.
Stay confident, relax, and tackle each section with a calm mind. You’ve got this!