Duolingo is set to change its popular online test of English language proficiency starting in April. On March 6, I attended a webinar for test-takers hosted by Duolingo tutor Ross Thornburn, who guided us through the upcoming changes that will take effect on official tests beginning April 2. Test-takers may already encounter the new question types in practice materials.
According to Duolingo, the newly redesigned question types will "increase the efficiency of the test and more accurately assess your English proficiency."
Thornburn presented three new question types during the webinar:
Interactive Writing: A multi-step question type that requires you to elaborate on an idea for the first prompt and then write about a related idea.
Fill in the Blanks: This type of question asks you to complete a sentence with the correct word. You will read a sentence with one unfinished word and then fill in the blank to complete the word.
Read and Select: This question type requires you to determine if a given word is a real English word. You will need to read each word and decide if it is an actual word in English. This question has been redesigned to display one word at a time.
Those familiar with previous versions of the Duolingo English Test might recognize Read and Select question as similar to the "Is this a real English word?" question. It is similar to the previous question type in which test-takers are presented with a set of words and asked to discern the real English words. In the new question type, test-takers are shown only two words and must choose which one is real. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that test-takers are given only 5 seconds to do so.
Many participants in the webinar, including myself, expressed surprise at having only 5 seconds to answer a question. This interaction with the new question reinforced my belief that knowing what to expect on a test is essential. It would be unfortunate to miss an opportunity to answer a question because it passed in the blink of an eye.
Thankfully, Duolingo has published a number of resources to help prepare for the upcoming changes to the test, including a revised readiness guide that includes instructions, timing, and tips.
Explorers English is ready to assist you in preparing for the new Duolingo English test with one-on-one guidance, strategies, and feedback, including how to be prepared for the lightning-fast Read and Select question and the new multi-step integrated writing question.
Duolingo English Test scores are accepted at more than 3000 universities around the world.
Comments