Matching Headings in IELTS Reading

Matching headings in the Reading test is one type of question that many IELTS test-takers find difficult. This question type requires you to match the question's heading to the appropriate paragraph or reading section in the text. Because there will always be more headings than paragraphs or sections, some headings will be skipped. It is also possible that some of the text will not be included in the task. This task type is used with paragraphs that have clearly defined themes. It assesses your ability to identify the main idea in a paragraph as well as supporting ideas.

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How you approach this type of question is personal, you should select the strategy that works best for you. We outline two strategies to help you match headings in IELTS reading more successfully.

1) Read the text first, then headings.
2) Read headings first, then text.

Some teachers will tell you to always read the text before looking at the headings, while others will tell you to always look at the headings first.

Personally, I believe the first strategy is the most straightforward. However, my advice is to experiment with both while practicing to see which one works best for you. Because different people process information in different ways, one method may be more suitable for you than the other.

In any case, if a matching headings question for one of the texts in your test comes up, answer it first. By doing so, you'll have a firm grasp of the text's main points by the time you get to the other questions. This will save you a considerable amount of time.

Before we get into the specifics of the two strategies, I'd like to quickly highlight the main issues that students face when confronted with these types of questions, as well as provide you with some key information.

Key problems:

• There are more headings than paragraphs, making it more difficult to select the correct ones.
• The meanings of some headings will be very similar.
• It's easy to mix up specific details in a paragraph with the main idea – they may be distinct.
• Synonyms and paraphrasing will be used frequently.
• It's easy to waste time on this type of question.

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Key tips:

• As you match each heading in the test booklet to a paragraph, cross it out. This will remove it from consideration as you move on to the next paragraph.
• Work through the paragraphs in order, but skip ahead if you can't find the heading match. Return to it after you've eliminated more headings and have fewer to choose from.

So, let's take a closer look at the two strategies.

Strategy 1 – Read the Text First, Then Headings

Follow these steps.

1) Read the instructions

It is critical that you understand what you need to do. The headings are in the middle of the instructions, but for this first strategy, don't read them yet.

2) Read the first paragraph

The goal is to identify the main idea. Pay attention to the first one or two sentences and the final sentence, as these will usually introduce and summarize the main idea. The rest of the text should be read quickly.

For this type of question, you do not need to know the specifics. It should be noted that a section may contain more than one paragraph at times. In this case, you must identify the main idea in each paragraph.

3) Summarize the main idea

In your own words, summarize the main idea of the paragraph as if you were writing your own heading. Do it in no more than a few words or a short phrase. Put this next to it.

4) Read the headings

It's now time to go through the list of headings. Try to match your summary of the first paragraph to one of the headings as you go. Make sure you read them all carefully and don't just pick the first one that appears to match because there could be two that are very similar in meaning.

Look for keywords as clues, as well as synonyms, as these are likely to be used.

5) Repeat for all sections

Repeat these steps for each text section. If you become stuck on a particular paragraph, move on and return to it once you've matched more headings and crossed them off the list. When there are fewer headings to choose from, it will be easier to find the one you're looking for.

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6) Similar headings

If you have two very similar headings and can't decide which one is the correct one, write them out one under the other to help you focus on the differences.

7) Eliminate used headings

Once you've matched a heading, cross it out in pencil to remove it from further consideration.

Strategy 2 – Read Headings First, Then Text

Follow these steps.

1) Read the headings

First, read the full instructions, including the headings, and then zero in on the headings. Read each one carefully and try to figure out what it means. Remember that each will summarize the main idea of the paragraph it corresponds to.

Also, keep in mind that there will be more headings than paragraphs, so you won't need all of them.

2) Underline keywords

Underline any names, numbers, dates, or place names in a heading to identify them as keywords that should be easy to find in the text. Or perhaps there is a key noun that stands out. It could be one that appears under multiple headings.

As you read each paragraph, this will help you match the information in the text and headings.

3) Identify similar titles

There will frequently be two headings with similar meanings, making it difficult to determine which one is the correct match.

Make a note of any similar headings you come across. It will remind you to take a close look at both of them if you believe one of them is the match.

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4) Read the first paragraph

The goal is to identify the main idea. Pay attention to the first one or two sentences and the final sentence, as these will most likely introduce and summarize the main idea. The rest of the text should be read quickly. For this type of question, you do not need to know the specifics.

Look for any keywords you highlighted in the heading. Keep in mind that synonyms could be used instead.

It should be noted that a section may contain more than one paragraph at times. In this case, you must identify the main idea in each paragraph.

5) Choose the matching heading

Now that you understand the main idea of the first paragraph, return to the headings and choose the best match. If you have two possible headings, write one under the other to help you focus on the difference between them.

Once you've made your decision and filled in your answer, cross through the heading in pencil to remove it from further consideration.

6) Move on

As I mentioned in the tips above, if you're having trouble finding the right heading, move on and come back to it once you've eliminated more headings and have fewer to choose from.

7) Repeat for all sections

Repeat these steps for each text section. I recommend that you concentrate on the first two sentences and the last one, then skim-read the rest of the paragraph.

If you didn't get it, go back and read the paragraph again to see if you can figure out why it's the correct match. The more you practice matching headings questions, the easier they will become. Choose the best strategy for you and stick to it.