Matching information: which paragraph do I look for?
Locate specific information such as an example, a reason or a comparison.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
In this task you are looking not for the general heading of a paragraph but for the specific information asked for. The question may say “an example”, “a reason” or “a comparison”.
First work out the type of information. If “a reason” is asked for, look for a cause-and-effect link; seeing a date is not enough.
The same paragraph letter can be used again only if the instructions allow it. Don't assume that every paragraph must be an answer.
See an example
A: The centre opened in 2012 and serves three nearby schools.
B: It offers evening sessions because many local residents work during the day.
Question: A reason for the centre's opening hours.
Answer: B. Because shows the reason the hours were chosen. A has the opening date, but not a reason for choosing the hours.
Now you try
A: The old building had no lift, while the new one has step-free access on every floor.
B: Last year, the centre welcomed 4,000 visitors.
Which paragraph contains a comparison of earlier and present conditions? Also pick the two parts that show the answer.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
A — the old building had no lift is the earlier condition and the new one has step-free access is the new condition.
B gives only one year's visitor number. It does not compare the figures for two periods. Although the word “comparison” from the question is not written in the passage, the old … while … new relationship shows it.
Yes/No/Not Given: whose opinion is it?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Reading