In Highlight Incorrect Words, you read a transcript while a recording plays, and click the words in the transcript that differ from what the speaker says. It scores Listening (8%) and Reading (13%) by Pearson's question weightings, about 4% of your overall score. It has negative marking: each correct click earns a point, each wrong click loses a point, and the lowest score for a question is zero.
How it is scored
| Action | Score |
|---|---|
| Click a word that is different in the audio | +1 |
| Click a word that is the same in the audio | -1 |
| Miss a different word | 0 |
Only click when you are sure. A missed word costs nothing, but a wrong click costs a mark.
The cursor method
- Before the audio starts, place your mouse cursor on the first word.
- As the speaker talks, move the cursor along with the words, like a reading finger.
- When the speaker says something different, click immediately and keep moving.
- Do not stop to think. If you lose your place, find the speaker again at the next sentence.
What the changes usually look like
- A word with a similar meaning (large vs big).
- A word with a similar sound (except vs accept).
- A word that changes the meaning (increase vs decrease).
Listen for meaning words (nouns, verbs, adjectives). Small words like "the" or "of" are rarely the changed ones.
Common mistakes
- Reading ahead of the speaker and losing your place.
- Clicking words that "sound wrong" in your own reading.
- Going back to unclick and then missing the next change.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in Highlight Incorrect Words?
Yes. Each wrong click cancels a correct one. The minimum for each question is zero.
How many Highlight Incorrect Words questions are there?
Usually 2 or 3 in the Listening part.
Which skills does it score?
Listening (8%) and Reading (13%), by Pearson's question weightings. Our class priority guide puts it in the "somewhat important" group, so practise it after the most important tasks such as Write from Dictation and the Reading Fill in the Blanks tasks.
Losing listening marks? See our Write from Dictation and listening multiple choice guides, see our courses or message us on WhatsApp.