In this part, you match five descriptions of people to eight short texts (labelled A–H) on the same topic. Three texts are distractors and will not be used.
Task Format and What You Do
- You read five short profiles of people who want something specific (e.g., a book, a course, a holiday activity, a place to live, or a website).
- Each person has 2–3 specific criteria or preferences.
- The eight texts are short descriptions (e.g., of books, courses, or events), each with a title or heading.
- Match each person to the most suitable text. No text matches more than one person.
Example topic: Five people want to attend a cycling course. You match them to descriptions of eight different courses.
Time: About 8–10 minutes (including reading and checking).
This task checks your ability to:
- Scan for specific information.
- Understand synonyms and paraphrasing (the text rarely uses the exact same words as the person’s description).
- Eliminate incorrect options by spotting mismatches in even one criterion.
- Pay close attention to details like price, location, level, age suitability, or special features.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Success
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Analyse the five people — underline or note the 2–3 key criteria for each (e.g., “wants something cheap, near public transport, relaxed atmosphere”).
- Scan the eight texts quickly — look for matches to the criteria. Mark possible options next to each person.
- Read in detail — for promising matches, check that all criteria are satisfied. Eliminate any that miss even one point.
- Choose carefully — ensure no two people get the same text. Use process of elimination for the final choices.
Common Topics
- Books or reading materials
- Courses or classes (language, sports, arts)
- Holidays, weekend activities, or events
- Places to live or visit
- Websites, apps, or products
- Clubs or leisure activities
Useful Tips and Techniques
- Focus on key words and synonyms (e.g., “inexpensive” = “cheap” or “affordable”; “quiet rural area” = “peaceful countryside”).
- Watch for negative or limiting phrases (e.g., “not suitable for beginners” eliminates options for a beginner).
- Distractors often match most but not all criteria — read every option fully.
- Do not worry about unknown words if you can understand the main points.