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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Available Duolingo tutors online and in Ottawa at TPS. Tutors are experts in Ottawa and in teaching.
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TPS - Duolingo English Test (DEP) Advantages & Disadvantages
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages for choosing the Duolingo English Test. You should be aware of them before making a decision. First, consider the following issues before deciding whether these adnatages are even important to you.
Issues to Consider
Despite the fact that we always welcome new business at TPS, we actually do want you to think carefully before deciding to do tutorials despite the desperate situation you might be in to get started. There are a number of issues to think about beforehand:
1) How well do I know this test?
There are now practice tests you can go through
2) How would I assess my sub-skills (i.e., writing, reading, listening, speaking)?
How often have you been doing essays and what are my strengths and weaknesses? You may wish to do a practice test first before approaching a tutor and show it to the tutor to gauge a level. One of the key areas of this test is noun object identification and picture description. Do you feel these are your strengths?
3) How much self-study time can I afford?
There are some areas that you simply cannot self study but other areas you can benefit a lot through preparation. In general preparation for Duolingo takes less time than most other tests
4) Am I comfortable with a total computer test and total computer assessment. Many have argued that Duolingo is better for those with clear pronunciation and good expressive skills
5) Do you find it difficult to respond quickly in English. You may have great skills in English but unfortunately this test tends to push you to respond rapidly
1) How well do I know this test?
There are now practice tests you can go through
2) How would I assess my sub-skills (i.e., writing, reading, listening, speaking)?
How often have you been doing essays and what are my strengths and weaknesses? You may wish to do a practice test first before approaching a tutor and show it to the tutor to gauge a level. One of the key areas of this test is noun object identification and picture description. Do you feel these are your strengths?
3) How much self-study time can I afford?
There are some areas that you simply cannot self study but other areas you can benefit a lot through preparation. In general preparation for Duolingo takes less time than most other tests
4) Am I comfortable with a total computer test and total computer assessment. Many have argued that Duolingo is better for those with clear pronunciation and good expressive skills
5) Do you find it difficult to respond quickly in English. You may have great skills in English but unfortunately this test tends to push you to respond rapidly
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before I list what I think are the pros and cons of doing the Duolingo test please remember these are just opinions and that you need to do your own research. However, I list these knowing the other tests extensively and knowing their strong and weak points.
Advantages:
Advantages:
1. A cheaper test at $49 US or about $63 /test.
That is not pocket change but it is a substantial saving over IELTS at over $300 and TOEFL at $245
2. You can tke the test from home.
Who wouldnt rather take the test at home? - a less stressful environment
3. You can take the test at any time.
This is very strong advantage becasue there are mny people that are night owls who just perform better at night
4. The test does not take up so much time.
When you compare the approximate 1 hour of time to the approximately 3 hours spent on IELTS and TOEFL that is a big energy savings
5. Objectivity
Your English is marked and assessed by a computer algorythm and so it is not as likely to be influenced in the speaking or writing assessments on s particcular aspect of your production that might be faulty
6. Lots of 'second chances'
By this, I mean that even if your perform poorly on one task, it is likely to come back again
Disdadvantages
1. Not as much self-study pracice.
The other tests IELTS & TOEFL have a braod range of prctice material
2. Technical Requirements may be limiting
Internet connection must be over 1 MbPS which is usually fine in a big city but sometimes in smaller communities or with older computers, this is hard to reach. You must have the mempry to downoad the app and your camera and microphones must be present nd in good working order.
3. Speaking tasks are quick and do not give you a lot of time to respond
This is only in comparison to IELTS stage 2 becasue TOEFL is eqully as bad with indepednt speaking tasks
7. Ungraded Portions create unknown final assessment
This creates a question mark. Even if I receive an adequate score, will my performance in the speaking and writing tests screen me out of placement? In TOEFL and IELTS you get your clear result but with the DET you have perhaps one more screening with the speaking and writing samples that are sent to the academic instution to which you're applying.
Registering for a Tutor
If these are times that are suitable for your schedule, go to the registration page or email at info@tpstests.com. We do try to update changes immediately but please confirm anyways with an email or phone us at 613 447 1622.
Lessons are 1-2 hours (minimum) at $60/hr or $120/lesson. After the first class, 4 subsequent classes must be paid in advance.
With online marking, although we encourage as much writing as possible, we do cap submitted compositions at 5 writing per lesson
You may add students for no charge in the lesson but writings by other students will not be marked unless you submit them as your own.
Lessons are 1-2 hours (minimum) at $60/hr or $120/lesson. After the first class, 4 subsequent classes must be paid in advance.
With online marking, although we encourage as much writing as possible, we do cap submitted compositions at 5 writing per lesson
You may add students for no charge in the lesson but writings by other students will not be marked unless you submit them as your own.
Technical Needs for Duolingo Online tutoring
TPS Online classes are equipped with the technical ability to share screens and sound and the only thing we expect from yoo is to have a zoom or skype account and a working microphone. Headsets are advisable but not compulsory. We would advise you to have the same technical requirements that are required for the Duolingo test outlined on their website
More Information
Look carefully through tutor and student obligations and also the Tutoring Course page to see what is expected of both parties. If you are unfamiliar with test visit the Duolingo exam page and if you plan to do a bit of self-study, check out the study tips, and a blog which contains free practice exams