

English Proficiency Test Preparation (IELTS / Duolingo)
Introduction to the Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a modern English language proficiency assessment designed for international students and institutions. It provides a convenient way for students planning to study abroad to demonstrate their English skills. Unlike traditional tests, the Duolingo test requires no appointment or test center visit; candidates can take the test anytime and anywhere using a computer and a webcam from the comfort of their home.
The Duolingo test is convenient and efficient, offering several advantages over IELTS and TOEFL, such as faster result delivery, lower registration fees, relatively lower difficulty, and no geographical restrictions. It is currently recognized by over 5,000 leading universities worldwide. In the U.S., nearly all universities accept DET scores for undergraduate admissions, and an increasing number of institutions globally are also acknowledging its validity.
The following universities in Singapore recognize the Duolingo English Test:


Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL Score Comparison:

Introduction to IELTS
IELTS is a globally recognised English language proficiency test designed to assess the language ability of individuals who wish to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.
Types of IELTS
➢ IELTS Academic:
Designed for individuals applying for higher education (undergraduate, postgraduate, or above) or academic research in English-speaking countries.
➢ IELTS General Training:
Suitable for those planning to work, undertake nonacademic training, or immigrate to English-speaking countries
Test Components
➢ Listening:
Consists of 4 sections with 10 questions each, totaling 40 questions. The first two sections focus on everyday social situations, while the last two sections are based on academic contexts.
➢ Reading:
The content varies between the Academic and General Training versions.
❖ Academic Reading includes 3 long texts covering topics from science, society, economics, and more.
❖ General Training Reading features a mix of short texts, advertisements, and 2–3 longer practical reading passages.
➢ Writing:
Both versions consist of two tasks:
o Academic Writing:
❖ Task 1: Describe visual information such as graphs, charts, or processes.
❖ Task 2: Present an argument or discuss an issue.
o General Training Writing:
❖ Task 1: Write a letter based on a given situation.
❖ Task 2: Present an argument or discuss an issue.
➢ Speaking:
Conducted in a one-on-one interview format with an examiner, consisting of three parts. It assesses the candidate’s ability to engage in everyday conversation and express ideas on both familiar and unfamiliar topics.
➢ Scoring System:
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring scale to accurately evaluate language proficiency. Each section is scored individually, and the overall band score is the average of the four sections.
• Band 9: Expert user
• Band 8: Very good user
• Band 7: Good user
(Scores continue to decrease incrementally to Band 1.)
Purposes of the IELTS Test
➢Study Abroad:
Widely accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries. Some U.S. institutions also accept IELTS scores. It serves as a key requirement for studying in English-speaking countries.
➢Immigration:
Countries such as Canada and Australia use IELTS scores as a critical measure of an applicant’s language ability in the immigration process.
➢Career Advancement:
Many international organizations and multinational companies require IELTS scores to verify a candidate’s English communication proficiency.
IELTS Foundation Course Package
Course Content:
- Basic IELTS grammar and vocabulary
- Introduction to listening and reading strategies
- Basic training for Writing Task 1
- Practice common topics for Speaking Part 1
- Daily supervision and Q&A on weekdays via WeChat or video calls (40–60 minutes) covering vocabulary memorization, grammar explanation, and homework questions
- Daily WeChat text/voice message Q&A (consolidated responses)
- Weekly 1.5-hour online speaking practice sessions on various topics
- Study materials package
IELTS Intensive Crash Course Package
Course Content:
- Advanced listening and reading strategies for high scores
- Advanced training for Writing Task 1 & Task 2
- In-depth practice for Speaking Part 2 & Part 3
- Full mock tests with detailed analysis
- Daily supervision and Q&A on weekdays via WeChat or video calls (60 minutes) covering vocabulary memorization, grammar explanation, and homework questions
- Daily WeChat text/voice message Q&A (consolidated responses)
- Weekly 1.5-hour online speaking practice sessions on various topics
- Study materials package