I am a student, who in the past has taken English proficiency tests, including the IELTS and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Today, I want to share my insight and experience on the two tests, and to assist those thinking of coming to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay by helping them choose the test that is suitable to their needs. 

Both exams and the TOEFL are accepted by UWGB, and here is their link for more info:

https://www.uwgb.edu/graduate/admissions/international-students/

Firstly, if you are in a hurry, I can recommend the Duolingo English Test over the IELTS, because it is much cheaper than the IELTS, and in some ways a little easier. Let’s start off with the basics: 

Test Format and Structure

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System is one of the oldest English proficiency tests. It has become one of the most recognized English proficiency tests globally, in academic and professional fields. It is a common test for non-native English speakers who intend to study, migrate or work in regions where English is the predominant language. 

The IELTS is structured to assess four main language skills; Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

1. 1. Listening (30 minutes)-The student listens to four recordings and conversations of Native English speakers. The student then writes their answers in different forms; multiple choice, note/form/sentence completion, short answers, and diagram/map/plan labelling.
   2. Reading (60 minutes)- Contains three long texts derived from journals, books, newspapers, and magazines. These texts are presented to test-takers alongside the questions designed to test one’s reading skills. 
   3. Writing (60 minutes)-This is taken in two parts; Part 1 consists of a 150-words writing task where the test-taker is expected to summarize, describe, or explain a table/diagram/chart. Part 2 expects the test-taker to write a 250-word essay responding to an argument, problem or point of view.

• Speaking (11-14 minutes)-Includes a three-part face-to-face interview between the test-taker and an examiner. The section includes short questions. The test-taker is required to express opinions and communicate information on everyday topics, experiences and situations. 

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is relatively new compared to the IELTS, having been developed somewhere between 2014 and 2016, before gaining popularity in the 2020 Covid-19 period, thanks to it accessibility and convenience. Like the IELTS, the DET evaluates a test-taker’s listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English, albeit in a more adaptive and integrated format. 

Structure;

1. Adaptive Section (45 minutes)- Tests the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills adaptive to the test-taker’s performance.

1. Reading comprehension-Includes multiple-choice questions that are derived from short texts
2. Writing-Includes 2 open-ended prompts that require written responses
3. Speaking-Contains 3 open-ended prompts that require spoken responses
4. Listening-Consist of multiple-choice questions that are based on audio recordings

1. Video Interview (10 minutes)- The test-taker is asked to record their responses to open-ended questions and a written task that is sent to the target institution alongside the test results.

Accessibility and Convenience

IELTS

• • Fixed Location: IELTS are taken at designated test centres, increasing inconveniency for some. 
  • Tight Schedule: Includes fixed test dates which must be booked in advance.
  • Test Duration: The entire process from preparation, registration to the actual text takes time.
  • Pre-Test Preparation: An IELTS test require high language proficiency, forcing test-takers to enrol for preparatory courses, which can be expensive.

• Cost: IELTS exams come at a cost, ranging between $280 and $340 and depending on country. This is a lot of money, and more than I or more students can afford!

Duolingo English Test

• Conveniency: The DET is a fully automated internet-based test, and can be taken anywhere globally with a computer and stable internet connection. This makes it much more convenient!

• Flexibility: Tests can be undertaken anytime 
• Test Duration: A DET test is completed in under an hour (55 Minutes)
• Cost: The DET test is significantly cheaper, with a test costing approximately $50.

The DET on cost alone is a clear winner!

Personal Experience and Tips

When I was preparing for my IELTS, I spent several months, and even enrolled for a preparatory course to perfect my English skills. The preparatory course was especially beneficial thanks to the abundance of resources and practical tests. I used a couple of sites, the BC USA website has lots of free materials which were especially good for the reading part of the test. For writing, I found this site to be very good for IELTS essays and general grammar English Grammar Café,

For the DET test, the preparation was less intensive. I was confident about my English language comprehension skills, and the test’s adaptive nature smoothened the entire process. The Duolingo app was especially helpful in practicing my speaking and writing skills. Taking the DET test from home increased comfort and reducing anxiety, although I had to secure a quiet environment and a stable internet connection. Here is the link for the Duolingo app which has lots of free practice tests Main DET page .

Below I have included some more key information about scoring and results. I think future students here might find this useful because when you graduate, many companies or healthcare institutions may need the IELTS, so this is important to choose wisely.

Scoring and Results

IELTS

• Scoring: Each section is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9. All the four parts are scored separately, with the average score being an average of the 4.
• Results Time: Results are typically available 13 days after taking the test.
• Validity: Scores are valid for two years.

Duolingo English Test

• Scoring:  The test scores range from 10 to 160, with sub-scores in Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production.
• Results Time: DET provides fast and reliable results withing 48 hours after taking a test.
• Validity: Scores have no validity period and can be used for long.

Acceptance and Recognition

IELTS

• Global Recognition: The IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies.
• Preferred for Visa Applications: Many countries, such as the UK, Australia, and Canada, prefer or require IELTS during Visa application.

Duolingo English Test

• Increasing Acceptance: Thanks to its efficiency and conveniency, the DET is attracting wide acceptance by over 3,000 institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 
• University Admissions: Higher learning institutions in the USA embrace DET as an alternative to traditional tests like IELTS and TOEFL.

Concluding Remarks

As someone who has taken both tests, I believe the choice between IELTS and DET should be influenced by your specific needs and circumstances. For those who prefer going for tests that are globally recognized or where the institution dictates the use of IELTS, then it should be your test of choice. 

However, remember keep the costs in mind. If you have to retake the IELTS test, things can become very expensive quickly.

Again, when choosing the tests for university, it is important to understand whether they are accepted by your institution. However, for those seeking a convenient, fast, reliable, and cost-effective English proficiency test, then the I think the DET is the clear winner for the reasons I have mentioned.

Good luck!