Duolingo is an app that can help you learn more than 40 different languages. It makes learning a language more like a game by using interactive lessons, quizzes, and challenges to help people get better at the language.
IELTS, which stands for “International English Language Testing System,” is a standardized English test that measures how well a person can use and understand English in academic or work settings. IELTS is a requirement for getting into universities, immigrating to a country, or applying for a job in an English-speaking country. The test has four parts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The scores are given on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest level of proficiency.
Duolingo vs IElTS: Price
Duolingo is free to use, but some features cost money. IELTS, on the other hand, is a paid test. The price of the IELTS exam varies from country to country, but it’s usually between $150 and $250 USD.
Duolingo vs IElTS: Comparison Table
| Feature | Duolingo | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Language learning app | English language proficiency exam |
| Availability | Available on Android, iOS, and web | Available as a paper-based or computer-based test |
| Price | Free (with optional paid features) | Paid test, prices vary by country |
| Test Format | Gamified language learning | Traditional exam format with four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
| Testing Criteria | Learner’s proficiency level in a language | Learner’s English proficiency for academic or work purposes |
| Exam Duration | Depends on individual usage and progress | 2 hours and 45 minutes (approx.) |
| Scoring System | Duolingo’s own scoring system | Band score ranging from 1 to 9 |
| Recognition | Not widely recognized as an official language test | Widely recognized by academic institutions and employers worldwide |
| Preparation | Offers language learning courses and practice tests | Offers preparation materials and practice tests |
| Flexibility | Allows for self-paced learning and flexible schedules | Offers test dates throughout the year |
| Official link | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Duolingo vs IElTS Listening Section
The second way in which IELTS and Duolingo are different is in their listening sections. In IELTS, the person taking the test will have to listen to four recordings and answer questions about them. One of these recordings may be a monologue and the other may be a conversation. In this section, you might have to do things like match-ups, multiple-choice questions, or fill in the blanks.
In Duolingo, on the other hand, candidates will have to listen to a list of spoken words that include both real and fake English words. They will then have to pick out the real English words. They will also get audio recordings that need to be typed up correctly.
Duolingo vs IElTS Format
The Duolingo test is taken online and is done on a computer. It is a set of multiple-choice questions that test your ability to read, listen, write, and speak. The test is adaptive, which means that it changes based on how well the person taking it does.
IELTS is a test of academic English proficiency that can be taken on paper or on a computer. Most of the time, it is given in person at an official test center. It has four different parts: listening, reading, writing, and talking. The listening, reading, and writing modules are all done at the same time. The speaking module, on the other hand, is done on its own.
Duolingo vs IElTS Speaking Section
The next area where IELTS and Duolingo are different is in their speaking parts. The speaking part of the IELTS is made up of three tasks. In the first task, candidates have to answer general questions about themselves, like what they like to do and who they live with. In the second task, a topic is written on a card and the candidate has to talk about it. The examiner will then ask the candidates more questions based on how they answer. The third task is a discussion round, in which the examiner and the candidate talk in depth about the topic and focus on the candidate’s ability to think critically and analyze.
In the Duolingo English Test, on the other hand, the candidates will be shown a picture and asked to describe it. They will also have to say out loud the sentences that are given to them. They also have to answer any questions asked out loud that are part of this section. In the Duolingo English Test’s video interview section, you also have to talk about a given topic and answer writing sample questions. The candidates will be given two topics to choose from, and they must speak for at least one to three minutes on one of them.
Duolingo vs IElTS Difficulty level
People think that Duolingo is an easier test than IELTS. This is because it focuses on basic language skills like grammar and vocabulary and doesn’t require a deep understanding of the language. IELTS is harder, and you need to know more about the language to do well on it. It tests how well a person can read, write, listen to, and speak English.
Duolingo: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Gamified approach to language learning
- Allows for self-paced learning and flexible schedules
Cons
- Not suitable as an official language proficiency test
- Limited recognition compared to other language proficiency exams
IElTS: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Widely recognized by academic institutions and employers worldwide
- Offers multiple test dates throughout the year
- Provides a globally accepted measure of English proficiency
Cons
- Paid test, with costs varying by country
- Can be stressful for some test-takers
- Test results may take some time to be released
Which one should you consider?
Duolingo is an app for learning languages, and IELTS is a test to see how well you know English. IELTS costs money, but Duolingo is free. Duolingo is good for learning a language on your own time, while IELTS is needed for school or work. Duolingo isn’t as well known as IELTS, which is widely accepted by universities and employers around the world.
FAQs
IELTS is thought to be harder than Duolingo. This is because it focuses on basic language skills like grammar and vocabulary and does not require a deep understanding of the language. IELTS is harder, and you have to know more about the language to do well on it.
With the help of the internet, you can take Duolingo at home, and many schools accept it along with IELTS and TOEFL. IELTS has also developed an online test called IELTS Indicator, which students who want to take the IELTS test can take.
