FREE PTE Highlight Incorrect Words Practice

Test-takers will see a transcript on the screen in the PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task. You must spot the words that don’t match the audio when it plays. The audio will start automatically and play only once, so pay attention.

Click on the wrong words to answer. The test will highlight the chosen words for easy recognition. Click on another word or click again to deselect if you change your mind.

Below is a sample question taken straight from PTE Magic’s question bank.

Let’s try it.

Sample: You will hear a recording. Below is a transcription of the recording. Some words in the transcription differ from what the speaker(s) said. Please click on the words that are different.

 

 

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Common Mistakes To Avoid

Below, PTE Magic has listed the most common mistakes to avoid in the PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task:

• Limited vocabulary: Having a limited vocabulary is one of the biggest mistakes test-takers make. When you have a small vocabulary, it’s harder to understand differences in word meanings. Test-takers who have this trait often guess their answers, which leads to uncertainty. Avoid this by practising reading and learning synonyms more frequently.
• Run after the audio: Many test-takers fail to keep up with the audio. Catching up with the speaker will be difficult if your eyes don’t follow their pace fast enough. This results in losing track and missing important details. The key is to skip the part that you failed to track and jump to where the speaker is instead. This helps you avoid wasting time.
• Make random guesses: When unsure, some candidates make random guesses. However, the PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task minuses points from wrong answers, meaning several wrong guesses can bring you down to zero. On the other hand, keep your guess if you have logical clues. If you have solid cues for your answer, trusting your instinct is a better tip in this case.
• Skip regular practise: You might think you’re ready for the task, but things could change if you practise frequently. Encountering PTE study materials regularly helps test-takers build their skills more effectively, which can help them identify incorrect words faster. 
• Take notes while listening: Taking notes in the PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task is the wrong move because it distracts you from the transcript. This task has no follow-up questions, so taking notes is unnecessary. Focus on the audio and the transcript instead.
• Panic: Pressure affects many test-takers. Panicking while doing the test will result in making wrong decisions. Try to stay calm, no matter how nervous you are. Practise frequently also helps build your confidence and approach the task better prepared.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Highlight Incorrect Words In PTE?

The Highlight Incorrect Words task in the PTE Listening Section requires test-takers to listen to an audio recording while reading its transcript. The challenging part of this task is to spot unmatched words between the audio and the transcript. The task tests candidates’ listening skills and ability to identify the differences under time pressure.

Does Highlight Incorrect Words Have Negative Marking?

The PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task uses a negative marking scoring system. This means an incorrect answer will cost one point. Several wrong answers can lead to zero points, so only click the words that you’re certain are incorrect.

What Is The Maximum Number Of Missing Words In Highlight Incorrect Words Items?

The recording lasts 15-50 seconds, but each one has more than one mistake you need to spot. The total number of incorrect words in the PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task can be up to five.

How To Improve Highlight Incorrect Words In PTE?

The first 10 seconds matter. Skim through the transcript quickly to prepare your mind to match the speaker’s pace more easily. When the audio plays, your eyes must track the text to catch any incorrect words. Don’t make random guesses if unsure because it will lower your scores.

How Many Highlight Incorrect Words In PTE Exam?

The PTE Highlight Incorrect Words task’s audio is short but demanding. Each audio will last from 15 to 50 seconds. Each transcript will have two to five incorrect words included, so pay attention.

Conclusion

Achieving high scores in the Highlight Incorrect Words task requires good listening skills and quick reactions. However, you can easily overcome these challenges by frequently taking PTE Highlight Incorrect Words practice questions. This method also builds up your grammar and vocabulary.  

PTE Magic offers free mock tests so you can sharpen your skills effectively. Check out our platform today to improve your performance!

Last updated on 02/06/2025