Speaking performances, stakeholder perceptions, and test scores: Extrapolating from the Duolingo English test to the university

The extrapolation of test scores to a target domain—that is, association between performances and relevant real-world outcomes—is critical valid score interpretation use. This study examined the relationship Duolingo English Test (DET) speaking university stakeholders’ evaluation DET performances. A total 190 stakeholders (45 faculty members, 39 administrative staff, 53 graduate students, undergraduate students) evaluated comprehensibility (ease understanding) academic acceptability 100 test-takers’ Academic was judged based on speakers’ suitability for communicative roles in context including study, group work courses, teaching. Analyses indicated large correlation aggregate measures ( r = .98). Acceptability ratings varied according role: teaching held notably higher standard than study. Stakeholder groups also differed their ratings, with tending be more lenient students staff. Finally, both correlated strongly official subscores ⩾ .74–.89), providing some support contexts.