IELTS lesson · Reading

IELTS Reading Matching Information notes

Find which paragraph holds one exact fact, even when the topic repeats. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 11 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 11 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: tag, scan, confirm and reset. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 11 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSReading · Matching information

    Find the fact, not the topic

    the trap that costs easy marks

    Two paragraphs can share a topic. Only one holds the exact information the question asks for.

    Question: "a reason for the delay". A: "The tower was finished in 1890."topic, no reason B: "Storms halted the work for two winters."the reason

    Same topic isn't the same information.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 11
  2. IELTSReading · Matching information

    What is the question asking for?

    tag the type before you scan

    Task asks forTypical signals
    A reasonbecause · so · for
    An examplefor example · a named case
    A comparisonthan · whereas · unlike
    A planwill · planned · next year
    A descriptionhow it looks or works

    IELTS lists what you may need to find: detail, example, reason, description, comparison, summary, explanation.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 11
  3. Card 3 of 11 onwards

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11 cards

Contents

  1. 1Find the fact, not the topicthe trap that costs easy marksIn the preview
  2. 2What is the question asking for?tag the type before you scanIn the preview
  3. 3Tag, scan, confirm, resetfour moves for every questionFree account
  4. 4Meet the passagefour paragraphs, letters A to DWith a plan
  5. 5Q1: a reasonthe topic is in two paragraphsWith a plan
  6. 6Q2: an examplea named case, not a general claimWith a plan
  7. 7Q3: the tricky one'price' is in two placesWith a plan
  8. 8Two classic mix-upsfix these before test dayWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnlook back at the passage on card 4With a plan
  10. 10Answers and whythe evidence for each oneWith a plan
  11. 11Save thisthe matching information checklistWith a plan

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Questions

FAQ

Is the Matching information lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Matching information PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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