Overview
In the IELTS Reading Matching Headings task, you are given a list of headings and a passage divided into sections or paragraphs.
Your job is to match the correct heading to each paragraph in the reading passage.
Each heading summarizes the main idea of a paragraph.
✅ Key characteristics :
- You are given a list of headings, each summarizing a possible main idea.
- The passage is divided into sections or paragraphs, usually labeled A, B, C, etc.
- Your task is to match the correct heading to each paragraph or section.
- Each heading should reflect the overall main idea of a paragraph, not just a part of it.
- The wording in the paragraph and heading may differ, so focus on meaning, not exact words.
- You must read all headings first to understand your choices before reading the passage.
- Skim each paragraph to identify its central theme, ignoring minor or supporting details.
- Do not rely on matching words between the text and the headings—it can be misleading.
- Each heading is used only once, unless the instructions say otherwise.
- Some headings will not be used at all, so be careful when choosing.
- This task tests your ability to identify main ideas and understand how a paragraph is structured.
- Avoid choosing a heading based on just the first or last sentence of the paragraph.
⭐️ Important Tips :
- Similar Headings? → Focus on the main idea
- Paraphrase the paragraph in your own words, then find the matching heading..
- Distracting Details? → Ignore specifics at first
- S Don’t get stuck on names, dates, or statistics—they support the main idea, but aren’t the main idea themselves.
- Hard to Find Main Idea? → Practice summarizing
- Think about the central message; if you had to title the paragraph, what would it be?
- Too Many Similar Options? → Eliminate wrong choices
- Be sure your choice reflects the whole paragraph—not just part of it.
- Time Pressure? → Don’t over-read
- Skim and focus on key sentences. If stuck, move on and come back later
