IELTS Listening Matching Questions: A Comprehensive Guide for Higher Band Scores
The IELTS Listening test features several question types, and Matching questions often stand out due to their focus on detailed comprehension and quick thinking. In a Matching task, you typically have two lists—one might include people, places, or topics, while the other consists of actions, features, or statements that need to be correctly paired based on the information you hear. Although it may seem simple, you’ll need to stay alert for subtle nuances, synonyms, and potential distractors to avoid mistakes.
If you’re aiming for a high band score, sharpening your approach to Matching questions is critical. Not only will it boost your overall Listening performance, but it’ll also help you develop versatile listening skills that come in handy during real-life conversations. For an even deeper dive into these and other Listening question types, don’t forget to explore our IELTS Listening eBook, where we break down advanced tips and strategies tailored to each section of the test.
Understanding IELTS Listening Matching Questions
In Matching questions, you are required to link two sets of information based on what you hear in the audio recording. These questions are designed to assess your ability to follow conversations, identify specific details, and process relationships between different pieces of information.
Key Features of Matching Questions
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Set 1: Typically includes items like names, places, or topics.
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Set 2: Consists of descriptions, opinions, or specific details related to the items in Set 1.
Your task is to determine the correct pairing between items in Set 1 and Set 2 by carefully listening to the dialogue and matching the details.
Common Matching Scenarios
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Linking people to opinions: For example, identifying who said what in a group discussion.
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Connecting locations to features: Matching places on a map with descriptions like “near the river” or “beside the café.”
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Assigning topics to viewpoints: Determining which speaker expressed a particular opinion about a topic discussed in the audio.
Usual Contexts and Challenges
Matching questions often appear in multi-speaker dialogues—such as:
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Academic discussions between students or teachers.
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Planning meetings or team project discussions.
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General conversations about various topics.
The main challenge is the fast-paced nature of the audio. Speakers may move quickly from one topic to another, overlap in their ideas, or express nuanced opinions, making it difficult to keep track of who said what.
Common Problems and Proven Effective Solutions
Although Matching questions may look straightforward, they can conceal a range of tricky challenges. In the following section, we’ll outline some of the most common challenges you might face and offer brief strategies to overcome them. Later in this article, we’ll delve deeper into these issues with a real test example, so stay tuned for a more detailed walkthrough.
1. Overlooking Synonyms
What Goes Wrong:
Many test-takers expect the audio to repeat the exact wording from the question, leading them to miss important information.
Solution:
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Expand your vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with synonyms for common phrases used in the IELTS Listening test. For example:
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“Important” → “Essential,” “Significant.”
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“Dangerous” → “Risky,” “Unsafe.”
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Listen for context: Even if you don’t hear the exact word, understanding the overall meaning will guide you to the correct match.
Pro Tip: Practice recognizing synonyms in context using real IELTS tests or exercises from our IELTS Listening eBook.
2. Misidentifying Speakers
What Goes Wrong:
In fast-paced conversations, it’s easy to lose track of which speaker is expressing a particular viewpoint.
Solution:
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Take concise notes:
Use shorthand to label speakers (e.g., S1 for Speaker 1, S2 for Speaker 2) and note down key ideas associated with each person. -
Focus on transitions:
Look for phrases that signal speaker changes, such as:-
“I believe…”
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“In my opinion…”
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“Actually, I disagree…”
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Recognize tone and voice cues:
Distinct accents, tones, or speech patterns can help you identify who’s speaking.
3. Confusing Distractors
What Goes Wrong:
IELTS audio often includes distractors—details that sound correct but don’t fully match the question.
Solution:
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Focus on exact matches: If a detail partially matches but isn’t fully supported by the audio, it’s likely a distractor. Look for direct evidence in the recording.
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Eliminate incorrect options: As you identify correct answers, cross out choices that don’t fit. This reduces confusion as you move forward.
4. Poor Time Management
What Goes Wrong:
Spending too much time on one question might cause you to miss key information for the next.
Solution:
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Skim the lists before listening: Predict the kind of information you need for each match. This helps you anticipate when an item will be mentioned.
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Move on if unsure: If you’re stuck, make your best guess and revisit the question later if time permits.
5. Understanding Context
What Goes Wrong:
Sometimes, the meaning of a match is clarified over several sentences rather than a single phrase.
Solution:
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Pay attention to the entire exchange: Don’t rely solely on keywords. The full context of the conversation often provides the answer.
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Revisit unclear matches: Use any spare time after the audio to confirm answers that seemed ambiguous.
Example: IELTS Listening Matching Features
In the next section, we are going to provide an example from a previous IELTS Listening exam, showing you exactly how to apply a Step-by-Step Strategy when tackling Matching questions. We’ll walk you through how to preview the lists, identify potential paraphrasing, and confirm the correct matches—so you’ll be fully prepared for test day success. For additional exercises and advanced strategies, explore our IELTS Listening eBook, where you’ll find targeted practice materials designed to boost your Listening score.
Below, we’ll walk you through Questions 25–30 from the provided Listening transcript, showing how to derive each answer step by step. We’ll also discuss the common challenges you might face with Matching questions in the IELTS Listening test and provide practical strategies to overcome them.
Audio Transcript - Cambridge IELTS 19 (Test 1)
COLIN: I was reading an article about food trends predicting how eating habits might change in the next few years.
MARIE: Oh – things like more focus on local products? That seems so obvious, but the shops are still full of imported foods.
COLIN: Yes, they need to be more proactive to address that.
MARIE: And somehow motivate consumers to change, yes.
COLIN: One thing everyone’s aware of is the need for a reduction in unnecessary packaging – but just about everything you buy in supermarkets is still covered in plastic. The government needs to do something about it.
MARIE: Absolutely. It’s got to change.
COLIN: Do you think there’ll be more interest in gluten – and lactose-free food?
MARIE: For people with allergies or food intolerances? I don’t know. Lots of people I know have been buying that type of food for years now.
COLIN: Yes, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with an allergy.
MARIE: That’s right. One thing I ’ve noticed is the number of branded products related to celebrity chefs – people watch them cooking on TV and then buy things like spice mixes or frozen foods with the chef’s name on . . . I bought something like that once, but I won’t again.
COLIN: Yeah – I bought a ready-made spice mix for chicken which was supposed to be used by a chef I’d seen on television, and it didn’t actually taste of anything.
MARIE: Mm. Did the article mention ‘ghost kitchens’ used to produce takeaway food?
COLIN: No. What are they?
MARIE: Well, they might have the name of a restaurant, but actually they’re a cooking facility just for delivery meals – the public don’t ever go there. But people aren’t aware of that – it’s all kept very quiet.
COLIN: So people don’t realise the food’s not actually from the restaurant?
MARIE: Right.
COLIN: Did you know more and more people are using all sorts of different mushrooms now, to treat different health concerns? Things like heart problems?
MARIE: Hmm. They might be taking a big risk there.
COLIN: Yes, it’s hard to know which varieties are safe to eat. Anyway maybe now…
Questions 25–30
What is the students’ opinion about each of the following food trends?
Choose SIX answers from the box and write the correct answer, A–H, next to Questions 25–30.
Opinions
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A This is only relevant to young people.
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B This may have disappointing results.
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C This already seems to be widespread.
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D Retailers should do more to encourage this.
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E More financial support is needed for this.
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F Most people know little about this.
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G There should be stricter regulations about this.
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H This could be dangerous.
Food trends
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25 Use of local products ……………
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26 Reduction in unnecessary packaging ……………
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27 Gluten-free and lactose-free food ……………
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28 Use of branded products related to celebrity chefs ……………
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29 Development of ‘ghost kitchens’ for takeaway food ……………
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30 Use of mushrooms for common health concerns ……………
In this audio, Colin and Marie discuss various food trends, sharing their opinions on each. The test requires you to match each food trend (Questions 25–30) with the correct opinion (Options A–H).
Answering Strategy: Four-Step Approach
Below are the recommended strategies for tackling Matching questions in an IELTS Listening context, demonstrated with the example provided.
1. Preview the Lists
Before the audio starts, skim the list of food trends (items to be matched) and the list of opinions (A–H). This will help you predict the kind of information or keywords you’re expecting to hear (e.g., “dangerous,” “strict regulations,” “widespread”).
Key Tip: Mark any items you’re particularly unsure about, so you pay extra attention when that topic is mentioned in the conversation.
2. Listen for Direct Cues and Synonyms
The speaker might not use the exact wording you see in the question. Instead, they’ll often use synonyms or paraphrases. Here, you’ll notice references to “government” or “proactive moves” can indicate the need for “stricter regulations,” while phrases like “lots of people” or “everyone’s aware of” can suggest something is “already widespread.”
Key Tip: Create quick shorthand notes for each point as you hear them—this helps you keep track of who said what and how it aligns with the listed opinions.
3. Note Any Corrections or Contrasts
Speakers may change their stance or clarify a point. If they say, “Actually, it didn’t taste of anything!” that strongly suggests disappointment—connecting to the idea that it “may have disappointing results.”
Key Tip: Watch out for expressions like “I expected more,” “It turned out differently,” or “That’s surprising,” which often indicate a mismatch between expectations and reality.
4. Confirm and Eliminate
Once you think you’ve found a match between a food trend and an opinion, check if it conflicts with any other detail. If you’re uncertain, make a note, but don’t get stuck. Move on and return to it if time allows.
Key Tip: If an option is definitely wrong for a trend, cross it out or mark it in a way that helps you remember not to use it again.
Detailed Walkthrough for Questions 25–30
Refer to the Audio Script while reviewing the explanations below. The key phrases and reasoning will show you how to map each trend to the correct opinion.
Question 25: Use of local products
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Transcript Clue:
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MARIE: “Oh – things like more focus on local products? That seems so obvious, but the shops are still full of imported foods.”
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COLIN: “Yes, they need to be more proactive to address that.”
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MARIE: “And somehow motivate consumers to change, yes.”
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Interpretation: They’re saying shops (retailers) and possibly consumers need to be more proactive. This matches with the concept of D: Retailers should do more to encourage this.
Answer for Q25: D (Retailers should do more to encourage this)
Question 26: Reduction in unnecessary packaging
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Transcript Clue:
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COLIN: “One thing everyone’s aware of is the need for a reduction in unnecessary packaging... The government needs to do something about it.”
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MARIE: “Absolutely. It’s got to change.”
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Interpretation: Colin specifically mentions “The government needs to do something about it.” This aligns with stricter regulations at a policy level.
Answer for Q26: G (There should be stricter regulations about this)
Question 27: Gluten-free and lactose-free food
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Transcript Clue:
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COLIN: “Do you think there’ll be more interest in gluten – and lactose-free food?”
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MARIE: “Lots of people I know have been buying that type of food for years now.”
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COLIN: “Yes, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with an allergy.”
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Interpretation: Marie implies it’s already common among people, even those without actual intolerances. That suggests this trend is already widespread.
Answer for Q27: C (This already seems to be widespread)
Question 28: Use of branded products related to celebrity chefs
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Transcript Clue:
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MARIE: “I bought something like that once, but I won’t again.”
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COLIN: “I bought a ready-made spice mix… it didn’t actually taste of anything.”
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Interpretation: Both recall trying these branded products, only to be disappointed by the actual taste.
Answer for Q28: B (This may have disappointing results)
Question 29: Development of ‘ghost kitchens’ for takeaway food
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Transcript Clue:
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MARIE: “Well, they might have the name of a restaurant, but actually they’re a cooking facility just for delivery meals – the public don’t ever go there. But people aren’t aware of that…”
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COLIN: “So people don’t realise the food’s not actually from the restaurant?”
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Interpretation:
They stress that people aren’t aware these facilities exist. That suggests lack of knowledge among the general public.
Answer for Q29: F (Most people know little about this)
Question 30: Use of mushrooms for common health concerns
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Transcript Clue:
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COLIN: “Did you know more and more people are using mushrooms now, to treat different health concerns?”
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MARIE: “Hmm. They might be taking a big risk there.”
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COLIN: “Yes, it’s hard to know which varieties are safe.”
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Interpretation: The conversation highlights risk or danger involved if people are unsure about which types of mushrooms are safe to eat.
Answer for Q30: H (This could be dangerous)
Common Challenges in IELTS Listening Matching Questions and How to Tackle Them
Matching questions in the IELTS Listening test can be deceptively tricky. While the format seems straightforward—matching items from two lists based on what you hear in the audio—the nuances in phrasing, synonyms, and speaker interactions can make this question type challenging for even advanced candidates. Let’s delve deeper into the common issues you may encounter with Matching questions and the most effective strategies to overcome them.
1. Speaker Identification
Challenge:
In Matching tasks, the audio often features multiple speakers, which can make it difficult to distinguish who said what. Rapid exchanges of dialogue, overlapping ideas, or speakers with similar viewpoints can create confusion, leading you to misattribute a statement or miss critical details.
Solution:
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Note the speaker’s role or viewpoint: Before the recording starts, familiarize yourself with the items you need to match (e.g., names, places, or features). As you listen, jot down shorthand notes for each speaker’s role or opinion. For example, in the provided example, you might note:
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Marie: Dislikes branded chef products, mentions ghost kitchens.
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Colin: Supports reducing packaging, skeptical about mushrooms.
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Focus on speaker transitions: Listen for transitions like “I think,” “In my opinion,” or “Actually, I disagree…” These phrases help you track who is speaking and their stance.
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Pay attention to tone and voice cues: Speakers often have distinct accents, tones, or speech patterns. Identifying these can help you attribute statements more accurately.
Pro Tip: Practice with group discussions in English podcasts or videos. Use exercises in our IELTS Listening eBook, where you’ll find targeted activities to strengthen your ability to distinguish between speakers effectively.
2. Synonyms and Paraphrasing
Challenge:
The wording in the audio rarely matches the text in the question. Instead, synonyms or paraphrased expressions are used, requiring you to recognize equivalent meanings. For example, the audio might say “unsafe,” while the question uses “dangerous.”
Solution:
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Expand your vocabulary: Build your understanding of common synonyms and paraphrases. For instance:
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“Benefits” → “Advantages,” “Pluses.”
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“Risky” → “Dangerous,” “Not safe.”
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Practice listening for meaning, not words: Focus on the broader context of what’s being said rather than specific terms. If the speaker mentions concerns about consuming mushrooms, it likely connects to something like “This could be dangerous.”
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Use prediction skills: Before the audio starts, predict how certain opinions might be paraphrased. For example, if the question mentions “strict regulations,” listen for terms like “government intervention” or “rules.”
3. Distractors
Challenge:
Matching tasks are notorious for including distractors—details in the audio that closely resemble the correct answer but differ slightly. These distractors are designed to test your attention to detail and ability to differentiate between similar options.
Solution:
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Identify key evidence: Always look for direct, clear confirmation of the answer. If a detail only partially matches, it’s likely a distractor.
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Be cautious of conflicting opinions: In multi-speaker conversations, one speaker might support an idea while another contradicts it. Ensure your match aligns with the correct speaker’s viewpoint.
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Cross-check options: As you find answers, eliminate them from your list of choices. This reduces confusion and helps you focus on the remaining items.
4. Time Pressure
Challenge:
Spending too much time on one match can cause you to miss crucial information for the next question. With fast-paced dialogues, it’s easy to fall behind and lose track of the conversation.
Solution:
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Skim the lists in advance: Before the recording begins, quickly review the items and options. Familiarize yourself with keywords to anticipate when each item might be mentioned.
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Move on if you’re stuck: If you’re uncertain about an answer, make an educated guess and proceed. Mark it for review later if time permits.
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Practice time management: Simulate test conditions during practice sessions. Use practice tests, like those provided in our IELTS Listening eBook, to develop a habit of pacing yourself effectively.
5. Understanding Context
Challenge:
Sometimes, an entire exchange between speakers clarifies an opinion rather than a single sentence. Focusing on just one part of the dialogue can lead to missed connections or incomplete answers.
Solution:
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Listen for the big picture: Pay attention to the flow of the conversation. For example, if Colin expresses doubt about mushrooms and Marie supports his point, their combined exchange helps confirm the correct match.
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Don’t rely solely on keywords: Understanding the overall sentiment or conclusion is more reliable than hunting for isolated phrases.
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Revisit unclear matches: Use the extra time after the recording to revisit items that require clarification.
With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle Matching questions confidently and efficiently. However, the best way to strengthen these skills is through consistent practice. That’s why our IELTS Listening eBook offers targeted exercises, audio scripts, and additional tips to help you master this and all other question types. Whether it’s building your vocabulary for paraphrasing or sharpening your speaker-tracking skills, the eBook is a comprehensive resource tailored to your success.