How to Prepare for TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Tests in 2025

How to Prepare for TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Tests in 2025

If you’re planning to study, work, or immigrate abroad in 2025, you’ll likely need to prove your English proficiency. The three most popular exams—TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test—are accepted by universities and organizations worldwide.

Each test has its own format, scoring style, and focus areas. Understanding how they differ and how to prepare effectively can make all the difference in achieving your target score.

1. Understanding the Three Major Exams

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely recognized English tests, especially in the U.S. It focuses on academic English, making it ideal for students applying to universities.

Structure:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

Scoring: Out of 120 points (30 per section).

Who should take it: Students applying to U.S. and Canadian universities.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The IELTS is accepted globally by academic institutions, employers, and immigration departments. It has two types: Academic and General Training.

Structure:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking (face-to-face interview)

Scoring: 1–9 Band Scale.

Who should take it: Students applying to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, and professionals applying for work visas.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is a newer, more flexible option that can be taken from home. It’s fast, affordable, and accepted by over 5,000 institutions worldwide.

Structure:

• Adaptive test (questions get harder or easier based on your performance)
• Speaking, reading, listening, and writing integrated.

Scoring: 10–160 scale.

Who should take it: Students seeking a convenient and affordable test option for global admissions.

2. How to Choose the Right Test

Your choice depends on where you’re applying and your comfort level with the test style.

• Choose TOEFL if you’re targeting U.S. or Canadian universities.
• Choose IELTS if you prefer a face-to-face speaking test or plan to immigrate to the UK or Australia.
• Choose Duolingo if you want a faster, online, and low-cost option accepted by your institution.

Before deciding, always check your university’s or organization’s official language requirements.

3. Preparation Tips for All Three Exams

No matter which test you choose, these strategies will help you succeed in 2025:

A. Build Strong Foundations

Start improving your English through:

• Reading English articles or books daily.
• Watching English news, podcasts, or YouTube lectures.
• Speaking with native or fluent speakers whenever possible.

B. Understand the Exam Format

Each test has a unique structure. Download official guides from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo websites and familiarize yourself with:

• Question types
• Timing
• Scoring criteria

C. Take Mock Tests

Timed practice tests are crucial for understanding your current level and improving speed.

Recommended resources:

• TOEFL: ETS Official Practice Tests
• IELTS: Cambridge IELTS Books or IDP Practice Tests
• Duolingo: Official Practice Portal on their website

D. Focus on Weak Areas

Identify where you lose the most points—grammar, listening, writing coherence—and focus your study time there.

E. Practice Speaking Daily

Record yourself speaking about random topics for one minute each. This helps you build confidence and fluency for both TOEFL Speaking Tasks and IELTS Interviews.

4. Exam-Specific Study Tips

TOEFL

• Use note-taking during listening sections—it’s allowed.
• Structure your essays with clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Practice integrated tasks where reading, listening, and writing are connected.

IELTS

• Practice under timed conditions—IELTS tasks are fast-paced.
• For writing, use clear paragraph structure and link ideas with connectors.
• Record mock interviews to simulate the speaking test.

Duolingo

• Get used to short, adaptive questions.
• Practice typing fast and accurately.
• Focus on integrated skills—writing and speaking in short bursts.

5. Tools and Apps to Help You Prepare

Here are some 2025-ready tools that can make preparation easier:

• Grammarly: For grammar and writing improvement.
• BBC Learning English: Daily English lessons and listening practice.
• Magoosh or E2 Test Prep: Online prep courses for TOEFL and IELTS.
• Duolingo App: Practice mode mirrors the test environment.

6. Registration and Fees (as of 2025)

7. Final Tips for Exam Day

• Sleep well the night before.
• Keep water and light snacks nearby (for home-based tests).
• Don’t panic if you get a difficult question—focus on the next one.
• For IELTS, stay calm during the speaking test; it’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

Conclusion

Whether you take TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, the key to success in 2025 is smart preparation. Focus on consistent practice, understand the test structure, and work on real-world English usage.

With the right approach, you can achieve the score you need and open doors to global study and career opportunities.