Matching Information Tutorial | Miah's Class Reading Platform

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🎯 Understanding the Question Type

What is Matching Information?
You are given statements containing specific information, and you must identify which paragraph (labeled A, B, C, etc.) contains that information. Unlike Matching Headings, you're looking for specific details, not main ideas.

🔍 What It Tests

Scanning for specific details
Keyword identification
Synonym recognition
Locating supporting evidence
Paragraph navigation efficiency

📊 Question Format

Statement about a specific detail
Must match to paragraph letters
Information appears somewhere in text
Paragraphs can be used more than once
Not all paragraphs may be used

⚡ Key Differences

Focuses on specific facts, not themes
Requires detailed reading, not skimming
Keywords are crucial for scanning
Can reuse paragraph letters
More straightforward than headings

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🛠️ Your 5-Step Strategy

1

Underline Keywords in the Statement

Identify 2-3 key words in each statement. Focus on: names, numbers, dates, unique nouns, technical terms. These are your "search words."

⚡ Why: Keywords are anchors that help you scan quickly. They're often unchanged or only slightly paraphrased in the text.

2

Think of Synonyms

Before scanning, brainstorm synonyms for your keywords. "Research" = study, investigation. "Increase" = rise, growth, expansion.

⚡ Why: IELTS rarely uses the exact same words. Anticipating paraphrases makes scanning faster and more accurate.

3

Scan Paragraphs Systematically

Start with paragraph A and scan for your keywords/synonyms. Don't read fully—let your eyes jump from keyword to keyword.

⚡ Why: Systematic scanning prevents missing information. Reading fully wastes time.

4

Read Around the Keyword

When you find a keyword match, read 1-2 sentences around it. Verify that the detail in the statement matches the detail in the text.

⚡ Why: Context confirms accuracy. The keyword alone isn't enough—the surrounding meaning must match.

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Note the Paragraph Letter

Write down the paragraph letter immediately. Remember: you can use the same letter multiple times if needed.

⚡ Why: Reduces working memory load and prevents forgetting your answer as you move to the next question.

🎓 Pro Tips from High Scorers

Names and numbers rarely change: These are your best scanning anchors.
Use paragraph structure: Specific examples often appear mid-paragraph.
Watch for "for example" and "such as": These often introduce specific details.
Time limit: 1 minute per question: If you can't find it quickly, move on and return later.
Check paragraph letters carefully: A simple letter mix-up costs marks.

⚠️ Common Traps to Avoid

❌ The Keyword-Only Trap
Seeing your keyword and immediately choosing that paragraph without checking context.
Solution: Always read the full sentence around the keyword to verify the match.

❌ The First-Match Trap
Choosing the first paragraph where you see the keyword, even if a better match exists later.
Solution: Read the question carefully—ensure the detail matches exactly.

❌ The Reading-Everything Trap
Reading every paragraph fully instead of scanning.
Solution: Train your eyes to jump between keywords. Reading everything kills your time.

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👨‍🏫 Let's Solve Together

📝 Question:

Which paragraph contains information about the cost savings from implementing remote work?

Paragraph C:

The transition to remote work arrangements has transformed business operations across multiple sectors. Companies have reported substantial reductions in overhead expenses, with many organizations cutting facility costs by 30-40% annually. Beyond the financial benefits, employees have gained flexibility in managing their schedules, leading to improved work-life balance and job satisfaction.

🧠 My Expert Thinking Process

Step 1: Identify Keywords
From the question: "cost savings" + "remote work"
These are my scanning targets.

Step 2: Think of Synonyms
"cost savings" = reductions in expenses, financial benefits, cutting costs
"remote work" = working from home, telecommuting, distributed work

Step 3: Scan and Find Match
Paragraph C mentions "reductions in overhead expenses" and "cutting facility costs by 30-40%" —these are clear paraphrases of "cost savings."

✅ Answer: Paragraph C
Match confirmed: "cost savings" = "reductions in expenses" + "cutting costs"

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✍️ Your Turn (With Hints)

📝 Your Practice Question

Which paragraph contains information about the historical origin of coffee cultivation?

Paragraph B:

Coffee production has become a cornerstone of agricultural economics in many developing nations. The beverage's journey began in the Ethiopian highlands during the 9th century, where legend suggests a goat herder discovered the energizing effects of coffee berries. From these ancient beginnings, cultivation spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, eventually reaching global markets. Today, Brazil leads worldwide production, accounting for approximately one-third of total output.

Keywords: "historical origin" and "coffee cultivation"
Look for: when/where coffee began, early history, ancient times

"historical origin" = "journey began," "ancient beginnings," "9th century"
"cultivation" = "production," "discovered"

✅ Answer: Paragraph B

Evidence: "journey began in the Ethiopian highlands during the 9th century" = historical origin
"From these ancient beginnings" confirms this is about origins, not current production.

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🚀 Ready for Independent Practice?

📊 Self-Assessment: Are You Ready?

I can identify keywords quickly and think of synonyms
I understand the difference between scanning and reading
I can locate specific details within 1 minute
I verify matches by reading context around keywords
I don't rely on keywords alone—I check the full meaning

Choose Your Practice Path

📘 Beginner Level

Clear keywords, obvious matches

Sample 1: Climate Sample 2: Urban Planning

📙 Intermediate Level

More paraphrasing, multiple similar details

Exercise 1: Technology Exercise 2: Health

📕 Advanced Level

Complex paraphrasing, exam-level difficulty

Exercise 3: Science Exercise 4: Society

🎯 Start Practice Now

Matching Information Mastery