# IELTS Listening Matching Questions: Method and Tips | topin IELTS guidesListening matching Where IELTS Listening, often in Parts 2 and 3 Answers A letter from the list of options for each numbered item Order Numbered items follow the recording; the options do not Extras There are usually more options than items, so some are not used Marks One mark per item ## How it works Before the audio, read the numbered items and the list of options. As the speaker moves through the items in order, you listen for what is said about each one and match it to an option. The options are almost always paraphrased in the recording. ## Worked example What does the guide say about each place? Choose the correct letter, A to D. A closed for repairs B free entry this month C open at weekends only D must be booked in advance 1\. clock tower 2\. old mill 3\. glasshouse You hear: The clock tower normally charges a small fee, but for the rest of this month you can go up at no cost. The old mill was due to shut for roof work, but that's been put back, so it's open as usual; you'll just need to reserve a place on the tour beforehand, as numbers are limited. The glasshouse, I'm afraid, is out of action while the heating system is replaced. Show the answer 1 B, 2 D, 3 A 1: 'at no cost' this month means free entry, B. 2: the roof work has been postponed, so 'closed for repairs' is a distractor; 'reserve a place beforehand' means booking in advance, D. 3: 'out of action while the heating system is replaced' is closed for repairs, A. C is not used. ## A method for Listening matching 1. 1 ### Learn the options before the audio Read the list of options and think of one or two ways each could be paraphrased. 'Free entry' might be heard as 'no charge' or 'at no cost'. 2. 2 ### Keep your eyes on the numbered items The items come in recording order, so follow them one by one. Glance at the options only when you hear something that sounds like a match. 3. 3 ### Listen past the first idea Speakers often mention an option and then cancel it, as with the roof work in the example. Wait until they finish talking about the item before you decide. 4. 4 ### Guess rather than leave a gap If you miss an item, put your best guess from the unused options and move to the next item straight away. ## Traps to avoid * Choosing an option that is mentioned for an item and then cancelled, such as closing for repairs that has been postponed. * Losing your place by reading the whole option list while the speaker moves on. * Assuming every option is used once. Some are extras, and occasionally an option can be used more than once if the instructions say so. ## Listening matching FAQs Are IELTS Listening matching answers in order? The numbered items follow the order of the recording. The lettered options do not, so the answers will not be A, B, C in sequence. Can I use an option more than once in Listening matching? Only if the instructions say you may. Usually there are more options than items and each is used once at most. How can I improve at IELTS Listening matching? Practise predicting paraphrases for each option before the audio, then check the transcript afterwards to see which paraphrases you missed. ## Try Listening matching under real timing Your first full-length IELTS mock is free, with every section included. [Take the free mock ](/ielts/login)