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Multiple Matching (A2 Key)

Read three short texts on the same topic and decide which text each question is about.

8-10 minutes
A2 Key (KET)

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What is this question type?

This task tests whether you can find specific information in short texts and notice small differences between them. In A2 Key Reading and Writing Part 2, you read three short texts, such as three people describing a hobby or three advertisements. There are seven questions. For each one, you choose text A, B or C.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the title and the three texts quickly to see what they are about

  2. 2

    Read each question and underline the key words

  3. 3

    Look for the same idea in the texts, often said with different words

  4. 4

    Check all three texts before you choose, because two texts may mention a similar idea

  5. 5

    Use each text as many times as you need: one text can be the answer to several questions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing a text because it has the same word as the question, not the same meaning

  • Missing words like "not", "never" or "only" that change the meaning

  • Stopping at the first text that seems right without checking the other two

  • Thinking each text must be used the same number of times

  • Spending too long on one question

Tips for Success

  • Learn simple synonyms, for example "cheap" and "doesn't cost much"

  • Notice time words like "every day", "at weekends" and "last year"

  • Read short texts such as reviews, blog posts and adverts in English

  • Write the letter next to each question as soon as you find the evidence

  • If you are not sure, choose the best answer. A blank answer gets no mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are there?
There are 7 questions and three texts (A, B and C).
Can I use a text more than once?
Yes. Each text is the answer to more than one question.
How long should I spend on this part?
About 8-10 minutes. The whole Reading and Writing paper is 60 minutes, so leave enough time for the writing tasks.

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Multiple Matching (A2 Key) - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

This task tests whether you can find specific information in short texts and notice small differences between them. In A2 Key Reading and Writing Part 2, you read three short texts, such as three people describing a hobby or three advertisements. There are seven questions. For each one, you choose text A, B or C.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the title and the three texts quickly to see what they are about
  2. Read each question and underline the key words
  3. Look for the same idea in the texts, often said with different words
  4. Check all three texts before you choose, because two texts may mention a similar idea
  5. Use each text as many times as you need: one text can be the answer to several questions

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Choosing a text because it has the same word as the question, not the same meaning
  • Missing words like "not", "never" or "only" that change the meaning
  • Stopping at the first text that seems right without checking the other two
  • Thinking each text must be used the same number of times
  • Spending too long on one question

Expert Tips

  • Learn simple synonyms, for example "cheap" and "doesn't cost much"
  • Notice time words like "every day", "at weekends" and "last year"
  • Read short texts such as reviews, blog posts and adverts in English
  • Write the letter next to each question as soon as you find the evidence
  • If you are not sure, choose the best answer. A blank answer gets no mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are there?

There are 7 questions and three texts (A, B and C).

Can I use a text more than once?

Yes. Each text is the answer to more than one question.

How long should I spend on this part?

About 8-10 minutes. The whole Reading and Writing paper is 60 minutes, so leave enough time for the writing tasks.

Available in: A2 Key (KET)

Time allowed: 8-10 minutes