Master the PTE Academic Listening: Highlight Incorrect Words
The PTE Academic & UKVI test format features several dynamic items in the Listening section. One of the trickiest tasks that tests both listening and reading skills is Highlight Incorrect Words. In this post, we explore how the task works, how it's scored, and how you can maximize your points.
What is the Highlight Incorrect Words Task?
In this task, a transcript of an audio recording appears on the screen, but it contains some errors. While listening to the audio and reading along, you must identify and click on the words in the text that differ from what the speaker actually says.
- Skills Assessed: Listening and reading
- Prompt Length: 15–50 seconds
Expert Tips to Ace Highlight Incorrect Words
1. Skim the Transcription First
During the 10 seconds before the recording begins, quickly skim the transcription. Focus on content words like nouns, adjectives, and verbs to establish the general topic. This will help you catch words that feel out of context as you listen.
2. Follow the Text with Your Cursor
Move your mouse cursor along the screen synchronously as the words are spoken. This helps you stay focused on the exact pace of the audio and click on mismatched words instantly without losing your place.
3. Beware of Negative Marking
This question type uses negative marking for incorrect selections. If you select a correct word, you get 1 point, but if you select an incorrect word, 1 point is deducted (though your item score cannot drop below zero). Only click on words if you are confident they differ from the audio.
How is this Question Scored?
Your response is evaluated based on your ability to detect differences between the spoken audio and the written transcript.
- Correct Options: You receive 1 point for each correct word you highlight.
- Incorrect Options: One point is deducted for each wrong option selected.
- Minimum Score: The lowest possible score for an item is 0.
Note: This task contributes to your *Listening and Reading* scores.