Hi, I’m Hiroshi Tanaka, and one of the most analytical question types in IELTS Reading is Matching Information. As an examiner, I’ve noticed that this task rewards students who read strategically, not word-by-word.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to locate specific details across multiple paragraphs using logical scanning and keyword recognition. Once you master this, you’ll handle data-heavy passages — such as scientific or historical texts — with confidence.
You’re given a list of facts, statements, or pieces of information and must identify which paragraph (A, B, C, etc.) each one belongs to.
Example:
Which paragraph contains the following information?
You’ll normally see 5–7 statements and several paragraphs. Some paragraphs may contain more than one answer, while others contain none.
Matching Information checks your ability to:
It’s a direct test of how well you combine skimming for topic and scanning for detail.
1️⃣ Read the Statements First
Before reading the passage, study each statement carefully. Identify keywords and decide what type of information it mentions — e.g. date, reason, person, discovery, or result.
Example:
“An early discovery that challenged traditional theory.”
Keywords: early, discovery, challenged, theory.
2️⃣ Predict Synonyms
IELTS never repeats words exactly. Predict paraphrases:
This prepares your brain for what to spot later.
3️⃣ Skim the Passage for General Structure
Read quickly to see what each paragraph is about — its topic and focus.
Write a one-word note beside each (e.g. “A = background, B = results, C = applications”).
4️⃣ Scan for Keywords and Paraphrases
Now look for your statement’s idea in the relevant paragraph. Focus on:
When you find the matching idea, confirm by reading one or two sentences around it.
5️⃣ Check Logic and Meaning
Ensure the paragraph contains the information — not just a related topic. Many options are traps designed to appear similar.
Statements:
1️⃣ A reference to how the data was collected
2️⃣ An example of an unexpected result
Text Extract:
“Participants completed online surveys before and after treatment. Surprisingly, satisfaction levels fell during the first month.”
✅ 1️⃣ → Paragraph A (data collection method: online surveys)
✅ 2️⃣ → Paragraph A (unexpected result: satisfaction levels fell)
One paragraph can provide more than one answer — read carefully.
Mistake | Reason | Solution |
Matching based on a single keyword | Surface similarity trap | Confirm meaning, not just vocabulary |
Ignoring paraphrases | IELTS rewrites everything | Build a synonym bank |
Searching linearly | Some answers appear out of order | Scan logically by topic |
Forgetting one-to-many rule | One paragraph can match multiple items | Recheck once you finish all |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Keyword grouping | Circle repeated topic words in a paragraph | Reveals central idea quickly |
Vertical scanning | Run your eyes down the left margin for capital letters, numbers, or italics | Identifies unique details fast |
Signal word mapping | Mark connectors like for example, as a result | Locates cause-effect relationships |
Paragraph coding | Label each paragraph (e.g., “A = history,” “B = research,” “C = application”) | Builds mental map for later retrieval |
Spend about 8 minutes total:
If you can’t confirm an answer, skip it and revisit later — never waste more than 90 seconds per item.
Statement: A mention of the author’s doubt about earlier studies.
Passage:
“Previous research assumed identical outcomes across groups, but the author questions whether such assumptions remain valid.”
✅ Answer: Paragraph X — contains “questions whether assumptions remain valid” = author’s doubt.
High-band readers don’t rely on luck — they organise visually. Marking paragraph boundaries, underlining names, and noting topic words on the side help you locate ideas efficiently under pressure.
In summary, Matching Information is about structured searching — not reading everything. Learn to identify paraphrased ideas, practise scanning vertically, and verify meaning through logic.
Next, continue with Matching Features to learn how to link statements to people, theories, or categories.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy mother page to review your core foundation.
For authentic practice materials, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests page.
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