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Matching (B1 Preliminary)

Match five people to the text that best fits what each person needs.

8-10 minutes
B1 Preliminary (PET)

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What is this question type?

This task tests whether you can read for detail and compare information. In B1 Preliminary Reading Part 2, you read short descriptions of five people and eight short texts, such as books, courses or places to visit. You match each person to the one text that meets all their needs. Three texts are not used.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read about each person first and underline every need, often three for each person

  2. 2

    Scan the eight texts for the main topic, then read the likely ones in detail

  3. 3

    Choose a text only if it matches all of the person's needs, not just one or two

  4. 4

    Watch for texts that match most needs but fail one, such as the wrong day or price

  5. 5

    Cross out texts you have used so the remaining choices are clear

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Matching on one key word instead of checking every need

  • Missing small details like age, cost, time or place

  • Forgetting that three texts are extra and are not used

  • Reading all eight texts in detail before looking at the people

  • Changing a correct answer without a clear reason

Tips for Success

  • Make a quick list of needs for each person, such as "beginner, weekends, cheap"

  • Learn common paraphrases: "no experience needed" can match "a beginner"

  • Look for words like "but", "only" and "except" that can rule a text out

  • Start with the person whose needs are clearest

  • Practice with real-world texts like course listings and holiday adverts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people and texts are there?
There are five people and eight texts. Each person matches one text, so three texts are not used.
Can two people match the same text?
No. Each text is the answer for one person at most.
What if two texts seem to fit?
Check every need again. Usually one of the texts fails a small detail, such as the day, price or level.

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Matching (B1 Preliminary) - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

This task tests whether you can read for detail and compare information. In B1 Preliminary Reading Part 2, you read short descriptions of five people and eight short texts, such as books, courses or places to visit. You match each person to the one text that meets all their needs. Three texts are not used.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read about each person first and underline every need, often three for each person
  2. Scan the eight texts for the main topic, then read the likely ones in detail
  3. Choose a text only if it matches all of the person's needs, not just one or two
  4. Watch for texts that match most needs but fail one, such as the wrong day or price
  5. Cross out texts you have used so the remaining choices are clear

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Matching on one key word instead of checking every need
  • Missing small details like age, cost, time or place
  • Forgetting that three texts are extra and are not used
  • Reading all eight texts in detail before looking at the people
  • Changing a correct answer without a clear reason

Expert Tips

  • Make a quick list of needs for each person, such as "beginner, weekends, cheap"
  • Learn common paraphrases: "no experience needed" can match "a beginner"
  • Look for words like "but", "only" and "except" that can rule a text out
  • Start with the person whose needs are clearest
  • Practice with real-world texts like course listings and holiday adverts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people and texts are there?

There are five people and eight texts. Each person matches one text, so three texts are not used.

Can two people match the same text?

No. Each text is the answer for one person at most.

What if two texts seem to fit?

Check every need again. Usually one of the texts fails a small detail, such as the day, price or level.

Available in: B1 Preliminary (PET)

Time allowed: 8-10 minutes