B2 First Reading & Use of English Part 7
Multiple Matching
What is Part 7 Multiple matching?
Several short texts.
You match 10 questions to paragraphs or people.
What it tests
1. Locating specific information
Description:
Identify specific details (facts, examples, reasons, experiences) and match them to the correct section or person.
Example:
Text sections (A–D):
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A explains why someone chose to work abroad
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B describes a difficult first experience
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C focuses on professional benefits
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D mentions unexpected personal changes
Question:
Which person mentions initial difficulties?
Answer: B
-You must scan for the section containing that exact idea, often paraphrased.
2. Understanding paraphrase
Description:
Recognise when the same idea is expressed using different words. The wording in the questions rarely matches the text exactly.
Example:
Text:
John was quite anxious during my first few weeks.
Question:
Who mentions feeling nervous at the beginning?
Answer: John mentions feeling anxious
-Nervous = anxious
This tests vocabulary range and flexibility.
3. Recognising opinions and attitudes
Description:
Identify how people feel or think, not just what happened. Look for adjectives, adverbs, and evaluative language.
Example:
Text:
Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Question:
Who expresses a positive opinion about their experience?
-Match the section showing evaluation, not facts.
4. Comparing similar information
Description:
Distinguish between similar ideas in different sections and choose the one that best matches the question.
Example:
Two sections mention working long hours:
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A: mentions long hours as a problem
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C: mentions long hours as worthwhile
Question:
Who believes the effort was worth it?
Answer: C
-You must match the attitude, not just the topic.
Suggested strategy
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Underline key words in the questions
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Scan, don’t read every word
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Expect paragraphs to be used more than once
Common mistakes
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Spending too long on one question
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Assuming each paragraph is used once
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Matching by keywords only, not meaning
Part 7 Multiple Matching Format
Answers to this sample can be found in the interactive exercise below.
Interactive exercise with answers
You are going to read an article in which four people talk about their attitude towards protecting the environment. For questions 1-10 choose from the people A-D. The sections may be chosen more than once.
Which person
A – Noah
I’ve always cared about environmental issues, but I only started taking action recently. After learning more about climate change, I realised that small daily habits can make a real difference. I now try to reduce waste, recycle properly, and avoid using my car whenever possible. Although these changes sometimes feel inconvenient, they help me feel more responsible for my impact on the planet.
C – Marco
I believe protecting the environment should be a shared responsibility. While individuals can make a difference, I think governments and large companies need to take stronger action. I sometimes feel frustrated when I see people blaming individuals while ignoring larger environmental problems. For real change to happen, clear laws and international cooperation are essential.
B – Elena
My workplace has recently introduced several environmentally friendly policies, such as reducing paper use and encouraging staff to save energy. At first, I followed these rules simply because they were required. Over time, however, I began to understand their importance and started applying the same habits at home. This experience has completely changed how I think about environmental responsibility.
D – Priya
I’m passionate about environmental education, especially for young people. Through volunteering, I help organise workshops that teach children how their choices affect the environment. Seeing their enthusiasm gives me hope for the future. I believe raising awareness is just as important as changing habits, as it encourages long-term commitment to protecting the planet.