Why Choose Duolingo Over TOEFL and IELTS: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting the right English proficiency test can be a daunting task. While both TOEFL and IELTS are highly regarded, choosing Duolingo might be the better option depending on your specific needs. In this article, we explore the advantages of Duolingo, from accessibility to cost-effectiveness, and provide insights into why it could be the preferred choice.
The Advantages of Duolingo
1. Accessibility and Convenience
Due to its entirely online format,
1.1. Online Format
Enjoy the flexibility of taking the Duolingo test from the comfort of your own home whenever it suits you. This convenience significantly reduces stress and allows for better preparation.
1.2. Flexibility
Choosing your test time can align with your schedule, thereby minimizing pressure. This flexibility contributes to a more relaxed and prepared testing environment.
Cost-Effectiveness
2. Lower Fees
Duolingo boasts significantly lower registration fees compared to traditional English proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS, making it a more budget-friendly choice for many test-takers.
Quick Results: Efficiency and Convenience
3. Faster Scoring
Obtain results within 48 hours of completing the test. This quick turnaround is a significant advantage over the weeks it can take for TOEFL and IELTS scores to be released.
User-Friendly Interface: Interactive and Enjoyable
4. Engaging Format
The test's game-like nature is designed to be interactive and engaging. This feature can help reduce test anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable.
Comprehensive Skills Assessment: Holistic Evaluation
5. Integrated Skills Testing
Duolingo assesses all four language skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking - in a single testing session. This comprehensive approach provides a more holistic view of your language proficiency.
Increasing Acceptance: Growing Recognition
6. Growing Demand and Acceptance
More institutions are now accepting Duolingo scores, especially during the pandemic when many in-person tests became unavailable. This growing acceptance is making Duolingo a viable alternative.
Adaptive Testing: Personalized Assessment
7. Tailored Difficulty
The adaptive nature of Duolingo means the test adjusts to your answers in real-time, providing a more accurate reflection of your language skills.
Considerations and Drawbacks
While Duolingo offers many advantages, it's not suitable for every situation. Some institutions or organizations might not accept Duolingo scores. It's essential to check the specific requirements before making your decision.
For certain academic or professional contexts, traditional tests like TOEFL and IELTS might still be required. However, for many other situations, Duolingo can be a more convenient, cost-effective, and efficient option.
Final thoughts from our experience: After taking TOEFL twice and Duolingo twice, I distinctly prefer the latter. The convenience of the Duolingo test was especially appealing. The last TOEFL attempt was compromised when I contracted COVID-19. As a result, the TOEFL support center requested that I undertake a CPR exam, which would have cost around 90 dollars. On the other hand, with Duolingo, I could reschedule my exam 10 minutes before starting. With the TOEFL home edition and center edition, rescheduling is not possible if you have less than 4 days to your original schedule.
Overall, Duolingo's flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and quick results make it an appealing choice for many test-takers. Whether you're applying for a university, a job, or any other context, consider exploring the benefits of Duolingo for yourself.