IELTS Reading Tips: How to Match the Correct Statement from the Passage – Step-by-Step with Solved Examples

 

IELTS Reading Tips: How to Match the Correct Statement from the Passage (with Solved Examples)

When it comes to the IELTS Reading test, one of the trickiest question types is “Matching the Correct Statement from the Passage.”

This task often confuses test-takers because it requires careful comprehension, paraphrasing recognition, and logical reasoning—not just vocabulary knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for IELTS Academic in Australia (check our blog on IELTS Academic Reading MCQs Strategies) or IELTS General Training in Canada (read our IELTS GT Reading Time Management guide), mastering this skill is vital for achieving a Band 8 or above.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what this question type involves, give you practical step-by-step tips, and share solved examples to help you perform confidently on test day. You can also strengthen your preparation by going through our IELTS GT Reading Vocabulary List (150 Words).

Understanding “Matching the Correct Statement” Questions

In this task, you are given:

• A list of statements or descriptions, and

• Several paragraphs or sections (A–G) from the passage.

Your job is to match each statement to the correct paragraph or section where that information is found.

The challenge?
The wording in the question never matches exactly with the text in the passage. IELTS examiners paraphrase heavily—testing your comprehension and scanning skills rather than memory.

Types of Matching Statement Questions

1. Matching Information:
   You match a statement to the paragraph that contains that piece of information.
   Example:
   “Which paragraph mentions the effect of global warming on coral reefs?”

2. Matching Features:
   You match names, years, or scientists to what they did or discovered.
   Example:
   “Which scientist developed the theory of relativity?”

3. Matching Headings or Views:
   You match each paragraph with its main idea or a person’s opinion.

Why It’s Different for Academic vs General Training

• Academic Reading (Australia):
  Texts are research-based and complex. Matching questions test your ability to identify arguments, theories, or data references.

• General Training Reading (Canada):
  Texts are more practical—advertisements, reports, or notices. You’ll often match details, rules, or factual statements.

To practice both these formats, you can use:

• IELTS Academic Reading Book (Australia) — includes 20 latest Academic reading tests with strategy notes and explanations.

• IELTS General Training Reading Book (Canada) — includes 20 GT tests designed for Canadian IELTS exam patterns with step-by-step strategies.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Match Statements Correctly

Step 1: Read the Statements First

Before reading the passage, go through all the statements.
- Identify keywords (nouns, verbs, numbers, dates, names).
- Think about possible synonyms or paraphrased versions of those words.

Example Statement:

The scientist proposed a new method for observing marine life.
Keywords: scientist, proposed, new method, observing, marine life.
Now, in the passage, you may not see the same words. It might say:
“Dr. Kim developed an innovative approach to studying ocean organisms.”
That’s a paraphrased version — same meaning, different words.

Step 2: Skim the Passage Quickly

Don’t dive deep yet. Skim to understand the main idea of each paragraph.
This helps you later when you need to locate where information is most likely found.

Step 3: Match by Meaning, Not by Words

When you start matching, look for logical meaning, not exact word repetition.

For example:

• “Rapid increase” = “sharp rise” or “dramatic growth.”

• “Decline in species” = “reduction in biodiversity.”

IELTS loves to test your ability to recognize paraphrases!

Step 4: Eliminate Options

If a paragraph clearly talks about something different, eliminate it.
Process of elimination increases your accuracy significantly.

Step 5: Be Careful of Traps

IELTS passages often contain distractors—sentences that look similar to the statement but have a different meaning.

Example:

Statement: “The researcher confirmed the findings of an earlier study.”
Passage: “The researcher questioned the findings of previous studies.”
Looks similar, but the meaning is opposite. Watch out for that!

Step 6: Practice with Time Control

IELTS Reading gives you 60 minutes for 40 questions.
Matching statements usually appear in groups of 5–7 questions—so aim to spend no more than 10–12 minutes on this set.

Solved Example

Passage: The History of Tea

A. Tea, one of the world’s most consumed beverages, has a fascinating history that stretches over thousands of years. Originating in ancient China, tea was first discovered by Emperor Shen Nong around 2737 BC when tea leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water. Initially used for medicinal purposes, tea later became a daily drink enjoyed across Chinese dynasties.

B. During the 17th century, tea found its way to Europe through Dutch traders, quickly gaining popularity in England. The British East India Company played a vital role in expanding the tea trade, importing massive quantities from China and later cultivating it in India. By the 19th century, tea had become an essential part of British culture, symbolizing hospitality and refinement.

C. Today, tea is grown in over 40 countries, with India, China, and Kenya being the top producers. Modern tea culture blends tradition with innovation—ranging from ceremonial Japanese matcha rituals to the global rise of bubble tea. Despite changes in lifestyle, tea continues to bring people together across generations and continents.

Questions: Match the statements below (1–5) with the correct paragraph (A–C).

1. Tea spread to Western nations during this period.

2. Tea’s first known use was as a health remedy.

3. The contemporary tea industry spans many regions globally.

4. The British East India Company influenced global tea trade.

5. Tea’s discovery was by chance.

Answers with Explanations

1️⃣ B – The passage says tea reached Europe in the 17th century via Dutch traders.
2️⃣ A – It mentions tea was first used for medicinal purposes.
3️⃣ C – The final paragraph states tea is now grown in over 40 countries.
4️⃣ B – The British East India Company’s role is described in paragraph 2.
5️⃣ A – Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea by accident.

📖 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Reading every word in the passage — wastes time. Skim and scan instead.

2. Matching exact words — remember, IELTS uses synonyms.

3. Ignoring negatives or qualifiers like “not,” “rarely,” “some,” etc.

4. Spending too long on one question — move on and come back later.

5. Assuming order — in matching tasks, answers are often not in sequence.

Expert Tips to Score Band 8+ in Matching Statements

✅ Tip 1: Underline keywords in both the question and passage.
✅ Tip 2: Paraphrase the statement in your own words before scanning.
✅ Tip 3: Always double-check that your chosen paragraph actually contains the complete idea, not just part of it.
✅ Tip 4: Learn topic vocabulary — science, society, education, health, environment — they appear frequently in IELTS.
✅ Tip 5: Use practice tests that reflect real IELTS standards.

That’s where structured practice resources become your best ally.

Recommended IELTS Reading Practice Books

If you’re preparing seriously for IELTS Reading, you need high-quality practice materials with authentic-level passages and step-by-step solutions.

For IELTS Academic (Australia)

📘 IELTS Academic Reading Book
This book includes:

• 20 latest Academic Reading tests

• Detailed strategies for question types, including matching statements, headings, and T/F/NG

• Vocabulary and time management tips for band 8+ aspirants

Perfect for students in Australia targeting IELTS Academic.

For IELTS General Training (Canada)

📗 IELTS General Training Reading Book
It features:

• 20 updated GT Reading tests

• Full explanations for matching and locating information questions

• Canadian-style passages for real-world practice

Ideal for IELTS GT test-takers preparing for PR or work migration to Canada.

Final Thoughts

Matching statements in IELTS Reading is challenging but absolutely manageable with smart strategies and consistent practice. For detailed guidance, check out our related blogs — IELTS Academic Reading MCQs Strategies, IELTS GT Reading Time Management, and IELTS GT Reading Vocabulary List (150 Words).

Remember:

• Don’t chase exact words—understand the idea.

• Master synonyms and paraphrases.

• Practice real exam patterns regularly.

Start today with these two trusted resources:
📘 IELTS Academic Reading Book (Australia)
📗 IELTS General Training Reading Book (Canada)

With guided practice, structured learning, and these proven tips, you’ll soon find yourself matching statements with confidence—and moving closer to your dream IELTS band score.