PTE listening: tips for answering highlight incorrect words

Before the audio begins, carefully read the instructions for the task. Understand that you need to identify the words or phrases that do not match what you hear in the audio. Pay attention to any examples or explanations provided to familiarize yourself with the task's requirements.

Listen attentively to the audio and pay close attention to the context. Often, the incorrect words or phrases will stand out because they do not fit logically or grammatically within the context. Use your understanding of the topic, the speaker's intention, and the overall meaning of the conversation to identify inconsistencies.

While listening, anticipate potential errors that could occur. Consider common mistakes such as mispronunciations, word omissions, word substitutions, or grammatical errors. By mentally preparing for these possibilities, you'll be more attentive to subtle deviations from the expected words or phrases.

In spoken English, words are often connected and pronounced differently than in isolation. Pay attention to how words blend together and the way syllables are stressed or reduced. This awareness helps you recognize any discrepancies between what you hear and the written words.

Take advantage of the erasable noteboard provided during the PTE Listening section. As you listen, jot down keywords or phrases that you believe might be incorrect. This helps you compare the spoken words to the written options and identify any discrepancies more accurately.

In the audio, there may be brief pauses or hesitations between words or phrases. Take advantage of these pauses to mentally review the written options and evaluate their alignment with the spoken words. Use this momentary break to reassess your choices and confirm your answers.

Pay close attention to homophones (words that sound similar but have different meanings) and synonyms (words with similar meanings). In some instances, the speaker may use a word that sounds similar to the written option but carries a different meaning. Stay vigilant to such variations and select the correct response accordingly.

Focus on the grammar and syntax of the spoken words to identify any discrepancies with the written options. Listen for subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, articles, prepositions, or other grammatical markers. Deviations from the expected grammatical patterns can indicate incorrect words or phrases.

Written text: "The results of the study is significant."

Audio: "The results of the study are significant."

Error: "is" should be highlighted (subject-verb agreement: plural "results" requires plural verb "are").

Once the audio concludes, review your answers before moving on to the next question. Cross-check your selections with the written options to ensure accuracy. If you're unsure about a particular response, trust your instincts and choose the option that aligns most closely with what you heard.

To sharpen your skills, practice with a variety of authentic listening materials, such as podcasts, interviews, news reports, or academic lectures. Familiarize yourself with different accents, speech patterns, and audio quality to become comfortable with diverse listening scenarios.