What do you need to do?
- A transcript appears and you have about 10 seconds to skim it before the audio.
- A 15-50 second recording plays once while you follow the displayed words.
- You select words in the transcript that differ from what the speaker says.
Keep in mindPreparation: 10-second transcript preview. Response: No separate item timer. Scored skills: Listening and Reading.
What should your answer do?
Select written words that differ from the recording.
How to answer
- Preview the transcript
Skim for the topic and layout. Position your attention at the start when playback begins.
- Track at the speaker’s pace
Follow the written words as they are spoken. Keep your place rather than reading far ahead.
- Select clear mismatches
Click the displayed word when the audio says something different. An unfamiliar pronunciation alone does not prove a mismatch.
- Rejoin after uncertainty
Continue with the next phrase if you lose one word. Avoid speculative extra clicks because incorrect selections deduct credit.
Practise each part of Highlight Incorrect Words
Use these focused exercises to work on one part at a time, then bring them together in a complete attempt.
Tracking
Keep eyes and cursor near the current phrase and recover at the next clear phrase after a slip.
Mismatch decisions
Distinguish an actual word substitution from accent variation or reduced speech.
Sample-style transcript task
Thesurveyfoundthatcommuterspreferredshorterservicesduringtheeveningperiod.
This is an original PrepEx example designed to demonstrate the response format. It is not an official Pearson test item.
Common mistakes to watch for
- Reading ahead so far that you lose alignment with the audio
- Clicking every word that merely sounds unclear
- Taking notes instead of following the transcript
- Ignoring the one-point penalty for incorrect selections
How to improve your next answer
Complete one passage, then compare the written and spoken versions after submitting. Label missed mismatches and unnecessary clicks separately. Practise tracking a new transcript at normal speed.
- For each selected word, identify what was actually spoken.
- Check whether a pronunciation difference or loss of position caused an unnecessary click.
Change one thing, then try a new question. A better repeat on a familiar prompt is useful rehearsal; a fresh prompt shows whether you can apply the skill.
Review previous attempts to see whether the same issue keeps returning.
What your response is scored on
Correct selection
Each transcript word correctly identified as different earns one point.
Incorrect selection
Each word selected incorrectly deducts one point, so guessing can reduce the item score.
Integrated skills
The task contributes to both Listening and Reading.
Read the feedback alongside the number and use it to choose your next exercise. A PrepEx score is a practice estimate, not an official PTE score. Only Pearson can issue an official result.
Check the rules before test day
Read the official Pearson task instructions before your test. Follow Pearson's current instructions if the format changes.
Task instructions and timing checked October 15, 2026. The exercises and study suggestions on this page are independent preparation guidance.