What matching is: In a matching task (emparejar) you link two sets together: each person to what they say, or each heading to its paragraph, or the two halves of a sentence. Each option is used once, and there is often one extra distractor that matches nothing — to catch you out.
- emparejar
- to match / pair up
- la pareja / el par
- the pair (a matched couple)
- el titular
- the headline / heading
- el párrafo
- the paragraph
- la opinión
- the opinion / view
- la opción sobrante
- the extra (spare) option that matches nothing
There's usually one extra: Matching tasks normally give you one more option than you need. One item will be left over — so if everything seems to fit easily, double-check: one of your matches is probably wrong.
Common matching formats: Matching comes in a few standard shapes. Whatever the format, the rule is the same: each option is used once, and there's usually one extra to catch you. Match on meaning, not on a single shared word.
| Formato | Qué emparejas |
|---|---|
| personas ↔ opiniones | cada persona con lo que dice o piensa |
| titulares ↔ párrafos | cada titular con el párrafo que resume |
| mitades de frase | el principio de una frase con su final correcto |
| preguntas ↔ respuestas | cada pregunta con la respuesta que le corresponde |
| ¿Cuántas opciones? | una más de las que necesitas — sobra una |
Each option, once only: Every option is used exactly once. If you've used one twice, one of those matches is wrong — and remember the spare option is meant to be left over.
Study smarter, not longer
Most students waste 40% of study time on topics they already know. Our AI tracks your progress and optimizes every minute.
Try Smart Study Free7-day free trial • No card required
A reliable matching routine: Don't match top-to-bottom in order. Read both lists, lock in the matches you're sure of, then use elimination for the rest. Finish by checking nothing is used twice and the spare is left over.
Win at matching — 5 steps
1
Read both lists
Read both sets fully before you match anything, so you know all the options.
2
Sure ones first
Do the matches you are certain of first — they remove options from play.
3
Eliminate
For the rest, cross off options already used; the choice gets smaller each time.
4
Match the rest
Match every remaining item — leave no question blank, even if unsure.
5
Check
Confirm no option is used twice and the spare distractor is the one left over.
Read both → Sure ones first → Eliminate → Match rest → Check
Anchor on the sure matches: Start with the matches you're confident about. Each one you lock in removes an option, making the doubtful ones easier — that's why you don't go in order.
A matching task in action: Here are three short statements — the kind Paper 2 (Reading) matches a person to. The text stays in front of you, so you find who says what. Read all three (tap Ver traducción if you get stuck), then we'll match one question together.
Tres jóvenes y su tiempo libre: Tres jóvenes hablan de cómo pasan su tiempo libre.
Ana: «A mí me encanta el deporte. Entreno con el equipo de baloncesto tres tardes a la semana y los fines de semana jugamos partidos. Para mí, lo importante es estar en forma y con mis amigas.»
Luis: «Yo prefiero quedarme en casa. Toco la guitarra y compongo mis propias canciones. No me gustan mucho las multitudes; estoy más a gusto cuando hay tranquilidad.»
Marta: «Lo que más me gusta es viajar. Cada verano visito un país nuevo con mi familia y aprendo algunas palabras de su idioma. Así conozco otras culturas sin gastar mucho dinero.»
- el tiempo libre
- free time
- entrenar
- to train / practise
- componer canciones
- to write / compose songs
- las multitudes
- crowds
- conocer otras culturas
- to get to know other cultures
Matching a person to a statement
Un emparejamiento, paso a paso
- Read the question — «¿Quién dice que aprende cosas de otros países sin gastar mucho?»
- Locate the person. Scan for «viajar» / «culturas» / «dinero»: Marta dice «conozco otras culturas sin gastar mucho dinero».
- Match — La respuesta es Marta. (Ana habla de deporte; Luis, de la guitarra y la tranquilidad — no encajan.)
Match the whole meaning: Match on the meaning of the whole statement, not a single word it shares with the question. A distractor person may use one of the same words while saying something different.
Practice with real exam questions
Answer exam-style questions and get AI feedback that shows you exactly what examiners want to see in a full-marks response.
Try Practice Free7-day free trial • No card required
Where matching marks are lost: Matching marks are lost when you match on a single shared word rather than the meaning, when you reuse an option, or when you leave a blank. Compare the two columns.
Buenas prácticas
- Match on the meaning of the whole statement, not one shared word.
- Do the sure matches first, then eliminate for the rest.
- Use each option exactly once.
- Match every item; leave the spare distractor as the one left over.
Errores típicos
- Match because two items share a single word, ignoring the meaning.
- Reuse an option for two items.
- Leave a question blank instead of matching by elimination.
- Forget there is a spare and try to use every option.
Don't be fooled by a shared word: A distractor often repeats a word from the question while meaning something different. Always check the whole statement says what the question claims — a shared word is not a match.