PTE Academic: Highlight Incorrect Words — Sample Responses and Scoring Template (2026)

Related guides:

• PTE Academic: Answer Short Question — Sample Responses and…
• PTE Academic: Summarize Spoken Text — Sample Responses and…
• PTE Academic: Write From Dictation — Sample Responses and…
• The Complete PTE Academic Guide (2026): 20 Tasks & Scoring
• PTE Academic: Write Essay Sample Template for High Score…

Understanding the Task

The PTE Academic Highlight Incorrect Words task tests your vocabulary knowledge and contextual understanding. You will read a passage and click on words that are incorrect. The task assesses your ability to recognize incorrect usage in context, not just individual words.

Sample Responses

Passage (2026 updated format)

"The university library has implemented several new facilities to enhance student learning. These include accommodate study rooms, expand computer stations, and access to online databases. Students can now borrow laptops and other equipment for up to seven days. The library also offers tutorials on research skills and citations management."

Score Range 40-50 (Low)

Incorrect Words Highlighted: implemented, facilities, accommodate, expand, access, equipment

Response: "The university library has [implemented] several new [facilities] to enhance student learning. These include [accommodate] study rooms, [expand] computer stations, and [access] to online databases. Students can now [equipment] laptops and other [equipment] for up to seven days. The library also offers [citations] on research skills and [tutorials] management."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 1/2 (Only obvious errors are identified)
• Communicative Effectiveness: 1/2 (Missing nuanced errors affects understanding)
• Vocabulary: 1/2 (Limited vocabulary range and accuracy)
• Grammar: 1/2 (Incorrect word forms and usage)

Score Range 60-70 (Mid)

Incorrect Words Highlighted: accommodate, expand, access, equipment

Response: "The university library has implemented several new facilities to enhance student learning. These include [accommodate] study rooms, [expand] computer stations, and [access] to online databases. Students can now borrow laptops and other [equipment] for up to seven days. The library also offers tutorials on research skills and citations management."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 2/2 (Most errors are identified)
• Communicative Effectiveness: 2/2 (Clear understanding with minor errors)
• Vocabulary: 2/2 (Adequate vocabulary range and accuracy)
• Grammar: 2/2 (Mostly correct word forms and usage)

Score Range 80-90 (High)

Incorrect Words Highlighted: accommodate, expand, access, equipment, citations

Response: "The university library has implemented several new facilities to enhance student learning. These include [accommodate] study rooms, [expand] computer stations, and [access] to online databases. Students can now borrow laptops and other [equipment] for up to seven days. The library also offers tutorials on research skills and [citations] management."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 3/3 (All errors are identified)
• Communicative Effectiveness: 3/3 (Full understanding with no errors)
• Vocabulary: 3/3 (Wide vocabulary range and high accuracy)
• Grammar: 3/3 (All word forms and usage are correct)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Implemented (verb) - put (a plan, system, or suggestion) into effect.

• Example: "The new policy was implemented last month."

1. Facilities (noun) - a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose.

• Example: "The school has excellent sports facilities."

1. Accommodate (verb) - provide lodging or sufficient space for.

• Example: "The hotel can accommodate 200 guests."

1. Expand (verb) - increase in size, number, or importance.

• Example: "The company plans to expand its operations."

1. Access (noun) - the means or opportunity to approach or enter a place.

• Example: "The building has restricted access."

1. Equipment (noun) - the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity.

• Example: "The lab is fully equipped with modern equipment."

1. Tutorials (noun) - a class, usually with a small number of students, in which the teacher gives individual instruction.

• Example: "The professor offered extra tutorials for struggling students."

1. Citations (noun) - a quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author, especially in a scholarly work.

• Example: "The research paper includes multiple citations."

Common Mistakes

1. Overlooking Contextual Errors: Students often miss words that are incorrect in context but correct in isolation.
2. Confusing Word Forms: Incorrectly identifying noun/verb/adjective forms as errors.
3. Ignoring Collocations: Highlighting words that are incorrect due to poor collocation knowledge.
4. Rushing Through the Passage: Missing errors due to rushing or not reading carefully.
5. Over-Highlighting: Highlighting words that are correct but seem unfamiliar.

Tips for Success

1. Read Carefully: Thoroughly read the passage to understand the context.
2. Check Word Forms: Ensure the highlighted words are in the correct form (noun, verb, etc.).
3. Verify Collocations: Make sure the highlighted words fit naturally with surrounding words.
4. Practice Regularly: Use practice materials to familiarize yourself with common errors.
5. Review Mistakes: Learn from errors made in practice to avoid repeating them.

Get Your Response Scored by AI

Practice more and get your own responses scored by AI on English AIdol.