Minjae Kang & Josephine Choi

​The Duolingo English Test (DET) is gaining acceptance among U.S. universities, including top engineering schools, as a valid measure of English proficiency for STEM applicants. Its online format allows candidates to take the test from any location, providing a convenient alternative to traditional exams like TOEFL and IELTS. The DET assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, offering a comprehensive evaluation of language abilities. Notable institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Duke University’s Graduate Programs in Engineering and Environment, and Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering now accept DET scores. Prospective students should verify specific score requirements and ensure the DET aligns with their chosen institution’s admission criteria.

Visit link for original article

Ellie Lee & Jade Koh

For many years, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has been one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests for university admissions. However, in recent years, it has faced increasing competition from the Duolingo English Test, which gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duolingo’s test is both more affordable, costing only $59, and more convenient, as it takes just one hour to complete. In contrast, the TOEFL iBT costs $255 in the U.S. and previously required three hours.

To remain competitive, ETS, the organization that administers TOEFL, announced several changes in 2023. Beginning in July, the TOEFL iBT would be reduced to two hours. The reading section would be shortened to two passages with 10 questions each, the writing section would feature a more concise task, and unscored experimental questions would be eliminated to make the exam more efficient.

Despite these modifications, TOEFL remains more costly and time-consuming than Duolingo, which is now widely accepted by U.S. universities. ETS argues that TOEFL maintains higher standards of reliability, security, and fairness, while Duolingo contends that its test is equally effective and more accessible to students worldwide.

Additionally, ETS introduced the TOEFL Essentials Test in 2021, a 90-minute alternative to the iBT. However, it has not significantly slowed Duolingo’s growing popularity. As competition in the English proficiency testing market continues to increase, TOEFL is adapting, but it remains uncertain whether these changes will be sufficient to maintain its dominance.

Visit link for original article.

Naeun Kim

The article examines the validity of Duolingo English Test (DET) in comparison to other English Proficiency Tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The research concluded that there is a positive correlation between DET Overall scores and first-year academic grades for postgraduates students. On the other hand, there seems to be no significant correlation between DET Overall score and academic grades for undergraduate students. In comparison with other English Proficiency Tests, the pattern of correlations for DET was similar to those observed for IELTs and TOEFL, suggesting that DET scores have comparable predictive validity to these established tests. However, the results conveyed that students admitted to university with DET scores exhibited lower academic success in comparison to those admitted with IELTS and TOEFL. The article suggests that these may be due to the limitation in sample characteristics, such as a majority of the DET Test-Takers being limited to a single nationality, and DET only having become a trend during the COVID Pandemic.

Visit link for original article

Phillip Im

The usage of online Duolingo English tests for admissions has raised concerns about academic dishonesty and poor student performance at UK universities. The test was first utilized by 62 UK universities during the pandemic as an affordable replacement for conventional language proficiency tests. At least 23 universities still accept Duolingo scores, including three from the elite Russell Group, even though the majority have subsequently stopped.

Experts caution that students’ proficiency in the English language has declined as a result of these online tests. Professor John Heathershaw of the University of Exeter pointed out a link between higher rates of plagiarism and poorer English proficiency, implying that students who are accepted based on their performance on Duolingo examinations may have issues with academic integrity. An anonymous lecturer from a university in the Russell Group shared cases in which students accepted through Duolingo were found to have plagiarized and were unable to contribute productively to oral presentations or class discussions.

After initially accepting Duolingo scores, Aston University has recently stopped doing so because of worries about student performance. Although there was no concrete proof of deception, it was claimed that students who were accepted via Duolingo performed worse than their classmates.

Since poorer English proficiency seems to be associated with a higher rate of academic misconduct, Professor Heathershaw has called for a formal research to determine the scope of the issue. There is ongoing discussion on the validity of online language assessments, which raises concerns about how they may affect UK higher education standards.

View link for original article.

Hoseung Jung

The article “TOEFL fees: sky high, but why?” explains the reasons behind the high cost of taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test and addresses the impact of these fees on test-takers worldwide. Since TOEFL remains one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests required by universities, especially in English-speaking countries, its cost has become a significant concern to students and parents.

The article discusses several explanations for why the price of the TOEFL exam is so expensive. These are the cost of developing and maintaining a challenging standardized test, investments in secure test facilities, administering tests in numerous international locations, and scoring and validating charges. Besides, the article adds that profit motives of organizations sponsoring standardized tests can also cause prices to go up.

Significantly, the article is interested in the broader implications of exorbitant TOEFL fees for educational access. For many students, especially those from poor families or countries with weaker currencies, taking TOEFL can be an unaffordable expense. The article’s argument is that such high fees would shut doors for talented students who are unable to take the test, thus reducing socioeconomic diversity among student populations in foreign universities.

In conclusion, the article insists on greater transparency in test prices and calls for other solutions to bring English proficiency testing within reach. As newer tests like the Duolingo English Test enter the market at reduced costs and increased flexibility, the article suggests institutions and testing organizations embrace new ways to keep financial barriers from denying opportunities for learning.

Visit link for original article

Naeun Kim

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is rapidly gaining popularity in China, particularly among students preparing to study abroad. Since its launch on the Chinese mainland in 2020, the DET has become a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional English proficiency exams. It is now accepted by 96 of the top 100 universities in the U.S., making it an increasingly preferred option for Chinese applicants. Regelio Alvarez, Duolingo’s vice-president of business, emphasized that China is one of the company’s most important overseas markets, noting the country’s vast population of English learners. Duolingo plans to continue investing in China-specific initiatives to expand its reach. In addition to being used for university applications, the DET is also being considered for use in domestic education settings as a placement and adaptation tool.

Visit link for original article

Allison Gwak

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an affordable, convenient, and accessible alternative to traditional English proficiency exams like TOEFL and IELTS. As the U.S. continues to admit international students, DET provides a way to reduce financial and logistical barriers for applicants—especially those from low-income backgrounds.

Key Advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Priced at ~$49, compared to $200–$250 for TOEFL/IELTS and saves money for travelling.
• Convenient: Taken online anytime, anywhere, with no need to travel to a test center.
• Fast Results: Results available within 48 hours.
• Unlimited Score Reports: Free to send scores to any number of universities.
• Accessible Technology: Only a computer and internet required.

With its growing recognition and numerous benefits, Duolingo English Test offers international students a more accessible path to university level education in the U.S.. It especially helps those facing financial or geographical challenges, making it a valuable addition to the suite of English proficiency exams.

Visit link for original article