IELTS Matching Information

 IELTS Matching Information

What is Matching Information?

You are given a list of statements, and you need to find the paragraph (A, B, C...) that contains that specific information.

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1. Understand the Question Type

• Statements are not in order.
• A paragraph may contain more than one matching information.
• Some paragraphs may not contain any of the given statements.

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2. Skim the Passage First

• Read each paragraph quickly to understand the main idea.
• Underline names, dates, examples, causes, comparisons, etc. – these are common matches.
• This gives you a mental map of where information might be found.

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3. Read the Statements Carefully

• Understand exactly what each statement is saying.
• Identify keywords or phrases in each statement (nouns, numbers, dates, names, or verbs).
• Paraphrasing is common, so don’t look for exact words.

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4. Use Keyword Scanning

• Use the keywords from the statement to scan the passage.
• Look for synonyms or similar ideas, not just the same words.

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5. Match Ideas, Not Words

• Often the statement is a summary or paraphrase of a longer idea.
• For example:
• Statement: "Some people objected to the construction plans."
• Text: "There was public opposition to the proposed development."
• These mean the same – match them.

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6. Eliminate Wrong Answers

• If a paragraph doesn’t mention the main idea of the statement at all, cross it out.
• Be 100% sure the idea is present before matching.

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7. Manage Your Time

• Don’t spend more than 1–1.5 minutes per question.
• If unsure, mark it and come back after finishing other questions.

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8. Be Careful with Similar Ideas

• Some paragraphs may include similar but incorrect ideas.
• Make sure the exact detail of the statement is present.
• If the statement says "only children," but the paragraph says "children and teenagers," then it’s not a match.

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9. Label Statements as You Go

Use a table or short notes:

Statement #	Keywords	Possible Paragraphs
1	aging process	C, D
2	new invention	A

Then eliminate one by one.

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10. Practice Often

• Use real IELTS practice tests.
• Focus on reading speed and paraphrasing skills.
• Try books like Cambridge IELTS series or use free online resources.

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Example Strategy in Action:

Statement: "A comparison between two types of transportation."

Keywords: comparison, two types, transportation

➡ Go to each paragraph and scan for words like unlike, whereas, while, in contrast, or names of two transport methods (e.g., car vs. train).