IELTS Reading – Matching Information to Paragraphs

This IELTS Reading question type asks you to find specific information — like names, dates, descriptions, or reasons — and match it to the correct paragraph. Unlike “Matching Headings,” which focuses on the main idea, this question focuses on specific details.

📌 What Does This Question Look Like?

You’ll be given 4–6 statements and must choose the correct paragraph (A, B, C, etc.) that contains the information. Each paragraph may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

Example:

• 19. A reason why the project was delayed → Paragraph C
• 20. A surprising use for recycled plastic → Paragraph F

🧠 What It Tests

• Scanning skills (to find specific information)
• Synonym recognition (words in questions ≠ words in the text)
• Focus and accuracy (there are distractors!)

✅ Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Read the Statements First

Don’t read the whole passage yet. Read all the statements and underline keywords (dates, numbers, names, adjectives).

2. Scan the Paragraphs One by One

Don’t search randomly. Go paragraph by paragraph (A → B → C…) and check which one contains each specific idea.

3. Match Based on Meaning, Not Just Keywords

The statements are often paraphrased. Example:

• Statement: “A person who proposed an alternative method”
• Text: “Dr. Rivera suggested a different approach to data modeling...”
• Correct Paragraph: B

4. Use Process of Elimination

If a paragraph clearly doesn’t relate to a statement, eliminate it and move on. Don't waste time rereading irrelevant sections.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• ❌ Confusing this with Matching Headings — this is about details, not main ideas
• ❌ Matching based on repeated words rather than meaning
• ❌ Skipping paragraphs instead of working systematically

💡 Pro Tip: Use Names, Dates, and Data as Anchors

IELTS often uses names of scientists, years, or technical terms to help you locate the correct area quickly. Circle or highlight these for fast scanning.

📋 Practice Activity

Choose any article. Write 5 factual statements from it and try to match them back to their paragraphs. This trains you to scan with purpose and think in terms of meaning.

🎯 Final Advice

This is one of the most time-consuming question types in IELTS Reading, but also one of the most predictable. With careful scanning, an eye for synonyms, and a structured approach, you can confidently match detailed information to the right place in the text.

See also IELTS Reading – Summary Completion with or Without a Word Bank

📣

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