Interactive Listening - The Duolingo English Test

Abstract

This paper introduces a new integrated task type on the Duolingo English Test called Interactive Listening and grounds the task within the Duolingo English Test’s theoretical language assessment design framework and its assessment ecosystem. The task and automated item generation methods contribute to measurement of the constructs of L2 listening, reading, and writing, thereby strengthening the validity claims of the Duolingo English Test.

Assessing Speaking on the Duolingo English Test

“…The oral interaction activities include understanding an interlocutor, conversation, informal and formal discussion, goal-oriented cooperation, obtaining goods and services, information exchange, interviews, and telecommunications. More information about how the Duolingo English Test assesses interaction with Interactive Listening can be found in LaFlair et al (2023).…”

“…The Interactive Listening task is a new task that requires test takers to participate in a situationally driven conversation in a university setting (LaFlair et al, 2023). By asking test takers to select the best response to an aurally delivered turn, the task indirectly assesses test takers' Speak about the Photo requires test takers to describe the photo in 90 seconds, after 20 seconds of planning (see Figure 3).…”