PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words: Format & Tips

Discover the PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words task’s format, scoring system, tips, and more in this blog.

Scroll down to get all the necessary information to achieve your PTE goal!

Key Takeaways

• Your objective in the PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words section is to click on the words in the transcript that differ from the recording.
• Your performance depends on how well you can identify the mismatched information between the audio and the transcript.
• Consistent practice is crucial for improvement. Make sure to read PTE Magic’s tips below.

Related:

• PTE Core preparation tips & tricks
• PTE Core Listening format & tips

PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words Format

The PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words task will present a recording’s transcript. Your objective is to click on the words in the transcript that differ from the recording. This task requires high attention and good listening skills to identify the differences between the text and the audio. 

The recording lasts 15 to 50 seconds and does not have a specific time for answering. However, it only plays once, so you must focus to ensure you get all the information.

When the audio starts, quickly follow the given transcript. Listen carefully and click on the words that you find mismatched from what you heard in the audio. If you want to reanswer, click on the chosen word again to unselect it. 

How Is It Scored?

Your performance in the PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words section is based on how well you can identify and highlight the mismatched information between the audio and the transcript. This task tests your reading and listening skills. 

For each word you select, the section scores it as correct or incorrect. You will receive the highest points for the Highlight Incorrect Words task if every word you choose is correct. In contrast, you only get a partial score if one or more of your answers are wrong.

Note that this task doesn’t evaluate your speaking and writing skills. Therefore, focus on your listening skills to spot the differences quickly. Your reading skills are also helpful because they help you follow and keep track of the audio more easily.

PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words Practice Tips

Skimming Is Key

The most effective strategy for this Highlight Incorrect Words section is to use the 10 seconds wisely before the audio starts. Quickly skim to grasp the overall audio’s context during this short time. This method helps you become familiar with the topic to prepare better before the recording starts.

You can highlight the mismatched information easily if you understand the transcript’s topic.

Keep Track Of The Audio

Test-takers must hold the mouse and place it on the first word of the transcript before the audio starts. Focus on this step because a good setup will help you track the text faster and highlight the correct answers more accurately.

When the audio plays, move your mouse along with what you hear. Click on whichever words don’t match the transcript. Remember, do not stop or hesitate while keeping track to avoid missing incorrect words. Accordingly, losing track of the recording leads to missed information and disrupts your listening process.

Here is our unwritten rule: If you find out that you cannot keep up with the current audio, skip the information immediately and move to where the speaker is talking to catch up with the remaining content. 

Do Not Take Note

The most crucial step is identifying the incorrect words compared to the audio. You must pay attention carefully, therefore, we don’t recommend taking notes in this section. Accordingly, taking notes will distract you from the audio because you write down information instead of listening to it, thus making it harder to highlight the incorrect words. This will lead to missing details and being unable to find incorrect words.

The audio only plays once; no questions or answer options will appear after the recording ends, so it’s crucial to focus directly on the information. Listen actively to compare the audio to the transcript to avoid unnecessary stress and distraction.

Don’t Guess Your Answer

Random guesses can lower your scores. The PTE scoring system can identify wrong answers, so avoid guessing without prior logical thinking. Only guess if you cannot understand the audio completely or can only figure out several incorrect words. However, we don’t recommend applying this method unless you fail to follow the track.

If there are no other options, try to make a logical guess. This means you need to understand the context to figure out words that make no sense in the transcript. Words that don’t relate to the main theme or topic of the audio are likely incorrect.

Practice Frequently

While our tips above are useful, you will not improve effectively if you don’t practice frequently. Constant practice helps you become familiar with the task’s format. Moreover, you will better understand your current skills and which areas need improvement.

Test-takers must use their listening and reading skills simultaneously for the PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words section. Some people find this difficult, but they can improve their skills with regular practice. Set a fixed study plan to build up your performance and confidence. 

Practise is one thing, and having quality sources for practising is another. Therefore, finding reliable and helpful practice materials for PTE practise is crucial. Self-study platforms like PTE Magic offer hundreds of mock tests with detailed feedback. We also have many tips and tricks to help you build up your skills and performance for the test. 

The Bottom Line 

Want to know the fastest way to achieve a high PTE Core Highlight Incorrect Words score? PTE Magic’s courses and mock tests await you on our website. Don’t miss the chance to chase your PTE dream; visit our website today!

Last updated on 25/09/2024