Quick answer: In PTE Academic Highlight Incorrect Words, follow the transcript while listening and select the printed words that differ from the recording. The task is a comparison exercise, not a search for bad grammar. A word can look perfectly sensible on the screen and still be wrong because the speaker says something else.

This guide gives you an original practice activity and a way to review mistakes. It does not reproduce a live exam item or guarantee a score.

Understand what you are selecting

The written transcript and spoken recording are similar, but some words differ. Click the word on the screen that does not match what you hear. Do not select the replacement word you imagine, and do not highlight an entire sentence because one word is different.

Pearson’s official Listening guidance confirms that this task assesses Listening and Reading and that incorrect selections can lose points. This is why selecting extra words “just in case” is a poor habit. Use evidence from the audio.

A practical before, during and after routine

Before the audio: get oriented

Skim for the topic and a few content words. Notice where sentences begin and end. Avoid trying to memorise every word before playback. The aim is to know where to look when the speaker starts.

During the audio: follow the text

Move your attention along the transcript at the speaker’s pace. Compare meaning-bearing words and small grammatical words without stopping at one difficult sound. Pearson advises following the text with the cursor rather than taking notes for this task.

After practice: explain the mismatch

Review which printed word was different, what was actually spoken and why you selected it. Separate genuine sound recognition from guessing based on the topic. Do not turn a practice review into a claim that the same words will appear in your exam.

Original classroom practice

This very short demonstration is original, unofficial and not a timed PTE item. A partner should read the spoken version while you look only at the displayed version.

Displayed version: The college opened a new laboratory on Monday. Students can borrow tablets during the evening workshop.

Spoken version for your partner: The college opened a new library on Monday. Students can borrow laptops during the evening workshop.

Select these printed words: laboratory and tablets. They differ from “library” and “laptops” in the spoken version. “Monday” and “evening” remain unchanged, even if you expected a different timetable.

Make the next attempt more useful

Ask your partner to create another short pair with only two substitutions. Use ordinary vocabulary first. When your tracking improves, practise with official materials at the appropriate pace. Replaying a practice clip is useful for analysis, but do not depend on repeated playback as your main listening method.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Reading ahead too far: you may lose the speaker’s current position.
• Correcting grammar: the task asks about differences from the recording, not your preferred wording.
• Taking detailed notes: this can pull your eyes away from the transcript.
• Selecting uncertain extras: incorrect choices can reduce points.
• Reviewing only the total: count missed differences and unsupported selections separately.

A small review log can contain three columns: printed word, spoken word and reason for the error. If you repeatedly lose position, practise tracking. If similar sounds cause problems, practise distinguishing those words in short phrases.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as Highlight Correct Summary?

No. Highlight Incorrect Words compares individual printed words with audio. Choosing a summary is a different Listening task.

Should I click a word because it looks unusual?

No. The deciding evidence is whether it differs from the recording. An unusual word may still be exactly what the speaker says.

Can this activity replace full practice?

No. It isolates one skill. Combine it with official practice and work on other tasks, including Retell Lecture note-taking and Reading Fill in the Blanks.

Ask about PTE preparation in Zirakpur

Explore PTE coaching at Blissway in Zirakpur and ask how your missed words and unsupported clicks will be reviewed. Bring a recent practice attempt so the conversation can focus on your actual learning needs.

Official reference: Pearson PTE Academic Listening format. The exercise and practice routine are original educational material.