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Matching information and features

Matching information and matching features: find which paragraph contains specific details, and match statements to people, dates or categories.

In this lesson you will

  • Locate specific information in any paragraph
  • Match statements to people or categories
  • Manage questions that don’t follow passage order

Learn

Matching information: Which paragraph contains…? (a reference to…, an example of…, a description of…). Answers are not in order, and some paragraphs may be used more than once or not at all.

Strategy: do other question types on the passage first — you’ll learn where things are. Then note what type of information each question wants (an example? a comparison? a reason?).

Matching features: match statements to people, places, dates or categories (Which researcher said…?). Scan for each name, underline it, then read what they say. Names may appear more than once.

Paraphrase again: a reference to financial support might appear as grants from the government.

Examples

  • Q: a mention of a failed experiment → P: “…the first trial, however, produced no measurable results.”
  • Q: Dr Chen — claims the effect is temporary → P: “Chen, by contrast, believes the benefits fade within months.”
  • Q: a reference to financial support → P: “…grants from the regional government…”

Vocabulary

reference to

a mention of

category

a group of similar things

grant

money given for a purpose

measurable

able to be measured

by contrast

showing difference

In real life

Read the passage about urban trees.

A Street trees were once planted mainly for decoration. In the nineteenth century, wealthy districts lined their avenues with trees as a sign of status.

B Today, researchers value trees for their cooling effect. Dr Amara Osei found that streets with mature trees can be several degrees cooler in summer than streets without them.

C Trees also reduce flooding by slowing rainwater. However, Professor Luis Ortega warns that the wrong species in the wrong place can damage pavements and drains.

D Some cities now offer grants to residents who plant trees in their front gardens. Early results suggest the scheme is popular, although its long-term cost has not been assessed.

E Dr Osei argues that tree planting should prioritise poorer neighbourhoods, which often have the fewest trees and suffer most in heatwaves.

Practice

1 / 7

Which paragraph contains a reference to financial support for residents?

Lesson quiz

1 / 4

Which paragraph mentions a benefit relating to rainwater?

Review

Key points

  • Answers not in order; paragraphs may repeat.
  • Identify the type of information.
  • Scan and underline names.
  • Expect paraphrase.

What you learned

  • ✓ I can locate information in any paragraph.
  • ✓ I match statements to people.
  • ✓ I work efficiently without order.

KitWren is independent. This is original practice material written by KitWren; it is not official IELTS material and is not produced, approved or endorsed by the IELTS partners. Any band shown is an educational estimate — not an official IELTS score.