Matching Information Across Short Texts
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Lesson overview
Deciding which of several advertisements or notices contains each piece of information.
Go to lesson quiz →Exam guidance · IELTS Band-Descriptor Lens
Pacing
Strict section timing; Writing Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1.
How IELTS GT marks this
Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.
Watch out for
True / False / Not Given: 'False' contradicts the text, whereas 'Not Given' has no textual proof either way.
Lesson content
Overview — Matching Information Across Short Texts
Deciding which of several advertisements or notices contains each piece of information. This lesson is at the beginner level — by the end, you'll be able to recognise this question type, apply a reliable method, and avoid the traps that cost marks.
Key Concept
Section 1 often presents several short texts (A–E) — for example five advertisements for courses — and asks which text mentions each statement.
Why It's Tested This Way
Skim each text first and note its distinguishing feature in two or three words: the price, the place, the audience.
Method
The questions paraphrase the texts, so match meaning, not words: 'suitable for beginners' may appear as 'no experience needed'.
Worked Example
Problem: Worked example: 'Which course can be paid for in instalments?' matches the advertisement that says 'spread the cost over three months', not the one with the word 'payment' in its title.
Active Worked Example · Predict Step 1
3 stepsWrite down the formula, rule, or first move you would make before revealing Step 1.
Second Worked Example
Problem: Common trap: assuming each letter is used once — in matching-information tasks a letter may be the answer to several questions, or to none.
Active Worked Example · Predict Step 1
3 stepsWrite down the formula, rule, or first move you would make before revealing Step 1.
Lesson Summary
Remember: (1) identify what is being asked, (2) apply the IELTS GT strategy, (3) check against the traps. Complete the 10-question quiz below to unlock the next lesson — you need at least 60% to pass.
Mastery Check · Lesson Quiz · pass 60%
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