Hello, I’m Chen Wei, and today we’ll look at how to tackle Matching Information GT Across Short Texts — a unique question type in the IELTS General Training Reading test.
This task reflects real-world reading: comparing details from multiple sources such as advertisements, emails, notices, or brochures. The goal is to find which text contains specific information — not to summarise them all. With a systematic approach, you can complete this section quickly and confidently.
You’ll see 4–6 short texts (labelled A, B, C and so on) followed by several questions such as:
Which company offers weekend appointments?
Which advertisement mentions a free consultation?
You must choose the correct letter (A–F) for each question based on where the information appears. Each text may be used once, more than once, or not at all — so read carefully.
1️⃣ Preview All Texts First
Spend one minute skimming every text. Note what each is about:
This mental map will help you locate answers faster.
2️⃣ Underline Keywords in the Questions
Focus on nouns and verbs that carry meaning. Example:
Which centre provides child-care facilities?
Keywords = centre, child-care → look for “kids,” “nursery,” “children welcome.”
3️⃣ Scan Each Text Systematically
Read only until you find a possible match. When you see a phrase similar to the keyword, stop and check meaning, not just vocabulary.
4️⃣ Confirm Context Before Choosing
Sometimes a word appears but refers to something else. Always read the full sentence to ensure the idea matches the question exactly.
5️⃣ Mark Used Letters Lightly
If the instruction says texts may be used more than once, be prepared for repetition — but if each can be used once only, cross them out after use.
Texts A–C
Question:
Which centre provides child-care facilities?
✅ Answer: B — “on-site child-care.”
Question Word | Possible Paraphrase in Text |
“free trial” | “no charge introductory session” |
“weekend hours” | “open on Saturday and Sunday” |
“experienced staff” | “qualified instructors” |
“discount” | “reduced fee,” “special offer” |
“children welcome” | “family-friendly,” “child-care available” |
Spotting these synonyms is the core of success in this task.
Mistake | Why It Happens | Fix |
Reading all texts word for word | Time pressure and lack of plan | Skim for purpose first |
Choosing based on keywords only | Ignoring context | Confirm idea matches meaning |
Mixing similar offers | Not noting text titles | Label each text mentally |
Forgetting re-use rules | Misreading instructions | Underline “once only” vs “more than once” |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Matrix method | Draw a table with texts A–F across top and questions down side | Visual organisation |
Synonym prediction | List possible rephrasing before scanning | Faster recognition |
Sequential checking | Check each text for one question before moving on | Avoids re-reading |
Topic isolation | Ignore extra details not relevant to question | Saves time |
Texts:
A – Car rental includes GPS and child seat.
B – Airport transfer available 24 hours.
C – Bike hire with helmet and insurance.
Question:
Which service includes safety equipment?
✅ Answer: C – helmet and insurance.
Allocate 7–8 minutes for these sets. The goal is accuracy across sources, not speed-reading. Once you match an answer, move on — each question is independent.
High-band candidates use elimination logic: they first mark which texts cannot contain the information. They also track paraphrasing patterns such as “open daily” = “seven days a week.” Accuracy depends on method, not memory.
Matching Information Across Short Texts is a practical reading task mirroring real-life document comparison. Learn to predict keywords, confirm context, and apply logic to find exact matches fast.
Next, continue with Sentence Completion to learn how to fill blanks accurately in everyday texts.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your complete foundation.
For official practice, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests section.
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