Matching Question Mastery

Learn how to connect the dots and avoid common traps in Sections 1 and 3.

🏢 Type 1: Matching Features

You are given a list of items (like Hotel Names A-E) and a list of features (1-4). You must listen to the recording and identify which item has which feature.

Example: Does Hotel A have a gym? Does Hotel C offer free breakfast?

🤔 Type 2: Matching Decisions

You are given a list of options (like University Courses 21-25) and a list of choices a speaker could make (A: Will do, B: Might do, C: Won’t do).

Example: You must identify what decision the student makes about each specific course.

The 7-Step Survival Strategy

Matching questions can look confusing at first glance. Use your preparation time to break them down using this strategy.

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1. Analyse the Question

Understand the relationship between the two lists. Highlight the key part of the question. Ask yourself: “What does Jack tell his tutor about each course?”

                Map the logic in your head: “Will Jack take Media Studies? Will he take Women and Power?”
            

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2. Know the Answer Order

In matching questions, the Numbered Questions (21, 22, 23) will be mentioned in order in the audio. However, the Lettered Options (A, B, C) will appear randomly.

                Keep your eyes on the numbered list. When they finish talking about Q21, move immediately to Q22.
            

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3. Prepare for Paraphrasing

Jack is not going to say, “I will definitely do the course.” He will use different phrases to convey the same meaning. Prepare your ears for both positive and negative vocabulary.

                Instead of “I won’t do it”: Listen for “I’ll give it a miss,” “I discounted it,” or “It’s not for me.”
            

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4. Watch Out for Distractors

The speakers will often change their minds or clarify decisions as the conversation progresses. Listen carefully for reversal words like but and however.

                “I discounted Culture and Society. However, a friend loved it, so I’m seriously considering it.”
            

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5. Jot and Cross

Write A, B, or C next to the question on your paper as soon as you think you hear the answer. But keep listening! If they change their mind, quickly cross it out and write the new letter.

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6. Write the Letter Only

Read the instructions carefully: “Write the correct letter, A, B or C”. If the answer is A (He’ll definitely do it), you MUST write A. If you write the sentence, you score zero.

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7. Guess if Necessary

Never leave a blank space. If you miss a match, take an educated guess. Do not stress over a missed answer or you will lose focus and miss the next one too. Guess and move on.

10 Quick Strategy Challenges

Click to reveal how you should analyze these common Matching scenarios.

1. The instructions say “You may choose any letter more than once.” What does this mean?

It means the answer to Q21 could be ‘A’, and the answer to Q22 could also be ‘A’. Do not eliminate an option just because you already used it.

2. True or False: The numbered list (e.g., 21-25) will be spoken in random order.

False. The numbered questions are ALWAYS spoken in order. The lettered options (A, B, C) are random.

3. Option A is “He will definitely do it.” Audio: “I’m seriously considering it.” Is the answer A?

No. “Seriously considering” means he is thinking about it (He may or may not do it). It is not a definite yes.

4. Audio: “I’d really like to study Identity, but I don’t like the lecturer so I’m skipping it.” Answer?

He won’t do it. The word “but” acts as a distractor, changing his initial positive statement into a negative decision.

5. You write “He won’t do it” on your answer sheet instead of the letter “C”. Is this correct?

No. You will score 0. You must strictly follow the instruction to write the letter A, B, or C.

6. Audio: “I’ll give Media Studies a miss as I did a similar module last year.” What does “give it a miss” mean?

It is native paraphrasing for “I will not do it” or “I am skipping it.”

7. You hear the speakers start talking about Q24, but you haven’t answered Q23 yet. What do you do?

Guess an answer for Q23 immediately and put 100% of your focus on Q24. Do not fall behind the audio.

8. The question asks you to match Hotels (A-E) to Features (1-4). Will you hear the Features in order?

Yes. You will hear Feature 1 discussed, then Feature 2, etc. You must figure out which Hotel matches the feature being discussed.

9. Why is it a good idea to write the letter down immediately when you hear it, but keep listening?

Because speakers in Section 3 often change their minds after their tutor gives them new information or advice.

10. Option B is “May or may not do it.” What synonyms might you hear for this?

“I’m on the fence,” “I’m still thinking about it,” “I haven’t decided yet,” or “It’s a possibility.”

Matching Practice Tests

Put your strategies to the ultimate test with these full IELTS Listening Matching tasks.