Hello, I’m Chen Wei, and today we’ll explore one of the most analytical IELTS Reading tasks — Matching Features.
In this question type, you must connect ideas, opinions, or discoveries to people, groups, or categories mentioned in the passage. Many candidates find it challenging because the answers are spread throughout the text, not in order.
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to identify relationships logically, use scanning effectively, and manage time efficiently so you never confuse who said what.
You’ll be asked to match a list of statements to a list of features — usually names of people, researchers, places, or theories.
Example:
Which scientist proposed each idea?
Statements:
Features:
A) Noam Chomsky
B) Benjamin Lee Whorf
C) Jean Piaget
✅ 1 → B
✅ 2 → A
Each feature may be used once, more than once, or not at all — always check the instructions carefully.
Matching Features measures your ability to:
1️⃣ Read the Instructions Carefully
Note whether a feature (e.g. a name) can be used more than once. Misunderstanding this can cost easy marks.
2️⃣ Read the Features List First
Before reading statements, look at the list of names or categories.
Underline unique identifiers — years, titles, or opinions. This will help you scan more precisely later.
Example:
A – Darwin (natural selection)
B – Mendel (genetic theory)
C – Lamarck (inheritance of acquired traits)
3️⃣ Read Each Statement and Identify Keywords
For each statement, highlight the concepts and possible paraphrases.
If the statement says “argued that environment influences behaviour,” expect the text to use words like “claimed,” “proposed,” “suggested.”
4️⃣ Scan for Names or Labels in the Passage
Proper nouns (capital letters) are your best guides. Use vertical scanning to jump quickly between sections that mention these people or categories.
5️⃣ Match by Meaning, Not Just Vocabulary
Read one or two sentences around each name. Check what they did or said, not simply that they appear. IELTS often includes names multiple times to confuse you.
Statements:
Text Excerpt:
“According to Skinner, children acquire language by imitating adults.
Chomsky, however, argued that the ability to learn language is innate.”
✅ 1 → Skinner
✅ 2 → Chomsky
Notice how both names appear close together, yet their views differ. Always read around each name before deciding.
Mistake | Why It Happens | Solution |
Guessing based on name position | Seeing a name once and assuming it’s correct | Read two lines above and below |
Ignoring paraphrasing | IELTS rephrases every opinion | Predict synonyms before scanning |
Forgetting features can repeat | Some names match multiple ideas | Check instructions |
Mixing similar opinions | Two experts may have overlapping views | Use precise wording differences (e.g. “believed” vs “proved”) |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Name mapping | Circle or underline all people/categories in the text | Creates quick visual references |
Opinion tagging | Write short labels beside each name (e.g. “A = support,” “B = criticise”) | Builds mental index |
Keyword cross-checking | Match verbs like suggested, argued, reported | Improves accuracy |
Colour-coded highlighting | Use different colours for each person when practising | Strengthens memory patterns |
Matching Features can be time-consuming, so aim for 9 minutes total:
If two options seem correct, choose the one most directly supported by the text — IELTS values precision.
Text:
“Dr. Lee developed a low-cost vaccine, whereas Dr. Smith questioned its long-term effectiveness.”
Question:
Who expressed doubt about the vaccine?
✅ Answer: Dr. Smith
The difference lies in who did what, not just where the names appear.
At Band 8–9 level, successful candidates use structured scanning. They know that each name acts like a “flag” marking information clusters. Instead of reading line-by-line, they jump between these anchors and confirm meaning through context.
Matching Features questions train your analytical reading — connecting people or ideas across paragraphs. Practise identifying paraphrased opinions, keep a list of common reporting verbs (claims, argues, believes, suggests), and always confirm using context.
Next, continue with Matching Sentence Endings to strengthen your logical completion skills.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for the complete Reading foundation.
For additional official examples, explore the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests page.
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