Part 1: What is Matching Information Question Type in IELTS Academic Reading?
In the IELTS Academic Reading test, the Matching Information question type is one of the most detail-oriented tasks. This type assesses a candidate’s ability to identify specific information within a passage and match it with corresponding sections or paragraphs.
🔹 What Does Matching Information Involve?
You are presented with a list of statements that contain specific details, such as:
Facts
Descriptions
Examples
Reasons
Comparisons
Explanations
Your task is to match each statement to the correct paragraph (A, B, C, etc.) in the reading passage where that particular information is found.
🔹 What Makes This Question Type Challenging?
Paraphrasing: The exact wording from the statements is often not found in the text. Instead, synonyms or paraphrased sentences are used.
Similar Information: Multiple paragraphs may contain similar ideas, making it easy to get confused.
Multiple Answers from the Same Paragraph: Some paragraphs may contain answers to more than one question.
Skimming and Scanning Skills Required: You must quickly skim the text to locate relevant sections, then scan for precise details.
🔹 What the Instructions Look Like:
“The reading passage has seven paragraphs, A–G.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A–G, in boxes 1–5 on your answer sheet.”
🔹 Example Statements (for Matching):
A comparison between two theories about climate change
A historical event that influenced farming practices
An explanation of why bees are disappearing
A prediction about future food production
You will need to go through the passage, identify where each piece of information is located, and match it to the correct paragraph.
🔹 Objective of the Question Type:
This task is designed to test your ability to:
Identify specific information and detail in the reading text
Understand the organization and logic of the passage
Recognize paraphrased language and synonyms
Differentiate between main ideas and supporting details
Part 2: How to Approach Matching Information Questions in IELTS Academic Reading
Matching Information questions can be tricky due to the paraphrased nature of the statements and the similar content spread across different paragraphs. However, with a step-by-step strategy, you can solve these questions accurately and efficiently.
🔍 Step-by-Step Strategy to Solve Matching Information Questions
Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully
Begin by checking:
How many questions/statements you need to match.
The range of paragraphs provided (e.g., A–G).
Whether one paragraph can be used more than once.
📝 Tip: Underline keywords in the statements during your first read.
Step 2: Read the Statements and Understand the Keywords
Go through each statement before reading the passage. Identify the main idea and keywords in each one. Look for:
Names (people, places, researchers)
Dates or time indicators
Topic-specific terms (e.g., “deforestation”, “genetic mutation”)
Adjectives that suggest comparison, explanation, or cause
📌 Example Statement:
“An example of how an animal has adapted to urban life.”
Keywords: example, animal, adapted, urban life
Step 3: Skim the Passage Paragraph-by-Paragraph
Now skim each paragraph in the passage one at a time and:
Identify the main point of each paragraph.
Circle or underline any part that might relate to your statement.
Do not try to read word-by-word; you’re searching for matches.
👁️ Tip: Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph first—they often summarize the content.
Step 4: Scan for Specific Information
After skimming, scan for exact matches or paraphrased ideas that match the statements.
Let’s revisit the previous example:
Statement: “An example of how an animal has adapted to urban life.”
Suppose Paragraph D says:
“Foxes have begun nesting in city parks, scavenging from bins and adjusting their activity patterns to avoid humans.”
You can infer:
Fox = animal
Nesting in city parks = urban adaptation
Avoiding humans = behavior change
✅ This paragraph is a match. The correct answer would be: D
Step 5: Eliminate and Cross-Check
Once you think you’ve found a match:
Eliminate that paragraph from other options unless the instructions say it can be used more than once.
Recheck that your interpretation aligns with what the statement is actually asking—not just a similar word.
Step 6: Don’t Expect Exact Word Matches – Look for Paraphrasing
The IELTS test paraphrases heavily. Here are a few examples of how ideas can be rewritten:
| Original in Passage | Paraphrased in Statement |
|---|---|
| “scientists are still debating this theory” | “lack of consensus among experts” |
| “pollution from vehicles in big cities” | “urban air contamination” |
| “ancient farming tools were discovered” | “evidence of early agricultural practices” |
Step 7: Make an Educated Guess if Unsure
If you are stuck between two options:
Choose the one that most directly and completely matches the core idea of the statement.
Mark it and move on. You can revisit it if time allows.
📘 Full Example
Sample Passage Paragraph (B):
“Birds such as pigeons and crows have learned to live alongside humans. In large cities, they build nests on building ledges and adapt their feeding behaviors to survive on human leftovers.”
Statement:
“A description of how certain birds have changed their behavior in cities.”
✅ Step-by-step match:
“Birds such as pigeons and crows” = certain birds
“build nests on building ledges” = adaptation to urban structures
“feeding behaviors to survive on human leftovers” = behavioral change
✅ Answer: Paragraph B
✅ Summary of Key Tips
Read statements first – spot keywords.
Skim then scan – paragraph by paragraph.
Focus on ideas, not words – understand paraphrasing.
Verify the match logically – not just by similar vocabulary.
Part 3: IELTS Academic Reading Passage with Matching Information Questions
📖 Reading Passage 2: The Urban Wildlife Revolution
Paragraph A
In recent decades, cities around the world have witnessed a surprising transformation: the emergence of urban wildlife. Animals that once kept their distance from human settlements are now making homes in parks, rooftops, and alleyways. This shift is not simply a result of shrinking wild habitats; it is a sign of how adaptable certain species can be in the face of urbanization.
Paragraph B
Birds such as crows, pigeons, and sparrows have become iconic features of city life. These birds have adjusted their feeding habits, often relying on leftover food, and nesting patterns by utilizing building ledges and electrical poles. Some even show altered daily routines, becoming more active during quieter periods of the day to avoid human traffic.
Paragraph C
Urban environments have not only changed the behaviors of animals but also influenced their evolutionary traits. For instance, studies on certain populations of city-dwelling blackbirds in Germany show that they now have shorter migration distances and different song pitches compared to their forest counterparts, possibly as a result of constant exposure to urban noise and climate.
Paragraph D
Mammals, too, are part of this urban revolution. Foxes, raccoons, and even coyotes have adapted to city life by altering their feeding and nesting habits. A study in London revealed that foxes are increasingly raising their young in quiet garden spaces and using predictable garbage disposal schedules as reliable food sources.
Paragraph E
However, not all changes are beneficial. Urban environments can pose serious health threats to wildlife. Pollution, road traffic, and human waste are constant dangers. Additionally, bright city lights can disrupt natural sleep cycles and mating behaviors of many species, including bats and insects.
Paragraph F
Despite these challenges, urban wildlife provides unexpected ecological benefits. Birds and insects contribute to pollination, while mammals like foxes help control rodent populations. Moreover, green spaces shared with wildlife can improve the mental well-being of city dwellers and promote biodiversity awareness.
Paragraph G
Efforts to support urban wildlife are on the rise. Cities like Singapore and Amsterdam have created wildlife corridors and green rooftops to support nesting and migration. Educational campaigns also encourage residents to coexist with animals rather than treat them as pests. The future of urban ecosystems may depend on such initiatives.
📋 Questions 1–6: Matching Information
Instructions:
The reading passage has seven paragraphs, A–G.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A–G, in boxes 1–6 on your answer sheet.
You may use any letter more than once.
A description of how birds change their behavior to adapt to urban life
An example of evolutionary change in city animals
A mention of how some mammals use human activity patterns to their advantage
An explanation of the negative impact of artificial light on animals
A reference to urban planning that helps support wildlife
An overview of species moving into city areas due to environmental pressure
Part 4: Step-by-Step Explanation of the Answers (Matching Information Questions)
Below is a complete breakdown of how to find the correct answers to the six Matching Information questions from the passage “The Urban Wildlife Revolution”.
✅ Question 1: A description of how birds change their behavior to adapt to urban life
Correct Answer: B
🔍 Step-by-step:
In Paragraph B, it states:
“Birds such as crows, pigeons, and sparrows… adjusted their feeding habits… nesting patterns… show altered daily routines.”The question asks specifically about behavioral changes in birds.
This paragraph clearly describes how birds modify their feeding, nesting, and activity patterns to survive in urban settings.
✅ Keyword match: “change behavior” → “adjusted feeding habits,” “altered routines”
✅ Answer: Paragraph B
✅ Question 2: An example of evolutionary change in city animals
Correct Answer: C
🔍 Step-by-step:
In Paragraph C, the text says:
“Blackbirds… have shorter migration distances and different song pitches… possibly as a result of constant exposure to urban noise and climate.”These are biological and behavioral changes over time, indicating evolutionary adaptation, not just temporary behavior.
✅ Keyword match: “evolutionary change” → “shorter migration,” “different song pitches”
✅ Answer: Paragraph C
✅ Question 3: A mention of how some mammals use human activity patterns to their advantage
Correct Answer: D
🔍 Step-by-step:
In Paragraph D, it states:
“Foxes… using predictable garbage disposal schedules as reliable food sources.”This shows mammals adapting their behavior to the rhythms of human activity—in this case, garbage disposal routines.
✅ Keyword match: “use human activity patterns” → “predictable garbage disposal schedules”
✅ Answer: Paragraph D
✅ Question 4: An explanation of the negative impact of artificial light on animals
Correct Answer: E
🔍 Step-by-step:
In Paragraph E, it says:
“Bright city lights can disrupt natural sleep cycles and mating behaviors of many species…”This is a direct reference to the harmful effects of artificial lighting, which is what the question is asking.
✅ Keyword match: “artificial light” → “bright city lights”
✅ Negative impact → “disrupt sleep cycles and mating behaviors”
✅ Answer: Paragraph E
✅ Question 5: A reference to urban planning that helps support wildlife
Correct Answer: G
🔍 Step-by-step:
Paragraph G mentions:
“Cities like Singapore and Amsterdam have created wildlife corridors and green rooftops…”These are urban planning strategies designed to support nesting, migration, and biodiversity.
✅ Keyword match: “urban planning” → “wildlife corridors,” “green rooftops”
✅ Answer: Paragraph G
✅ Question 6: An overview of species moving into city areas due to environmental pressure
Correct Answer: A
🔍 Step-by-step:
In Paragraph A, it says:
“Animals… are now making homes in parks, rooftops, and alleyways… not simply a result of shrinking wild habitats…”This gives an overview of the movement of wildlife into urban areas, motivated in part by environmental changes (e.g., habitat loss).
✅ Keyword match: “species moving into city areas” → “making homes in parks, rooftops…”
✅ “due to environmental pressure” → “shrinking wild habitats”
✅ Answer: Paragraph A
🧾 Summary of Correct Answers:
| Question | Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Behavioral changes in birds |
| 2 | C | Evolutionary adaptation in blackbirds |
| 3 | D | Mammals adapting to human schedules |
| 4 | E | Artificial light disrupting wildlife |
| 5 | G | Urban planning to support wildlife |
| 6 | A | Overview of urban migration due to environmental stress |
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