Highlight Incorrect Words: The Cursor Tracking Method
Smriti Simkhada
90/90 Perfect Scorer
PTE Highlight Incorrect Words 2026 — Cursor Method Strategy
Highlight Incorrect Words (HIW) is one of the most manageable Listening tasks in PTE Academic. Unlike Write From Dictation (which requires typing) or Highlight Correct Summary (which requires comprehension), HIW simply requires you to identify words in a transcript that differ from what the speaker says. With the cursor method, you can maximise your HIW score reliably.
For broader context, see the PTE score requirements guide.
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Nepali students often struggle with Oral Fluency. My 15-day batch focuses on the speaking and fluency criteria that PTE evaluates — with targeted practice and feedback.
What Is Highlight Incorrect Words?
You see a written transcript on screen. You hear a speaker read a similar — but not identical — text. Some words in the transcript differ from what the speaker says. You must click on the incorrect words as you hear the deviations. There are typically 2-5 incorrect words per item, and the task runs in real time — you must click while listening.
HIW appears 2-3 times per PTE Academic exam and contributes to both Listening and Reading communicative skill scores.
How Is HIW Scored?
HIW uses partial credit with a negative marking element for the Listening component:
- Each correctly identified incorrect word: +1 point
- Each word clicked that is actually correct (false positive): -1 point
- Minimum score for the item: 0 (cannot go negative)
This means over-clicking — clicking words you are not sure about — actively reduces your score. Selective, confident clicking beats anxious clicking of every word that sounds different.
The Cursor Method — How to Use It
Step 1 — Hover Your Cursor Over the Text
Before the audio begins, position your cursor at the start of the transcript text. As the audio plays, slowly scroll your cursor across the text, word by word, tracking the speaker's pace.
This synchronises your visual focus with the audio playback. When a spoken word does not match the written word under your cursor, the mismatch is immediately obvious — and you click.
Step 2 — Click Immediately When You Detect a Mismatch
Do not wait until the end of the sentence to decide if a word was wrong. Click the moment you hear that the spoken word does not match the written word. Delaying your click often means the audio has moved on and you lose the position.
Step 3 — Do Not Click Speculatively
Only click when you are sure there is a mismatch. Common sources of false positives:
- Slightly different pronunciation of the same word (British vs American vowels) — NOT an incorrect word
- Natural speaking contractions ("it is" spoken as "it's") — depends on whether the written text says "it is" or "it's"
- Fast speech connecting two words — wait to confirm if the whole phrase is different before clicking
Types of Deviations HIW Uses
HIW deviations are consistent and predictable. The transcript changes one word in a phrase, and the speaker says the original (or a different version). Common deviation types:
- Synonym substitutions: "important" (transcript) vs "significant" (spoken) — click "important"
- Number changes: "three" vs "four" — click the wrong number in transcript
- Verb tense changes: "increased" (transcript) vs "increases" (spoken)
- Adjective changes: "large" vs "significant", "new" vs "recent"
- Negation changes: "did not" vs "did" — this is a meaning-changing deviation, always click
Time Management for HIW
HIW runs in real time — you cannot pause and review. Unlike multiple choice tasks where you can reconsider your answer after the audio ends, HIW requires real-time decisions. The cursor method solves the "where am I in the text" problem, allowing you to focus entirely on listening for deviations.
After the audio ends, quickly scan your selections — if you accidentally clicked a correct word, you can de-select it before the task timer expires.
Common Mistakes Nepali Students Make on HIW
- Reading the transcript instead of listening — Students who read the transcript too carefully lose sync with the audio. Follow with your cursor; do not read independently of the audio.
- Clicking too many words out of uncertainty — Remember: false positives deduct points. When unsure, do not click. The cost of missing one incorrect word (0 points for that word) is the same as incorrectly clicking one correct word (-1 point). But if you click several uncertain words, the deductions add up.
- Not positioning cursor at the start before audio begins — Students who scramble to find their place in the text after the audio starts miss early deviations.
What Students Say About This Preparation
"Following the strategy Smriti Didi outlined, my Oral Fluency improved enough to push Speaking above 79 in my next attempt." — Rahul T., Kathmandu
"The structured approach made the difference. I had been retaking without a plan — one focused batch changed that." — Anita S., Pokhara
Results reflect individual student preparation experience. Scores depend on personal effort, starting ability, and test conditions. No specific outcome is guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many incorrect words are typically in each HIW item?
Typically 2-5 incorrect words per transcript. If you click more than 5-6 words in a single HIW item, you have likely over-clicked. Review your selections before the timer ends.
Can I change my HIW selections after clicking?
Yes. Clicking a highlighted word again de-selects it. You can adjust your selections at any point before the task timer expires.
Does HIW affect Reading or only Listening?
HIW contributes to both Listening (primary) and Reading (through the enabling skill of reading comprehension — you must match the written text against the spoken text). Improving HIW accuracy can marginally lift both communicative skill scores.
Prepare for PTE Academic
HIW is one of several Listening tasks covered in the 15-day group batch (Rs. 2,500). For students where Listening is the blocking skill for 79+ and who need targeted task practice, the 1-on-1 mentorship provides a structured Listening improvement plan. Browse free PTE study materials or read the complete PTE Academic guide.
Continue Your PTE Preparation
Related guides for Nepali students preparing for PTE Academic and PTE Core:
About Smriti Simkhada
Smriti is a PTE Academic perfect scorer (90/90) providing structured PTE coaching for Nepali students. She has helped over 1,000 students prepare for Australia PR and Canada immigration through structured, criteria-aligned coaching.
