How to Solve Matching Type of Questions in Listening

How to Answer Matching Questions

Step 1: Read the Questions

• Before we even listen to the prompt, take time to quickly read the questions and all of the answer options to understand the topic and keywords. You will have about 20 seconds to do this. For the Matching section, you usually will not have to read a lot of information. Use this to your advantage and start working on the next two steps! Of course, if you'd like, you can combine this step with Step 2 below.

Step 2: Underline Key Words

• After you have quickly read (or while you are reading), underline the key words. What are key words? They are important words that will call out your attention while you listen to the prompt. Usually, the information that you will need to "match" to features or questions will be names, places, or perhaps even dates. Therefore, this step will be minimal, since the answers will already be keywords, subjects, or names. This will save you time, and you can spend more effort on Step 3!

Step 3: Think of Synonyms

• Now that you've completed the first two steps, think of potential ways that the key words can be said in the listening prompt. 
• So, it would be a good idea to think of potential synonyms for the underlined keywords from the previous two steps. You do not necessarily have to write out the synonyms, but be aware of words that could be spoken during the listening prompt. In other words, do not be surprised if you hear "starving" instead of "hungry", even though "hungry" is written in your paper! 
• Remember: you do not necessarily have to write down these synonyms in your test booklet, but just be aware of the different ways to say these things. We've written some possible synonyms just to give you an idea!

Step 4: Make a Chart

• Now it is time to start listening! As you listen, make a chart close to your questions and answer options when you hear key words. Remember: you will only hear each listening prompt once, so it's important to remember key information. Remember: information will come in order for the Matching question type. If you get sidetracked and miss information, continue right where you left off. 
• For Section 3, we suggest taking notes in the following way: make a chart with as many columns as there are speakers. Since the directions tell us that we will be listening to Jack and his tutor, we can make two columns. What you write in these columns will depend on the type of exercise you have. If you must understand who says what, it would be best to write keywords and points in the columns. 
• If you find it difficult remembering who is who, make notes by the speaker that will help you differentiate his/her voice from the other speakers. For example, "deep voice", "UK accent", and "younger speaker" should help you understand who is speaking and saying certain things.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Do: Use the 20 seconds wisely-scan, underline, and listen actively for key words.

• Do: Make a chart to follow speakers and catch answers in sequence.

• Do: Practice synonyms and paraphrasing to widen your understanding.

• Don't: Waste time before or after the audio-treat it like a game!

• Don't: Focus on just one task-combine reading, listening, and answering.

• Don't: Jump to answers on key words alone; watch for tricks like "but" before the correct match.

• Don't: Leave blanks-guess smartly to maximise your score!

Level Up with Practice

• Tips, Strategy & Practice: Matching Questions (Video, 19:45 min): https://edurev.in/v/380104/Tips--Strategy-Practice-Matching-Questions

• Matching: Practice Test - 1 (Video, 25:14 min): https://edurev.in/v/240956/Matching-Practice-Test-1

• Matching: Practice Test - 2 (Video, 26:24 min): https://edurev.in/v/240957/Matching-Practice-Test-2

Test yourself with these videos to build speed and accuracy, mimicking real exam conditions.

FAQs to Boost Your Skills

1. How can I ace matching questions in IELTS Listening?
   Listen closely, take quick notes, and match keywords to the audio. Predict answers beforehand and practice with sample tests to get comfy with the format.

2. What strategies help with matching questions?
   Scan questions, underline key terms, and use a chart to track speakers-practice makes it second nature!

3. How do I improve my listening for these questions?
   Practice with diverse accents and paraphrases daily to sharpen your ear.

4. What if I can't find a direct match?
   Stay calm-look for synonyms or context clues, and make an educated guess.

5. How can I save time on matching questions?
   Prep during the 20-second window, multitask (read, listen, answer), and avoid overthinking mid-audio.