Vocabulary · Free lesson
IELTS Reading: whose view is it?
A paragraph mentions two researchers and their different views. Matching one repeated word can send you to the wrong person.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Find the name plus reporting phrase: Nora argues that…. Then keep the whole view, including words such as may or only. A nearby name alone does not prove who holds the opinion.
Connect person, reporting phrase, and claim.
In matching features, statements connect to options such as people. Scan for names, then read the surrounding clauses carefully. Says, argues, and believes can introduce a view; unlike can signal a contrast. Match meaning even when the statement paraphrases the text.
Compare the examples
Nora believes gardens can help residents meet.
Unlike Nora, Leo argues that a shared indoor room is more useful.
A place inside is the better option. → Leo
Nora appears in Leo’s sentence, but argues belongs to Leo. Read the grammar around both names.
Build the meaning step by step
Find the reporting subject
Unlike Nora, Leo argues that… → Leo
Keep the claim
a shared indoor room is more useful → prefers the indoor option
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Match the person
Read all answers and explanations
“Unlike Nora, Leo argues that a shared indoor room is more useful.” Who prefers the indoor option?
LeoLeo is the subject of argues. Unlike marks a contrast with Nora.
“Mina says gardens may reduce stress. Owen says they always do.” Who makes the less certain claim?
MinaMina uses may, a possibility. Owen uses always, a stronger claim.
“Sara describes Ben’s proposal but supports Asha’s plan.” Whose plan does Sara support?
Asha’s planDescribing a proposal is not the same as supporting it. Supports points to Asha’s plan.
Put it into practice
Repair an attribution note
Source: “Tara says the project may help small towns. Malik says only large cities will benefit.” Keep the source meaning.
Malik: small towns may benefit.
See a model answer
Tara: small towns may benefit.
A good match preserves both attribution and meaning.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I use the same person twice?
Read the task instructions. Official matching-features guidance allows repeated options in some tasks, but the instructions must tell you when reuse is allowed.
Check the instructions before reusing a name.
Is finding a person’s name enough to choose the answer?
No. Read the statement attached to that person and compare its meaning with the question. A nearby name alone does not show who holds the view.
Lena argues that the new schedule gives staff more flexibility.
Take it into your day
The speaker and the exact strength of the claim both matter.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
Build the English foundations behind this skill.
The English Grammar and English Speaking Master Course develops broader grammar, sentence-building, and communication foundations. Clear sentence relationships help you follow attributed views. The dedicated exam course is coming soon; the available main course is not a complete exam-preparation program.
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