English proficiency tests are now a well-ingrained facet of the study abroad application process. Almost all international universities and colleges offering English-taught courses require applicants to have scored well in at least one of these exams. Admissions are offered only to those who prove that they are able to comprehend and communicate in the language effectively.
Of all these tests, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) has been around for decades, but more recently, two other options have popped up–IELTS and Duolingo Test. While their goal remains the same, these tests differ greatly in terms of syllabus, mode of examination, duration, and fees, among other factors.
This article compares and contrasts IELTS and Duolingo–two prominent English proficiency assessments–in 3 easy-to-understand steps.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), conducted by the British Council and IDP IELTS Australia, is one of the most globally recognized and highly approved English language proficiency assessments among universities worldwide. Many institutions in the UK, the USA, and Canada regard IELTS as the most accurate and reliable English language proficiency test available. IELTS scores are used in over 130 countries.
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test was added to the list of English proficiency exams in 2014. It acquired widespread acceptance in the wake of the global pandemic due to its conducive online mode and has gained popularity among international universities in some of the world’s most famous higher ed destinations.
IELTS vs Duolingo
Mode of Examination, Duration, and Exam Fees
The IELTS exam is available in both online and offline formats and lasts for 165 minutes. The test costs between $245 and USD 255 (INR 18186- INR 18928).
The Duolingo English Test is only available online and lasts for 60 minutes. The exam costs $49 (INR 3637), which is quite reasonable.
Test Format
The IELTS exam is of two types–Academic Training and General Training. The Academic exam is taken by students looking to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses abroad. The General Training format, on the other hand, is for school-going children and aspiring immigrants looking for employment overseas. Hence, it primarily focuses on general survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.
The IELTS Academic test consists of four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The speaking test is conducted either one week before or after as per the candidate’s convenience.
The Duolingo test consists of two sections–Adaptive Test (45 minutes) and Video Interview (10 minutes). The Adaptive Test determines and evaluates the reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities of the candidate, whereas the Video Interview is an ungraded section that requires the candidate to upload a 10-minute video answering a few open-ended questions put forth by the test.
Score Range and Test Results
The IELTS exam scores candidates between Bands 0 to 9, whereas for Duolingo, the score ranges on the scale of 10-160.
The IELTS Online test results are available within 5 days, while the IELTS Offline test results are published within 13 days. Duolingo, on the other hand, operates at a much faster pace and shares results with candidates within 48 hours of the exam. The test scores of both IELTS and Duolingo are valid for two years from the date of the examination.
The following table represents the IELTS score bands and the corresponding Duolingo Test scores-
| IELTS | DUOLINGO |
| 9 | 155-160 |
| 8.5 | 145-150 |
| 8 | 135-140 |
| 7.5 | 125-130 |
| 7 | 115-120 |
| 6.5 | 105-110 |
| 6 | 95-100 |
| 5.5 | 85-90 |
| 5 | 75-80 |
| 4.5 | 65-70 |
| 4 | 55-60 |
| 3.5 | 45-50 |
| 3 | 35-40 |
| 2.5 | 25-30 |
| 2 | 15-20 |
| 1.5 | 5-10 |
Both Duolingo and IELTS have different characteristics that are designed to fit the varying needs and interests of aspirants. A student looking for an economical exam can take the Duolingo test, whereas someone who is more comfortable with paper-delivered or computer-delivered tests that are recognized globally can take the IELTS. A good thing about IELTS test is that you can take online IELTS mock tests before taking the actual exam to see if you are ready for the test or not and avoid losing a lot of money and time by taking the test multiple times.
Although IELTS is far more popular than Duolingo, in light of COVID-19, the Duolingo English Test is being approved by an increasing number of institutions throughout the world.