Listening task · Tips
PTE Highlight Incorrect Words tips (2026)
How to read along with the audio, mark the words that differ, and avoid the wrong-click penalty.
How it works
You read a transcript while the audio plays and click the words that differ from what you hear.
Strategy
- Follow the text with your eyes exactly in time with the audio.
- Click a word only when you're sure it doesn't match — don't guess.
- Keep pace; if you miss one, move on rather than falling behind.
Wrong clicks are penalised, so only mark mismatches you're confident about — precision beats quantity.
Frequently asked questions
How is Highlight Incorrect Words scored?
You earn a point for each correctly identified wrong word, and lose a point for each incorrect click, so don't over-click.
Do I hear the audio twice?
No, once — read along in real time and mark mismatches as they occur.
What's the biggest risk?
Clicking words that actually match. Only mark differences you're sure about.
Related guides
Practice with instant scoring — plus a personal AI coach
Every answer marked against the official PTE Academic Score Guide, trait by trait. Guided packages add a personal AI PTE coach that guides your plan and answers your questions 24/7.
Start free → See guided plans