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IELTS Reading · Guide

Matching Information to Paragraphs in IELTS Reading: a practical guide

You are given statements such as 'a reference to the cost of the project' or 'an example of a failed experiment' and must say which lettered paragraph contains each. It tests scanning and your ability to recognise a type of information, such as a comparison, reason, example or warning, and not just a topic.

About Reading practice

Format

  • Normally about 4 to 7 statements in a passage whose paragraphs are labelled A, B, C and so on. Reported to be more common in recent tests than matching headings.
  • The statements are in a different order from the text, so you cannot work through the passage in order.
  • The instruction usually says you may use any letter more than once, but check, because the rule differs between tasks. A paragraph may be the answer to two statements, or to none.
  • The statements are paraphrased, and they usually name a type of information (a reason, an example, a definition, a comparison) as well as a topic.
  • On computer you select a paragraph letter from a list for each statement; you can highlight in the passage as you go.

Strategy

  1. Check the instruction for 'any letter more than once', because it decides whether you can cross letters off.
  2. Build a map before you start: skim each paragraph and note three or four words in the margin using the notes tool or highlighting. 'B: early trials. C: cost. D: critics.' Every later question gets quicker.
  3. For each statement, split it into topic and type. 'A reference to the cost of the project' has topic 'cost' and type 'a mention', whereas 'an explanation of why it was abandoned' has a topic and the type 'reason'.
  4. Use your map to shortlist the paragraphs where the topic appears. Several paragraphs may mention it; only one gives the specific type of information.
  5. Read the shortlisted paragraphs closely and confirm that the type of information is really there. A paragraph that discusses costs without explaining their cause cannot be the answer to 'an explanation of the cause of costs'.
  6. Do the easiest statements first and leave the vague ones. As you find answers, you add to your map, and the hard statements become easier.
  7. Limit your time. If a statement takes more than a minute and a half, mark it and move on; one mark is not worth the time of three.

Common traps

  • Matching the topic and not the information type. Three paragraphs may mention the cost; only one explains it or gives an example.
  • Stopping at the first paragraph that fits, when a later paragraph fits better. Check at least the other shortlisted paragraphs before you choose.
  • Looking for the words of the statement. The statements are paraphrased, so a paragraph that repeats the exact words may be a decoy.
  • Assuming the answers follow the order of the passage. They do not, and you should scan the full passage for each one.
  • Assuming each letter is used once, or evenly. The same paragraph may answer several statements and others may answer none, if the instruction permits repeats.

Practise it inside a real Reading section

Practice on PrepFreely is always a complete section, so you meet this question type in the same place and proportion as on test day. Random sections never repeat until you've done them all. Every answer is explained.

Practise Reading Take the Reading course

FAQ

Can the same paragraph be the answer to more than one statement?

Usually yes, when the instruction says you may use any letter more than once. Read the instruction, because the rule can differ.

Are the statements in the order of the passage?

No. Unlike most task types, matching information is not in passage order, so you search the whole text for each statement.

What does 'a reference to' mean?

It means the paragraph mentions the thing, not necessarily that it is the paragraph's main topic. A single sentence can be enough.

Is every paragraph used?

Not necessarily. Some letters may be unused, and that is normal.

Should I do this task first?

Many candidates do it after other tasks because by then they know the passage better. If you do it first, build the map as you read.

More IELTS Reading guides

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