IELTS Listening
Listening matching questions
Matching questions give you a list of items (people, places, opinions or features) and a box of options to match them to. The items follow the recording, but the options don't, and some options aren't used.
Read the options several times before the recording starts so you can recognise them when you hear a paraphrase.
What the question looks like
matching. “”
How to answer
Match Speakers to Statements
- Read each statement and note the opinion it describes.
- Listen for the speaker’s own view, not a view they report someone else holding.
- Notice opinion signals such as “I prefer”, “I believe” and “for me”.
- Match each speaker to the statement that best sums up their position.
Example: Two people discuss a weekend course. Speaker 1: I think the practical sessions are the most useful part. Speaker 2: For me, the short course is a good choice because it fits around work. Match Speaker 1 with “Practical sessions are most useful” and Speaker 2 with “The course suits people with busy schedules”.
Match Items to Categories
- Read each category and note what kind of example belongs in it.
- Listen for the main point of each example, not just one familiar word.
- Ask what the example shows or describes, then match it to the best-fitting category.
- Use the whole example when choosing; one detail alone may not show its main category.
Example: Task: classify a learner’s comment about a gardening workshop. Categories: equipment, instruction, and scheduling. The speaker says, “The tutor showed us how to prune the plants.” This is instruction, because the example describes learning how to do something.
Follow Matching Instructions
- Read the instruction line before you match anything; it tells you how often each option may be used.
- “Use each option once only” means you cannot repeat an option.
- “You may use an option more than once” means the same option can match several answers.
- Do not assume the rule from the task type. Follow the instruction given for that task.
Example: Matching-task instruction. Instruction: You may use any letter more than once. This means one letter can be used for two or more answers.
Track Matching Answers
- Before listening, note the topic beside each question number. This gives every answer a clear place.
- As the discussion moves on, keep track of which person or item is being discussed.
- Write each detail beside its question number straight away. Do not let it drift into the next answer.
- After a turn, check that each note still matches the right question.
Example: A discussion of three project plans. Question 1 is about staffing, question 2 about equipment, and question 3 about time. The speaker says the first plan needs more staff, the second needs specialist equipment, and the third takes longer. Record the details in their own places: 1—staff, 2—equipment, 3—time.
Practise
Short items from the ielts.coach lessons. Answer them, then check to see why each answer is right.
1Which statement best represents the speaker’s view of keeping the branch library open?
2Which statement reflects Speaker B’s view of gardening?
3Which speaker thinks the new appointment system is convenient?
4The pottery centre offers several kinds of support. Which category fits the items it provides? Categories: Materials supplied; Instructor feedback; Flexible timings.
5A learner explains why they chose a class. Which category best describes the reason? Categories: Cost; Timetable; Location.
6Which category best fits the help the learner received? Categories: Shared equipment; Expert advice; Flexible access.
7How may each letter be used?
8What is the rule for using letters?
Test hacks
Wait for the correction
Speakers often give one answer and then change it. Don't write the first thing you hear; keep listening until the sentence finishes.
Why it works: Self-corrections are a classic IELTS distractor.
Predict the gap before you hear it
In the seconds before each part, read the notes and decide what kind of word fits each gap: a number, a time, a name, a noun, an adjective.
Why it works: You'll know what to listen for, so the answer jumps out instead of slipping past.
Spelling counts, capitals don't
A misspelled answer is marked wrong. You can write answers in capital letters if that makes your spelling clearer.
Why it works: Easy marks are lost to spelling every day. Names are often spelled out letter by letter, so be ready.
Practise with feedback on every answer
ielts.coach builds daily lessons and practice around your interests and level, marks Writing and Speaking like an examiner in seconds, and plans your weeks to test day.