L26: Matching questions in Part 3

In a matching question, you get a list of things, like three books or four research methods. Then you get a box of options, like opinions or features. Your job is to match each item to the right option. It sounds simple, but in a fast Part 3 discussion, it can feel like juggling. Here's how to keep control.

Why this matters

Matching blocks often have five or six questions. If you lose track, you can lose most of them together. With a clear method, matching becomes one of the more reliable question types.

How matching is set up

What do the students think about each research method?

Options:

• A) too expensive
• B) too slow
• C) easy to organise
• D) likely to be accurate
• E) not suitable for this topic

Methods:

• 21. interviews
• 22. online surveys
• 23. observation

Two important things:

1. The questions (21, 22, 23) come in order. The speakers discuss interviews first, then surveys, then observation.
2. The options (A to E) do not come in order. And there are more options than questions, so some won't be used.

The method

Before the audio:

1. Read the options and turn each into a short word in your head. A = cost. B = time. C = easy. D = accurate. E = wrong for topic.
2. Think of how each might be said differently. "Too slow" could be "it would take ages" or "we don't have time".

During the audio:

3. Listen for the item, like "interviews". This tells you which question you're on.
4. Then listen for what they decide about it. Not just the first thing they say.
5. Write the letter quickly, then move to the next item.

A worked example

Nadia: Let's think about interviews first.

Ben: They give really detailed answers. But each one takes an hour, and we'd need twenty.

Nadia: True. We'd never finish in time.

Ben: Online surveys, then? We could send them to the whole class in one email.

Nadia: Yes, that would be simple to set up.

Ben: And observation?

Nadia: Watching people won't tell us what they think about the canteen food. It's just the wrong method for this.

Notice that for interviews, "detailed answers" sounds like it could be D, accurate. But the decision was about time. "We'd never finish" means too slow.

Common traps

• A positive point, then a negative decision. The final judgement is what counts.
• One speaker disagrees with the other. Check if the question asks what both think, or what one person thinks.
• Using an option twice. Read the instructions. Sometimes it says "You may use any letter more than once." If it doesn't say that, assume each letter is used once.

Try it yourself

What does the tutor say about each source? A) too old B) very useful C) hard to find

"The government report is great, you should use it a lot. The 1995 book, though, is quite out of date now."

• Government report: __________
• 1995 book: __________

Honest note

Matching questions with seven or eight options are tough. If you fall behind, use L16's recovery plan. Jump to the next item you hear, and guess the missed one at the end.

Your task today

Find a matching question in a practice book. Before you listen, rewrite every option as one short word. See if it helps you follow.