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IELTS Reading Question Type
Matching Names

Information

Matching names is quite a common task and it requires you to match names (individuals, nationalities) to statements according to the information in the text. 

Example:

IELTS Reading Matching Names
  • The statements and the names will not be in the same order as the information in the text.

  • In some tasks there will be more names, in the list, than statements. See example above.

  • In some tasks there will be more statements than names in the list. When this happens, the instructions will say..

         NB. You may use any letter more than once

Strategies & Tips

  • Start by speed reading or skimming the text first. This will give you a good idea about what information is contained in each section or paragraph.

  • While reading, make brief notes of the question paper that summarize the information contained in each section or paragraph.

  • Read the statements and highlight the key words.

  • Matching names uses synonyms and paraphrase extensively so think of these when highlighting key words.

  • Read the list of names and scan the text to match examples of these. 

  • Be aware that the names from the list will be mentioned several times in the text.

  • Read before and after the name for the information about them. 

  • Read the statements again and the sections of the text carefully and match the statements.

 

Example:

Statement 5. They devised a civil calendar in which the months were equal in length.

Text: Centuries before the Roman Empire, the Egyptians had formulated a municipal calendar having 12 months of 30 days,

Answer 5: B

Note the use of synonyms and paraphrase.

Synonyms:

Statement                               Text

devised                                    formulated

civil                                         municipal

Paraphrase: 

Statement                                                      

the months were equal in length

Text

having 12 months of 30 days

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