Hi, I’m Hiroshi Tanaka, and today we’ll look at Matching Features in the IELTS General Training Reading test.
This question type requires you to link statements with people, places, organisations, or categories mentioned in the text. It tests your ability to identify relationships between ideas — not just find isolated facts. The key is logical connection.
You’ll see two lists: one containing statements and another containing features such as names or groups. Your task is to match each statement to the correct feature based on the passage.
Example:
Match the statements (1–4) with the people (A–D).
Statement | Options |
1. Enjoys working outdoors | A. Sarah |
2. Prefers flexible hours | B. Tom |
3. Works with children | C. Maria |
4. Specialises in finance | D. Ahmed |
Each person’s description is in the text; your goal is to identify who or what fits each description.
1️⃣ Skim the Entire Text
Before answering, quickly read each paragraph to note who or what is discussed. Label the margin mentally — e.g. A – Sarah (teacher, outdoors), B – Tom (freelance worker).
2️⃣ Read the Question List
Identify key phrases in each statement. Predict what type of detail you’re looking for — a job, preference, location, or opinion.
3️⃣ Scan for Matching Ideas
Locate where each person or category is described. Underline phrases that express likes, dislikes, or responsibilities.
4️⃣ Use Logical Elimination
Each statement usually matches only one feature, but a feature may appear more than once. Eliminate obviously wrong matches first.
5️⃣ Verify with Context
Make sure the sentence supports the whole statement, not just one word. If the paragraph says “Tom sometimes enjoys flexible work,” the correct answer is still Tom, but you must ensure the word “sometimes” doesn’t change meaning.
Text Extract:
A. Sarah works as a park guide and enjoys spending time outside with tourists.
B. Tom manages his own schedule as a freelance designer.
C. Maria teaches at a primary school and organises school trips.
Question:
Who enjoys working outdoors?
✅ Answer: A – Sarah
Who prefers flexible hours?
✅ Answer: B – Tom
Question Word | Paraphrase in Text |
“enjoys working outdoors” | “likes spending time outside” |
“prefers flexible hours” | “manages his own schedule” |
“works with children” | “teaches at a school” |
“specialises in finance” | “works in accounting” |
Recognising paraphrases helps you avoid traps.
Mistake | Reason | Fix |
Matching based on single word | Ignoring full idea | Read sentence completely |
Mixing similar people | Overlapping details | Make short notes for each name |
Forgetting multiple matches | Not reading instructions | Check if reuse is allowed |
Guessing early | Lack of confirmation | Find direct textual proof |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Table method | Create a grid with names and statements | Ensures clarity |
Highlighting contrasts | Note “however,” “but,” “while” | Shows differences |
Reference tracking | Watch pronouns like “he/she” | Connects back to names |
Group analysis | Answer easy ones first | Narrows remaining choices |
Text:
A. John travels frequently for his job as a consultant.
B. Linda works locally and values her free evenings.
Question:
Who travels a lot for work?
✅ Answer: A – John
Who prefers staying close to home?
✅ Answer: B – Linda
Spend 6–8 minutes for an entire Matching Features task. Start with the statements — they guide your search. If unsure, skip and return after confirming other answers.
Band 8–9 candidates focus on meaning relationships, not word matching. They make quick summary notes beside each feature (e.g. “Tom – flexible hours”) and use elimination when features share overlapping ideas. Logical consistency always comes before vocabulary similarity.
Matching Features questions test your ability to link ideas across short texts using logic and context. Focus on relationships, synonyms, and clear elimination strategies.
Next, continue with Understanding Notices & Advertisements to master everyday reading skills essential for GT candidates.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your complete foundation.
For official resources, use the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests materials.
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