IELTS General Reading · Part 2

Matching Information, Features and Headings

Learn how to connect statements with texts, match information with categories and identify the main idea of each paragraph.

🔎

Matching Information

Find the advertisement, section or paragraph containing a specific detail.

🔗

Matching Features

Connect statements with people, places, countries, products or other categories.

💡

Matching Headings

Choose the heading that expresses the central idea of a paragraph.

Suggested image: several text sections being connected with matching labels
Lesson Goals

What Will You Learn?

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognise which type of information each matching task requires.

You will learn to:

  • locate specific information across several texts;
  • organise people, places and categories efficiently;
  • identify the main idea of a paragraph;
  • ignore examples that do not represent the whole paragraph;
  • eliminate distractors using textual evidence.

Quick Diagnostic

Which statement is correct?

  1. A heading should describe every small detail in the paragraph.
  2. The same letter can sometimes be used more than once in a matching task.
  3. Matching questions always follow the order of the text.
Check your ideas

1. Incorrect · 2. Correct · 3. Incorrect

Alti’s tip: Always read the instruction carefully. Some options may be used more than once, while others may remain unused.
Know the Task

Three Matching Tasks, Three Different Goals

Question typeWhat are you matching?Main skill
Matching InformationA statement with a text, section or paragraphLocating a specific detail
Matching FeaturesA statement with a person, country or categoryOrganising relationships
Matching HeadingsA paragraph with a short headingIdentifying the main idea

Information

“Which advertisement mentions evening classes?”

Features

“Which country developed films based on its own culture?”

Headings

“Which heading best summarises paragraph A?”

Important: Do not use the same strategy for every matching task. First identify exactly what the question asks you to match.
Question Type 1

Matching Information

Your task is to decide which text, advertisement or paragraph contains a particular piece of information.

Step-by-step strategy

  1. Read all the statements first.
  2. Underline the most distinctive keywords.
  3. Predict possible synonyms or paraphrases.
  4. Scan each text for the relevant idea.
  5. Read the surrounding sentence carefully.
  6. Record the correct letter.

Look for distinctive details

  • course times;
  • age groups;
  • specialist subjects;
  • facilities;
  • activities outside class;
  • length of experience;
  • teaching methods.

Example paraphrase

Question: up-to-date teaching systems

Text may say: modern methods and multimedia facilities

Common trap: A text may mention the same general topic without containing the specific information requested.
Real IELTS Practice

Language School Advertisements

Look at advertisements A–E. Which advertisement mentions each feature?

You may use any letter more than once.

Insert WebP image of page 11: Language School Advertisements A–E
  1. up-to-date teaching systems
  2. an institution established for a significant time
  3. examination classes
  4. activities that can be arranged outside class
  5. courses available for school students
  6. language teaching for special purposes
  7. a wide variety of language choices
  8. evening classes

Before You Match

Underline the key concept in each statement:

  • up-to-date teaching systems;
  • established for a significant time;
  • outside-class activities;
  • teaching for special purposes.
Check the answers
  1. B
  2. E
  3. E
  4. C
  5. D
  6. B
  7. A
  8. D
Question Type 2

Matching Features

In this task, you connect statements with a list of people, countries, organisations, products or other categories.

Create an entity map

EntityKey information
Franceexported cinema and supported artistic development
USAlargest market and Hollywood dominance
Italypioneered the feature film
Japanused traditional cultural forms

Recommended method

  1. Read the list of categories.
  2. Mark each category in the text.
  3. Write a short note beside each one.
  4. Read the statements.
  5. Match each statement with the evidence.

Do not match by proximity

A country may appear near a fact that actually refers to another country. Check the subject of the complete sentence.

Remember: An option may sometimes be used more than once. Do not eliminate it unless the instructions require unique answers.
Real IELTS Practice

The History of Cinema

Match each statement with the correct country.

You may use any letter more than once.

Insert WebP images of pages 13–14: History of Cinema

List of Countries

A France · B Germany · C USA · D Denmark · E Sweden · F Japan · G Russia · H Italy · I Britain · J China

  1. It helped other countries develop their own film industry.
  2. It was the biggest producer and market for films.
  3. It was first to develop the feature film.
  4. It was responsible for creating film stars.
  5. It made the most money from avant-garde films.
  6. It made films based more on its own culture than on outside influences.
  7. It strongly influenced silent cinema despite its small size.
Check the answers
  1. A — France
  2. C — USA
  3. H — Italy
  4. C — USA
  5. A — France
  6. F — Japan
  7. D — Denmark
Question Type 3

Matching Headings: Find the Main Idea

A heading must summarise the central message of the whole paragraph,
not just one sentence or example.

Main idea

The broad message that connects the important information in
the paragraph.

Paragraph: A newspaper is written in the city
centre but printed in the suburbs.

Main idea: Production takes place in two
different locations.

Supporting detail

An example, explanation, statistic or consequence that supports
the central message.

Detail: The editorial headquarters are called
the prepress centre.

This detail does not summarise the entire paragraph.

The five-word summary test

After reading a paragraph, summarise it in approximately five words.
Then compare your summary with the headings.

Which is the better heading?

A paragraph explains how robots collect, transport and load paper
reels.

  • A. Paper reels are extremely heavy
  • B. The robots’ main functions
Show answer

B. It summarises the entire paragraph rather
than one minor detail.

Heading Strategy

A Reliable Method for Matching Headings

Read the paragraph first

  1. Read the first sentence carefully.
  2. Look for contrast words such as but, however and although.
  3. Read the final sentence.
  4. Identify repeated ideas.
  5. Write a short summary.

Then check the headings

  1. Eliminate headings with the wrong topic.
  2. Reject headings based on only one detail.
  3. Compare the two closest options.
  4. Choose the heading covering the whole paragraph.

Watch for changes of direction

Robots perform many different tasks. However, their principal job is transporting newsprint.

The central idea appears after however, not in the introductory sentence.

Alti’s tip: Do not choose a heading simply because it repeats vocabulary from the paragraph. Meaning is more important than identical words.
Real IELTS Practice

Robots at Work

Choose the correct heading for paragraphs A, B and D–G.

Paragraph C has already been matched as an example.

Insert WebP image of page 18: Robots at Work

List of Headings

  1. Robots working together
  2. Preparing LGVs for takeover
  3. Looking ahead
  4. The LGVs’ main functions
  5. Split location for newspaper production
  6. Newspapers superseded by technology
  7. Getting the newspaper to the printing centre
  8. Controlling the robots
  9. Beware of robots!
  1. Paragraph A
  2. Paragraph B
  3. Paragraph D
  4. Paragraph E
  5. Paragraph F
  6. Paragraph G
Check the answers
  1. v — Split location for newspaper production
  2. vii — Getting the newspaper to the printing centre
  3. iv — The LGVs’ main functions
  4. i — Robots working together
  5. viii — Controlling the robots
  6. iii — Looking ahead
Avoid the Traps

Common Matching Traps

Trap 1: Identical vocabulary

A heading may repeat a word from the paragraph but describe only one small detail.

Trap 2: Correct topic, wrong meaning

Two texts may discuss language courses, but only one offers examination preparation.

Trap 3: Nearby information

Several countries may appear in the same sentence. Check which country performs the action.

Trap 4: Too general or too specific

A heading must cover the full paragraph without becoming broader than the paragraph itself.

Question wordingPossible text wording
established for a long timefounded in 1972
special purposesbusiness and professional courses
developed its own film industryhelped to start cinema
main functionsprincipal job and key tasks
looking aheadasking what may happen in the future
Timed IELTS Challenge

Match the Evidence

Complete a mixed matching challenge and record the reason behind every incorrect answer.

Your challenge

  • 4 Matching Information questions
  • 4 Matching Features questions
  • 4 Matching Headings questions
  • Recommended time: 15 minutes

Checking routine

  1. Recheck the instruction.
  2. Confirm whether options can be repeated.
  3. Find the textual evidence.
  4. Reject answers based on one isolated word.
  5. Review unanswered questions last.

My Matching Error Log

My mistakeMy solution
I matched identical vocabulary.I will compare the complete meaning.
I selected a minor detail as the heading.I will summarise the whole paragraph first.
I confused two categories.I will create an entity map.
I assumed each option could only be used once.I will read the instructions more carefully.
I spent too long on one match.I will eliminate options and return later.
Lesson Complete

What Can You Do Now?

You can now approach the three main matching tasks using a different strategy for each one.

🔎

Locate Information

Scan several texts and identify where a specific detail appears.

🔗

Organise Features

Connect statements with the correct people, places or categories.

💡

Identify Main Ideas

Select headings that summarise complete paragraphs.

Revision Tracker

Colour the stars: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The most difficult task for me was: __________________________________________

One distractor I identified today: __________________________________________

Three things I can do now:

  1. __________________________________________
  2. __________________________________________
  3. __________________________________________

Continue Learning with Mentes Altus

Personal IELTS preparation Book a Free Trial Class
Improve your listening every day Use Intellego

Review and Download the Lesson PDFs

Free PDF IELTS Reading Part 2 Premium PDF Extra Matching Practice and Answer Key
1 / -
×

¡Hora de hacer ejercicios! Explora con los botones los distintos grupos.

IELTS General Reading – Matching Information

Pregunta 1:

Language Courses


A. City Language Centre
Courses are available in 18 languages, including Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese. Learners may attend during the day or in the evening.

B. Career English Institute
Professional English courses are designed for people working in business, aviation and healthcare. Lessons use interactive screens, online platforms and multimedia resources.

C. Riverside Language Academy
Students can request a programme of weekend excursions, museum visits and cultural activities in addition to their lessons.

D. Young Learners College
English programmes for students aged 12–17 take place after school and during the summer holidays. Evening classes are also available.

E. Central Examination School
Founded in 1968, the school specialises in IELTS and Cambridge examination preparation. Intensive revision courses are offered throughout the year.


Which course provider mentions the use of modern teaching technology?
Pregunta 2:

Language Courses


A. City Language Centre
Courses are available in 18 languages, including Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese. Learners may attend during the day or in the evening.

B. Career English Institute
Professional English courses are designed for people working in business, aviation and healthcare. Lessons use interactive screens, online platforms and multimedia resources.

C. Riverside Language Academy
Students can request a programme of weekend excursions, museum visits and cultural activities in addition to their lessons.

D. Young Learners College
English programmes for students aged 12–17 take place after school and during the summer holidays. Evening classes are also available.

E. Central Examination School
Founded in 1968, the school specialises in IELTS and Cambridge examination preparation. Intensive revision courses are offered throughout the year.


Which course provider has been operating for a considerable period of time?
Pregunta 3:

Language Courses


A. City Language Centre
Courses are available in 18 languages, including Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese. Learners may attend during the day or in the evening.

B. Career English Institute
Professional English courses are designed for people working in business, aviation and healthcare. Lessons use interactive screens, online platforms and multimedia resources.

C. Riverside Language Academy
Students can request a programme of weekend excursions, museum visits and cultural activities in addition to their lessons.

D. Young Learners College
English programmes for students aged 12–17 take place after school and during the summer holidays. Evening classes are also available.

E. Central Examination School
Founded in 1968, the school specialises in IELTS and Cambridge examination preparation. Intensive revision courses are offered throughout the year.


Which course provider offers preparation for recognised language qualifications?
Pregunta 4:

Language Courses


A. City Language Centre
Courses are available in 18 languages, including Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese. Learners may attend during the day or in the evening.

B. Career English Institute
Professional English courses are designed for people working in business, aviation and healthcare. Lessons use interactive screens, online platforms and multimedia resources.

C. Riverside Language Academy
Students can request a programme of weekend excursions, museum visits and cultural activities in addition to their lessons.

D. Young Learners College
English programmes for students aged 12–17 take place after school and during the summer holidays. Evening classes are also available.

E. Central Examination School
Founded in 1968, the school specialises in IELTS and Cambridge examination preparation. Intensive revision courses are offered throughout the year.


Which course provider can organise activities beyond normal lesson time?
Pregunta 5:

Language Courses


A. City Language Centre
Courses are available in 18 languages, including Arabic, Japanese and Portuguese. Learners may attend during the day or in the evening.

B. Career English Institute
Professional English courses are designed for people working in business, aviation and healthcare. Lessons use interactive screens, online platforms and multimedia resources.

C. Riverside Language Academy
Students can request a programme of weekend excursions, museum visits and cultural activities in addition to their lessons.

D. Young Learners College
English programmes for students aged 12–17 take place after school and during the summer holidays. Evening classes are also available.

E. Central Examination School
Founded in 1968, the school specialises in IELTS and Cambridge examination preparation. Intensive revision courses are offered throughout the year.


Which course provider is specifically intended for secondary-school-age learners?
Inglés · IELTS · General
Lección 2 de 2

IELTS General Reading – Part 2: Matching Information, Features and Headings

← Volver a las lecciones ‹ Lección anterior Siguiente lección ›
Traducción Selecciona una frase para traducir.
Scroll al inicio