What Is a Matching Information Question?

In this question type, you are given several statements and asked to match each one to the paragraph (A, B, C, etc.) where that specific information appears.

The information could be:

A reason
A result
An example
A description
A comparison

Unlike Matching Headings (which ask for main ideas), this type asks you to locate specific details hidden in different paragraphs.

What Is the Examiner Testing?

They’re checking if you can:

Scan and locate specific details
Understand paraphrasing and synonyms
Match meaning across different parts of a paragraph
Ignore unrelated or distracting content

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Confusing Matching Information with Matching Headings
Matching based on keywords (instead of meaning)
Choosing a paragraph just because it has a similar word
Missing small differences in meaning
Not realising a paragraph can be used more than once

Strategy: How to Solve Matching Information Step by Step

Step 1: Read All the Statements First
- Underline keywords — especially names, numbers, or unique phrases.
Step 2: Skim Each Paragraph (A, B, C…)
- Get a general sense of what each paragraph is about — don’t hunt for answers yet.
Step 3: Now Match One Statement at a Time
- Pick one statement and scan the paragraphs for matching ideas (not words). Use paraphrasing logic.
Step 4: Eliminate Paragraphs That Clearly Don’t Match
- If a paragraph doesn’t even mention the topic — skip it.
Step 5: Remember – Paragraphs Can Be Reused
- Don’t be afraid to use the same paragraph more than once — if instructions allow.

Cambridge-Style Example with Breakdown

Passage Excerpt:

Paragraph B:

The rise of wind-powered electricity has helped reduce reliance on fossil fuels in certain countries. For example, Denmark now generates over 40% of its national electricity from wind turbines. However, critics point out that this energy source can be inconsistent, depending on weather conditions.

Statement 1:

An example of a country where wind energy is a major source.

Not Given

Show Answer

Answer: B
Why?
The paragraph clearly says “Denmark now generates over 40%…” — that’s the example we need.

What a Band 5 Learner Might Do:

See the word “electricity” in Paragraph D
Choose D without checking what type of electricity or whether an example is given

Band 5 vs Band 8 Thinking

Band 5 Learner	Band 8 Learner
Matches keywords like “energy” or “wind”	Matches ideas, even if words are different
Doesn’t read full paragraph	Reads enough to confirm the meaning
Doesn’t use elimination	Removes unrelated paragraphs first
Assumes answer must be in order	Understands answers can appear in any paragraph

Common Traps

Trap	Why It’s Dangerous
Keyword overlap	A similar word might appear, but not the same meaning
Main idea vs detail confusion	This type asks for details, not main themes
Ignoring paragraph reuse	If allowed, using a paragraph twice is correct
Picking too fast	You need exact location, not a guess

Quick Tips – Do vs Don’t

Do	Don’t
Skim before scanning	Read everything deeply at first
Confirm paraphrased meaning	Pick answers based on single word matches
Double-check all paragraphs	Assume the answer is in the first one
Note if reuse is allowed	Avoid reusing just because “it feels wrong”

Mini Practice Quiz

Statements:

A description of a country using wind power for nearly half its electricity
A drawback of depending on natural energy sources
A country that recently abandoned coal

Paragraph (Excerpt from B again):

Not Given

Show Answer

B
B
Not Given

Explanation:

Statement 3 is not mentioned — there is no country that abandoned coal.

Related Resources

🔗 Compare with Matching Headings →
🧠 Learn to Paraphrase Effectively →
📊 Band Score Calculator →
📄 Next: Matching Features →

Final Advice from Your Tutor

Matching Information is about finding hidden details — not spotting easy keywords.

Always ask:

“Does this paragraph fully support the statement?”
Keep your logic sharp and your scanning fast. With practice, this question becomes one of the easiest to master — especially once you learn how IELTS paraphrases ideas.