TRUCS I CONSELLSMultiple Matching

  • 10 questions
  • Usually 4 texts
  • Texts can be reused
  • 1 mark each
  • About 12 minutes

This is Part 7 of Reading and Use of English: one text divided into sections, or several short texts, and 10 questions. Each question describes a detail, opinion or experience, and you decide which text or section it belongs to.

Texts can be chosen more than once, so the same text may answer several questions. The task rewards quick, focused reading: you scan for the passage that says the same as the question, usually in different words.

Start with the questions

Begin with the questions, not the texts. Underline the key idea in each one, especially the words that make it specific: 'regrets', 'was surprised', 'changed their mind', 'for the first time'. That's what you'll be scanning for.

Look for paraphrase

The texts almost never repeat a question's wording. 'Didn't expect to enjoy it' might appear as 'I went along reluctantly, but...'. Look for the same meaning, and be wary of a text that shares a word with the question but says something else.

Only one matches exactly

Often more than one text touches on the idea in a question, but only one matches it completely. If two texts mention cost, check which one says it was 'surprisingly low' rather than just 'low', and read that part carefully before deciding.

Go text by text

Reading every text for every question takes far too long. It's quicker to read one text at a time in detail and note all the questions it answers, then move on to the next text and do the same.

Skim, scan, then read

This is the last part of the paper, when time is often short. Don't give every word equal attention: skim for the general content, scan for the passage you need, and read only that passage closely.

Never leave a blank

There's no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question empty. If time runs out, choose the text that seems most likely; with only a handful of texts to pick from, a sensible guess has a real chance.

Strategy

  1. 1Go through the ten questions first, marking the words that make each one specific.
  2. 2Skim all the texts to see roughly what each writer or section covers.
  3. 3Study one text at a time in detail, noting every question it answers, then move on to the next.
  4. 4Check the evidence for each match by finding the exact words that express the question's idea.
  5. 5If a question seems to fit two texts, compare both passages and choose the one that matches every part of it.
  6. 6Answer every question, using your best guess for any you're unsure about.
Practica Multiple Matching68 exàmens per practicar. El primer és gratuït.