Places inhabited by people from different nations aren’t just diversified in terms of lifestyle, ethnicity, have access to more opportunities, and strength of manpower but also face challenges. One of the most common and determining challenges is the language barrier.
When people from several nations with unique languages settle in a common place, they need a common language to communicate regularly, and often regular communication need extends to workplaces and education as well. This is particularly important for people who are going overseas to study or work in a foreign country.
IELTS (or commonly known as International English Language Testing System) and Duolingo English Test are two of the common tests for assessing an individual’s proficiency in English for either academic, professional, or immigration purposes. Since both of these tests’ purposes are the same, yet they aren’t, and one isn’t an alternative to the other.
Studying abroad might be a click away, but to make it a reality, you must prove your language efficiency and, hence, must take either the IELTS tests or the Duolingo English Test. In this piece of content, we elaborately discuss IELTS and Duolingo English Test so that you have clarity about both the tests and can opt for one depending on your requirement.
Everything That You May Need to Know About IELTS and Duolingo English Test
We have already mentioned above that both IELTS and Duolingo English Test are two of the common tests for assessing one’s proficiency in English. It’s mandatory to take either of the tests if you are planning to move abroad.
What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System (commonly referred to as IELTS) is a standard assessment system for verifying an individual’s proficiency in the English language. This test is particularly designed and made mandatory for non-native English speakers who want to shift to an English-speaking nation, either for studying or for working and similar purposes. This evaluation system is commonly overseen and managed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. Usually, when non-native English speakers travel abroad for studies or work, concerned colleges, or universities, professional entities, or immigration authorities would ask for IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores as proof of their English proficiency.
The IELTS tests are of two types – the IELTS Academic, which is purely for academicians, and the other one is the IELTS General Training, which is for people travelling abroad for work, training, or even for studies that are below degree level. IELTS tests your levels of English expertise in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test is computer-adaptive, typically taken online, by aspirants who want to move abroad to study, work, or migrate. Managed by Duolingo Inc., the organization allows aspirants to take the test from the comfort of their homes, instead of visiting the centre. The non-traditional approach offers great flexibility to the candidates; all that a candidate has to do is set aside an hour and have an uninterrupted internet connection to assess their expertise in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English. Sign up with their ID, take the test, give the video interview, and that’s it.
Fundamental Differences Between IELTS and Duolingo English Test
While IELTS and Duolingo English Test may look similar but they aren’t the same. Here are some of the key areas where IELTS differs from DET:
Firstly, let’s talk about the formats of the two tests: IELTS can be taken with pen and paper and computer, both, and from a designated examination centre, but that’s not mandatory for taking DET. The latter one is completely online and can be taken from the candidate’s home.
Secondly, IELTS tests take 2 hours and 45 minutes (max) while DET takes only an hour. There is a significant time difference, and candidates do take that into account.
Thirdly, IELTS tests a candidate’s listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, whereas DET assesses one’s integrated skills through adaptive questions and a video interview for the speaking/writing sample.
The fourth most fundamental and differentiating difference is their acceptance. While IELTS is globally accepted, DET isn’t; it is growing in acceptance but hasn’t yet reached a majority mark.
Which Test is Right for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all formula, and the same goes for testing your English proficiency. The IELTS test or the Duolingo English test are two of the most commonly recognized evaluation systems for testing one’s English proficiency, but you need to know which test will serve your purpose, and that depends on several factors. So, consider these conditions:
- If you aspire to pursue higher studies abroad
Over several decades, IELTS has been used for evaluating an individual’s English skills in terms of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Most of the universities abroad still accept IELTS scores as the standard benchmark. However, DET is also catching up in popularity, because several universities across the US and other EU countries accept its score, especially when deadlines are a bit tight.
- If you are migrating or going overseas for work
If you are moving abroad for work, then you would need to undertake the IELTS General Training to secure your visa and immigration. This is mandatory if your destination is Canada, the UK, or Australia. However, DET is still not recognized as a standard for evaluating English proficiency for immigration.
- If cost or time is a crucial factor
Often, professionals have time constraints, or they have little time for preparation. In such a situation, Duolingo exam is more suitable. It takes less time to prepare for Duolingo English practice test as compared to the IELTS test. The cost involved with taking the Duolingo test is quite cheaper than IELTS; so if cost matters, then Duolingo can be a more suitable option for you.
- If you are comfortable with a traditional testing environment
The IELTS test is a traditional evaluation model, whereas the Duolingo test is comparatively new. So, if you are comfortable with the traditional evaluation process, then IELTS is the test you may like to take; otherwise, DET could be your choice. However, whichever you choose, you need to prepare well. So, if you choose IELTS, then you must also choose the right IELTS coaching centre near you, and if you opt for the Duolingo exam, then commit to taking regular Duolingo English practice tests for improving your chances of cracking it on the first go.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Exam
The decision to move abroad is quite a significant one, and arriving at it might have made you go through several thoughts. So, to lessen your mental work, here we jot down some important tips from experts that may help you choose between the IELTS exam and the Duolingo test.
University requirements
It is extremely important to know and consider the requirements of the universities on your list and consider their criteria. It is because ideally, you must consider the requirements given by your university and, based on them, check which type would best serve the requirements.
Individual timeline plan
Taking the text is a part of the process, and waiting for its results is another and a crucial one. So, must plan your timeline well ahead, much before arriving at any decision, because IELTS results take time.
Strength check
The evaluation systems in themselves are neutral; it is your knowledge and skills that create the difference. So, take time to identify your strength areas and work on enhancing them.
Official practice resources before deciding
It might be difficult to decide without experiencing tests, and you must experience both the tests before you decide. You can avail a mock IELTS test and Duolingo practice test as well; this will help in understanding the details, know which one is more aligned with your strengths and which one is more doable. So, try to avail the official practice resources before deciding on anyone of the two.
When it comes to deciding between the two, things can be a little tricky and testing, if not always the hardest way. However, you need to know the details, critically weigh both the evaluation systems, and check which one is more aligned with your requirements, strengths, and purpose of evaluating your English proficiency. Take your time while doing this, and you will know which one would be the right test for you.