🎯 FCE Reading and Use of English Part 7: Multiple Matching

We have reached the grand finale of the Reading section! Part 7 (Multiple Matching) is a task that tests a student’s ability to quickly scan a text and locate specific information (a skill known as scanning).

Students are given either one long text divided into sections (A, B, C, D…) or several shorter texts on the same topic (e.g., four different people talking about their travel experiences). They must then answer 10 questions by matching each question to the correct letter of the text.

• Scoring: Each correct answer is worth 1 point.
• The Golden Rule: The letters can (and definitely will!) be used more than once. For example, text „A” might be the correct answer for three different questions, while text „C” might only be the answer for one.

📋 The Step-by-Step Strategy

This task is a race against the clock. Students often make the mistake of reading the texts from beginning to end with too much attention to detail. Teach them this highly effective scanning method:

1. Start with the Questions, NOT the Text: The student should read all 10 questions first and underline the key words in each (e.g., disappointed, weather, unexpected cost).
2. Scan the First Text (Text A): Read through text A relatively quickly, keeping the underlined key words from the questions in mind. If you find a section that answers a question, write „A” next to that question.
3. Hunt for Paraphrases: Examiners almost never use the same exact words in the question and the text. If the question asks about „an unexpected cost,” the text will probably mention that something was „surprisingly expensive” or „blew the budget.” Always look for synonyms and parallel phrases!
4. Move to the Next Text: Once you have filtered Text A through all the questions, move on to Text B and repeat the process.
5. Look for the Defining Detail: If a student is hesitating between two texts, they need to look for a specific distinguishing detail. Often, two texts will mention the same general topic (like food), but only one will match the exact condition in the question (like disappointing food).

💡 Tips and „Hacks” for Students

• Don’t Get Stuck on Unknown Words: In Part 7, there will always be advanced vocabulary. Remind students that they don’t need to understand every single word to find the answer. They just need to find the specific information requested in the prompt.
• Process of Elimination: If they are absolutely sure that texts A, B, and C do not contain the answer, they can confidently guess D to save time and move on.
• Leave It for Last: Since this part requires a lot of page-flipping and scanning, many students find it helpful to do Part 7 last, ensuring they have secured points in the more grammar-heavy sections first.