Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Score Comparison, Fees, Exam Syllabus

Introduction

In the world of English language proficiency tests, three names stand out: Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL. Each has its unique place, offering different pathways for learners and professionals to showcase their English language skills. Whether you’re planning to study abroad, immigrate, or certify your language proficiency for professional reasons, choosing the right test is crucial. This article explores these tests, comparing their scores, fees, and syllabi, and aims to guide you in making an informed decision. Let’s dive in with a basic and engaging conversation about these tests.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized and accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities around the world. It assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English. The test comes in two formats: Academic, for those aiming to study at a higher education level, and General Training, for those migrating to English-speaking countries or working there. With a scoring scale from 1 to 9, IELTS provides a clear measure of English proficiency.

What is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another prominent English proficiency exam, accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. Like IELTS, it evaluates your reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities. However, TOEFL is mostly internet-based (iBT), with a scoring range from 0 to 120. This test is particularly popular among students planning to study in North American universities.

What is the Duolingo English Test?

Emerging as a flexible and convenient option, the Duolingo English Test challenges the traditional format of language proficiency exams. It’s entirely online and can be taken from the comfort of your home. The test assesses your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, providing a score between 10 and 160. It’s gaining acceptance among educational institutions for its ease of access and fast results.

Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL

Feature	Duolingo	IELTS	TOEFL
Accessibility	Very accessible. Can be taken online from home.	Must be taken at a test center. Some locations offer online options.	Primarily online (iBT), but requires going to a test center.
Convenience	Highly convenient. Schedule the test at any time.	Requires scheduling in advance. Test dates may be limited.	Requires scheduling in advance with specific test dates.
Affordability	Generally more affordable than IELTS and TOEFL.	Moderate cost. Fees vary by country.	Similar to IELTS in terms of cost. Fees vary by country.
Recognition	Increasing acceptance, but not as widely recognized as IELTS or TOEFL.	Widely recognized worldwide by educational institutions and employers.	Widely accepted, especially in the United States and Canada.
History	Relatively new compared to IELTS and TOEFL.	Long history of recognition and acceptance.	Long history of recognition, especially in North America.
Scoring System	Scores range from 10 to 160.	Scores are given as band scores from 1 to 9.	Scores range from 0 to 120.
Test Format	Tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening in an integrated way.	Separate sections for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.	Separate sections for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Preparation	Flexible preparation due to the integrated test format.	Requires comprehensive preparation for each section of the test.	Detailed preparation needed for each test section.

When comparing Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL, it’s essential to consider their accessibility, acceptance, and the specific requirements of the institutions or organizations you’re applying to. Duolingo stands out for its convenience and affordability, while IELTS and TOEFL are more widely recognized and have a longer history of acceptance. Each test has a distinct format and scoring system, making it vital to prepare accordingly.

Duolingo vs IELTS Score Comparison

Duolingo Score Range	Approximate IELTS Band Score	Explanation
10-55	1.0 – 4.0	Basic. Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
60-85	4.5 – 5.5	Modest. Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters.
90-115	6.0 – 6.5	Competent. Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.
120-145	7.0 – 8.0	Good to Very Good. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain.
150-160	8.5 – 9.0	Expert. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.

Comparing scores between Duolingo and IELTS can be challenging due to their different scoring systems. However, conversion tables are available to help understand how scores translate between these tests. Generally, a higher score in Duolingo indicates a higher level of English proficiency, which can be roughly equated to the band scores of IELTS. For example, a Duolingo score of 120 might compare to an IELTS score of 7.0, indicating a good level of English proficiency.

Duolingo English Test to IELTS Score Conversion

Duolingo Score Range	Equivalent IELTS Band Score	Simple Explanation
10-55	1.0 – 4.0	This range is for beginners. It means you know some English words and can talk a little.
60-85	4.5 – 5.5	You’re okay at English. You can understand and talk about simple things without too much trouble.
90-115	6.0 – 6.5	You’re good at English. You can easily understand and discuss various topics, including complicated ones.
120-145	7.0 – 8.0	You’re very good at English. You can talk and understand well, even in difficult situations.
150-160	8.5 – 9.0	You’re excellent at English. You can use English very well in all types of situations.

Understanding the conversion between Duolingo English Test scores and IELTS bands can guide you in assessing your English proficiency level. While direct comparisons should be taken with caution, they provide a rough estimate of how your skills might be viewed across different tests. Educational institutions often publish their own conversion charts, which can be a valuable resource for applicants.

Duolingo English Test to TOEFL Score Conversion

Duolingo Score Range	Equivalent TOEFL Score Range	Simple Explanation
10-55	0-31	Beginner level. Knows some English words. Can maybe say and understand a few things.
60-85	32-59	Basic understanding. Can talk about and understand simple stuff in English.
90-115	60-89	Intermediate. Can understand and talk about different topics, including harder ones.
120-145	90-119	Advanced. Can easily talk and understand English in most situations.
150-160	120	Very advanced. Can understand and use English very well, almost like a native speaker.

Similarly, converting scores from the Duolingo English Test to TOEFL scores requires reference to conversion tables. These conversions can help students and professionals gauge how their Duolingo scores might be perceived in terms of TOEFL’s scoring scale. Again, these are approximations, and individual institutions may have specific scoring criteria.

Key Takeaways

1. Accessibility: Duolingo offers the most accessible option, allowing test-takers to complete the exam from anywhere, whereas IELTS and TOEFL generally require attendance at a test center.

2. Convenience: Duolingo tests can be scheduled at any time, offering greater flexibility compared to the more rigid scheduling of IELTS and TOEFL.

3. Affordability: Duolingo emerges as the more affordable option, while IELTS and TOEFL fees can vary by country but are typically higher.

4. Global Recognition: IELTS and TOEFL hold a longer history of widespread acceptance among academic institutions and professional organizations worldwide, though Duolingo’s acceptance is rapidly growing.

5. Test Format: Duolingo integrates all language skills into a single test experience, while IELTS and TOEFL have separate sections for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

6. Scoring Systems: Understanding the scoring systems is crucial, with Duolingo scores ranging from 10 to 160, IELTS bands from 1 to 9, and TOEFL scores from 0 to 120.

7. Score Conversion: Conversion tables provide a rough guide for comparing scores between Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL, facilitating a general understanding of how these scores correlate.

8. Preparation: Effective test preparation varies by exam, with Duolingo allowing for more integrated practice, whereas IELTS and TOEFL require targeted preparation for each section.

9. Purpose and Use: The choice between Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL should be guided by the test-taker’s specific needs, goals, and the requirements of the target institution or organization.

10. Evolution of Language Testing: The introduction and rising popularity of the Duolingo English Test reflect a significant shift towards more flexible and technologically adapted language proficiency testing.

FAQ

In conclusion, learning English for the TOEFL test is a journey that opens many doors. Remember, every step you take in learning and practicing English helps you get closer to your goal. Just like understanding science for the SAT, mastering English for the TOEFL is about building strong skills.

Do not worry if English seems hard at first. With regular practice and determination, you will get better. Read books, listen to English songs, watch movies in English, and try to speak and write in English every day. These activities will improve your language skills.

Remember, every effort you make counts. Keep your goal in mind, stay motivated, and practice as much as you can. With time and effort, you can achieve a good score in TOEFL and move forward in your academic and professional journey. Good luck, and believe in yourself!