What is a Good Duolingo Score?
You might be familiar with Duolingo and its Spartan green owl. The application that started out as a simple platform to help people learn languages now has its own proficiency exam. And it’s quite good! Several institutes have already started accepting Duolingo scores during admissions.
This adaptive test might take a while to get used to. But in order to prepare well for the exam, you need a goal. That’s why your first step is to figure out the score you want to achieve. In the case of the Duolingo test, your aim should be 110 or above. If this seems like a tall order, consider opting for Duolingo coaching online from AbroAdvice.com.
Understanding the Duolingo Test Better
The Duolingo English Test is a revolutionary exam. It is the first test that follows an adaptive testing pattern. This adaptive test has been used by thousands of students who wish to study in UK. But what makes it stand out from the rest of the exams? Let’s find out!
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Adaptive in Nature
The adaptive nature of this test is what makes it unique. Unlike other exams, the questions aren’t fixed. Answer correctly, and the next question will be more challenging. However, if you answer incorrectly, the exam will reduce the difficulty level of the next question.
2. Cost-Effective Option
The test is the most affordable of all English language proficiency tests. That’s why it is preferable among students.
3. Quick Results
You’ll receive your results within 48 hours of taking the test. Such quick result delivery adds another point in favour of this exam.
4. Extremely Convenient
Usually, for such a wide-scale proficiency exam, you have to book time slots and exam dates weeks ahead. Otherwise, you might not get a slot according to your preference. But plans can change. If you can’t make it on that day due to unforeseen circumstances, you have to reschedule while paying a steep rescheduling fee. Let’s not forget that you might have to forfeit the entire exam fees. As if those exams aren’t expensive enough! Besides, it’s too bothersome. That’s why the Duolingo test is a better option since you can take it anywhere and anytime.
Duolingo Scores: A Basic Guide
The Duolingo test scores range from 10 to 160, with 10 being the least competent to 160 being highly proficient. Now, when evaluating answers, Duolingo conducts an assessment based on a combination of these skills. For example, if you check your report card, you’ll notice subscores (which also range from 10 to 160) for the following –
- Conversation – Listen + Speak
- Literacy – Read + Write
- Production – Write + Speak
- Comprehension – Read + Listen
According to experts, people have to use combined skills in real life. That’s why the way Duolingo handles the subscores is a more accurate representation of one’s fluency.
What is the Ideal Duolingo Score?
Your aim should be 110 or above. If you’ve already shortlisted universities, check their eligibility requirements. But anything below 110 is generally not accepted. That’s because of the Duolingo Score Scale Interpretation:
| Score Scale | Level | Interpretation |
| 10 – 55 | Basic | Demonstrates ability to understand basic words and phrases and express oneself in familiar settings. |
| 60 – 85 | Intermediate | Can accomplish routine school and daily work. There might be hesitation during self-expression. |
| 90 – 115 | Upper-Intermediate | The test-taker possesses the ability to understand concrete and abstract ideas, maintain conversations on unfamiliar topics, and interact with proficient speakers with ease. |
| 125 – 160 | Advanced | Can understand complex written and spoken language, understand the intricacies of the language and has excellent command over it in academic, professional and everyday settings. |
Your aim should be to achieve the Advanced level. Achieving 125 means you have exceptional command over the English language. So, you shouldn’t face any problems getting admitted to universities abroad if you get 125 or above. Some institutes accept scores of 100 or 110, but your choices will be quite limited in that case.
Want to see how your result compares to that of other proficiency tests and assessment levels? Continue reading.
Duolingo Score Compared to the CEFR:
| CEFR Level | Duolingo Score |
| A1 | 10 – 55 |
| A2 | |
| B1 | 60 – 85 |
| B2 | 90 – 115 |
| C1 | 120 – 160 |
| C2 |
Duolingo Score Compared to TOEFL iBT:
| Duolingo Score | TOEFL iBT Score |
| 10 – 25 | 0 |
| 30 | 1 |
| 35 | 2 – 4 |
| 40 | 5 – 8 |
| 45 | 9 – 13 |
| 50 | 14 – 19 |
| 55 | 20 – 25 |
| 60 | 26 – 31 |
| 65 | 32 – 37 |
| 70 | 38 – 43 |
| 75 | 44 – 49 |
| 80 | 50 – 55 |
| 85 | 56 – 61 |
| 90 | 62 – 67 |
| 95 | 68 – 73 |
| 100 | 74 – 79 |
| 105 | 80 – 85 |
| 110 | 86 – 91 |
| 115 | 92 – 96 |
| 120 | 97 – 102 |
| 125 | 103 – 107 |
| 130 | 108 – 112 |
| 135 | 113 – 115 |
| 140 | 116 – 118 |
| 145 | 119 |
| 150 – 160 | 120 |
Duolingo Score Compared to IELTS Score:
| Duoling Score | IELTS Score |
| 10 | 1.5 |
| 15 | 2 |
| 20 – 25 | 2.5 |
| 30 – 40 | 3 |
| 45 – 50 | 3.5 |
| 55 – 60 | 4 |
| 65 – 70 | 4.5 |
| 75 – 80 | 5 |
| 85 – 90 | 5.5 |
| 95 – 100 | 6 |
| 105 – 110 | 6.5 |
| 115 – 120 | 7 |
| 125 – 130 | 7.5 |
| 135 – 140 | 8 |
| 145 – 150 | 8.5 |
| 155 – 160 | 9 |
Now, review the admission requirements again. If you compare the ideal IELTS and TOEFL scores corresponding Duolingo score equivalent, then things become clearer. A minimum score of 110 on your Duolingo test is a must. Otherwise, you can forget about getting admitted to reputed universities.
Duolingo Score Improvement Tips
The adaptive nature of the test stumps most students. That’s because there is no set question pattern that you can follow. Every question that you’ll encounter depends on your ability to answer correctly or incorrectly. However, if you want to improve your scores, check out these suggestions
- Improve your vocabulary by expanding your reading list.
- Sign up for professional Duolingo coaching services.
- Polish your knowledge of the fundamentals of English grammar.
- Attempt practice exams once every week.
It only takes 60 minutes to complete the exam. But that’s enough to assess your skills. Start your preparation early and seek out expert assistance if required. You’ll surely secure an excellent score on the test.
