What is Match the Information in IELTS Reading?
In this question type, you are given:
-Several statements (each describing an idea, fact, reason, or event).
-A set of paragraphs (A–F) from the reading passage.
Your task is to find which paragraph contains the information given in each statement.
Example:
“Which paragraph contains the following information?”
A. Paragraph A
B. Paragraph B
C. Paragraph C … and so on.
Each paragraph may contain more than one piece of information — or none.
Why This Question is Tricky
-The answers are not in order.
-The words in the statements are paraphrased in the passage.
-Several paragraphs may look similar in topic, but only one truly matches the meaning.
So you must focus on meaning, not just words.
Step-by-Step Strategy
What is Match the Information in IELTS Reading?
Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully
Check how many paragraphs are involved (A–F, A–G, etc.).
Also note if you can use a paragraph more than once — IELTS always mentions it.
Step 2: Read the Statements First
Before reading the passage:
-Quickly read all statements.
-Underline keywords – names, dates, discoveries, results, reasons, theories, etc.
-Try to predict what kind of information each statement refers to.
Example:
“An experiment that showed children imitate adults’ behavior.”
→ Keywords: experiment, children, imitate, adults.
Step 3: Skim the Passage
Now read the passage quickly (30–60 seconds per paragraph) to understand the main idea of each paragraph.
Don’t search for answers yet — just know what each paragraph is about.
Write short notes beside each paragraph (e.g., “A – experiments on memory,” “B – child learning,” etc.).
This helps later when locating information.
What is Match the Information in IELTS Reading?
Step 4: Match Ideas — One Statement at a Time
Now take the first statement:
1.Identify its keywords and meaning.
2. Scan the paragraphs that seem related.
3.Look for synonyms, paraphrases, or examples that express the same idea.
Example:
Statement: “A study showing memory improves with age.”
In the passage, you might find:
“Older children were able to recall more items than younger ones.”
→ This matches the statement even though the wording is different.
Step 5: Recognize Paraphrasing
IELTS never copies sentences exactly. Learn to spot different expressions with the same meaning:
| Statement | Passage |
| “Children learn through observation.” | “Youngsters acquire skills by watching others.” |
| “A theory was developed to explain memory loss.” | “An explanation for declining recall ability was proposed.” |
What is Match the Information in IELTS Reading?
Focus on meaning, not exact words.
Step 6: Use Elimination
If a paragraph clearly doesn’t include the main idea, eliminate it.
You’ll often reduce 6 paragraphs to 2–3 possible choices — then pick the closest meaning.
Step 7: Remember — Answers Are Not in Order
Unlike True/False or Matching Headings, these answers may appear anywhere in the passage.
So, jump freely between paragraphs.
Step 8: Double-Check Your Answers
After finishing:
-Ensure that each statement matches the main idea of the paragraph, not a small, unrelated phrase.
-Check that your chosen paragraph contains all parts of the statement (not just one keyword).
Example (Mini Practice)
What is Match the Information in IELTS Reading?
Statements:
1. A theory suggesting that children learn by copying others.
2. A study that tested memory using pictures.
3. A conclusion that adults remember better than children.
Passage (simplified):
-Paragraph A: In an experiment using visual images, participants were asked to recall objects.
-Paragraph B: Bandura proposed that children acquire new behaviors through imitation of adults.
-Paragraph C: Research has shown that memory tends to improve with age.
Answers:
1 → B (learn by copying = imitation)
2 → A (visual images = pictures)
3 → C (adults remember better = improves with age)
Useful Tips Summary
Read statements before reading the text.
Focus on meanings and synonyms, not identical words.
Skim for main ideas, scan for details.
Don’t expect the answers to be in order.
Eliminate wrong paragraphs logically.
Double-check that the paragraph fully matches the statement.
What is Match the Information in IELTS Reading?