IELTS Listening: Matching Questions in Part 2 & 3

The IELTS Listening test includes different question types to measure how well candidates understand factual details, relationships, and opinions in spoken English. Among these, Matching Questions appear frequently in Part 2 and Part 3, testing both listening comprehension and logical connection of ideas.

This guide, prepared under the instruction of FAHIM Sir, who achieved an outstanding 8.5 out of 9 band score in the IELTS Listening module, explains both question types clearly and provides real examples used in IELTS Listening.

IELTS Listening Part 2: Matching Information in Everyday Contexts

Overview

In IELTS Listening Part 2, you will hear one speaker giving information about a general or social topic, such as a job opportunity, public facility, or tour service. The Matching question type tests your ability to connect items with their features, responsibilities, or descriptions.

You may need to match:

• Jobs with their main features,
• Tours with their facilities, or
• Locations with their functions.

This part focuses on factual and descriptive listening rather than opinions or attitudes.

Example: Matching in IELTS Listening Part 2

What information does Megan give about each of the following job opportunities?

Choose SIX answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–H, next to Questions 15–20.

Information
A. not a permanent job
B. involves leading a team
C. experience not essential
D. intensive work but also fun
E. chance to earn more through overtime
F. chance for rapid promotion
G. accommodation available
H. local travel involved

Job opportunities
15. Fresh food commercial manager ……
16. Agronomist ……
17. Fresh produce buyer ……
18. Garden centre sales manager ……
19. Tree technician ……
20. Farm worker ……

Source : Cambridge IELTS Book 16

This question requires matching each job title with the correct information Megan provides.

Strategy for IELTS Listening Part 2 Matching

1. Preview the two lists quickly before the recording begins.
2. Identify key nouns and adjectives (e.g., “permanent,” “leading,” “fun,” “promotion”).
3. Predict possible connections using logic.
4. Listen for synonyms and paraphrases, not exact words.
   • Example: “chance for rapid promotion” may be said as “quickly move up in the company.”
5. Answer as you listen — there is no transfer time in computer-based IELTS Listening.
6. Review briefly at the end of the section.

IELTS Listening Part 3: Matching Opinions and Attitudes in Academic Contexts

Overview

In IELTS Listening Part 3, the focus changes to an academic or training context involving two or more speakers discussing a project, research, or case study. Matching questions in this part test how well you can recognize opinions, attitudes, or evaluations of the speakers.

You may need to match:

• Speakers with their opinions,
• Cities with public policies, or
• Researchers with their ideas.

This part demands careful attention to tone, comparison, and contrast between speakers.

Example: Matching in IELTS Listening Part 3

What is the speakers’ opinion of the bike-sharing schemes in each of the following cities?

Choose SIX answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–G, next to Questions 25–30.

Opinion of bike-sharing scheme
A. They agree it has been disappointing.
B. They think it should be cheaper.
C. They are surprised it has been so successful.
D. They agree that more investment is required.
E. They think the system has been well designed.
F. They disagree about the reasons for its success.
G. They think it has expanded too quickly.

Cities
25. Amsterdam ……
26. Dublin ……
27. London ……
28. Buenos Aires ……
29. New York ……
30. Sydney ……

Source : Cambridge IELTS Book 16

In this IELTS Listening Part 3 Matching question, you must identify each speaker’s opinion about the bike-sharing systems in six cities.

Strategy for IELTS Listening Part 3 Matching

1. Read the city names and opinion list before the recording starts.
2. Identify what is being matched — in this example, it is cities → opinions.
3. Track the names of speakers or cities mentioned in conversation.
4. Listen carefully for attitude markers such as “I suppose,” “I was impressed,” or “I’m not sure.”
5. Note contrast signals like “however,” “on the other hand,” or “unlike,” as they often introduce differing opinions.
6. Select answers during the audio – do not wait until the end.

Key Differences Between Part 2 and Part 3 Matching Questions

Feature	IELTS Listening Part 2	IELTS Listening Part 3
Context	Everyday or social topic	Academic or analytical discussion
Speakers	One speaker	Two or more speakers
Focus	Factual information	Opinions and attitudes
Skill Tested	Following descriptions	Identifying viewpoints
Difficulty Level	Moderate	Higher
Common Topics	Jobs, tours, facilities	Projects, research, systems

Although both sections include Matching questions, Part 2 focuses on factual listening, while Part 3 requires understanding of opinions and reasons.

Final Advice from FAHIM Sir

According to FAHIM Sir (8.5/9 in IELTS Listening), “Matching questions in IELTS Listening require students to focus on meaning, not only words. Listen for relationships between ideas, and pay attention to changes in tone or opinion.”

By practicing both Part 2 and Part 3 Matching question types in computer-based IELTS Listening mock tests, students can build strong comprehension skills and achieve higher band scores.

IELTS Listening Practice with British Council

IELTS Listening Competition by FAHIM Sir

Fahim Sir’s Stduent Sucess Story