In this personal review, I’ll share my experience with the Duolingo English Test, the progress I made, and the resources that helped me achieve my goals.

My First Attempt: A Score of 110

In my first attempt, I scored 110 points, which was a decent start but not enough for the universities I was aiming for. The score breakdown showed that I needed to work on my listening and reading skills, as they were the weakest areas. Although I was happy to get a score above 100, I knew I had to push harder if I wanted to achieve a score of 130 or above.

Areas of Improvement

How I Improved My Score on Duolingo English Test

Determined to boost my score, I came up with a study plan:

1. Consistent Practice with Duolingo

I started using the Duolingo app daily, practicing different modules focused on vocabulary and grammar. The app's gamified approach made learning enjoyable and kept me motivated to maintain a streak.

2. Taking DETPractice Mock Tests

I found that taking mock tests was essential in preparing for the real exam. DETPractice Mock Tests helped me get used to the test format and the types of questions asked. I took at least three mock tests per week and analyzed my mistakes each time.

3. Watching English Content

To improve my listening skills, I watched a lot of English movies and TV shows with subtitles. This helped me get used to different accents and increased my comprehension speed.

4. Speaking Practice

For the speaking section, I practiced speaking aloud and recording myself, which allowed me to track my progress and identify areas for improvement. I also joined language exchange groups to have real conversations with native speakers. I found a few study partners for the Duolingo English Test on Facebook and Reddit groups.

My Second Attempt: A Score of 135 on Duolingo English Test

After a few months of preparation, I decided to retake the Duolingo English Test. This time, I scored 135 points, a significant improvement from my initial score of 110. The breakdown showed that all my hard work had paid off:

Listening: Improved from 105 to 140

Reading: Improved from 110 to 130

Speaking: Improved from 115 to 130

Writing: Improved from 110 to 130

Tips for Future Test Takers

The key difference was the consistent practice and the focus on my weak areas.

If you are planning to take the Duolingo English Test, here are some tips based on my experience:

Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Take Duolingo English Test practice tests and go through sample questions.

Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weaknesses early and work on them consistently.

Use English Daily: Try to incorporate English into your daily routine, whether it's through reading, writing, or speaking.

Stay Relaxed During the Test: The test can be stressful, but staying calm and confident is crucial for performing well.

Overall, the improvement from 110 to 135 not only boosted my confidence but also opened doors for my higher education goals.