IELTS Reading Matching Headings Tips

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IELTS Reading Matching Headings Tips

How to do Matching Headings in IELTS Reading:-

The task requires you to match the heading to the correct paragraph or section. Headings are usually labeled with lower-case Roman numerals (I, ii, iii and so on) while paragraphs or section are labeled alphabetically (A, B, C and so on). As there are more headings than paragraphs or sections, some headings will not be used. The same heading cannot be used twice. Be careful to match ideas but not words in the heading may appear in a paragraph with a different idea. The task tests your ability to recognize the main idea of each paragraph and to distinguish main and supporting ideas.

Common Problems Answering IELTS Reading Matching Headings Questions

When doing Matching Headings questions, inexperienced IELTS test-takers will read every paragraph slowly and go back to look at headings, and then attempt to match headings to paragraphs. This is totally inefficient and unnecessary. Let me tell you why.

The first, the second sentence, and the last sentences of each IELTS reading paragraph usually give a summary of what the rest of the paragraph will discuss, and often contain keywords that one of the headings has. This means, by just looking at the first, the second, and the last sentences of the paragraph, you will have a rough idea of what the paragraph is about, and sometimes you can find the associated heading right away.

Also, do not be misled by headings that include only specific details rather than a general idea. Remember, there will be more headings than paragraphs, and these detailed headings are most likely included in order to confuse test-takers.

Matching Heading Questions –Step by Step

Step 1:

Read the instructions carefully. Also, note which paragraphs you need headings for.

Step 2:

Take a casual look at the list of headings.

Step 3:

Preview the text to form an idea of what could lie where.

Step 4:

Read through the related paragraph for which you have to find a heading. Concentrate on the main idea and try not to be distracted by details or by unfamiliar vocabulary. Generally, the heading lies in the first two or in the last two lines. Choose the heading that sums up the main idea of the paragraph.

Step 5:

In the first go, choose only the headings about which you very sure.

Step 6:

If you cannot choose between two headings, keep both tentatively and go on to the next paragraphs; you can come back to this question later. May be one of these gets eliminated automatically later.

Step 7:

Don’t choose two headings for the same paragraph unless the question asks you to do so.

Step 8:

Do not leave any question unanswered. If need be, guess!

Fast Tips for Matching Headings

– Pay attention to headings that are different or similar to each other.

– Spend time paraphrasing keywords in the possible headings

– If you have several question types for the same passage, always do the matching headings questions first, as the headings summarize the text and can help you scan the answers for other questions.

– Read the paragraphs to find the main ideas.

– Sometimes, there are more paragraphs than headings, so you will need to skim quickly.

– Distinguish between main idea and extra information in the paragraph.

–The heading should provide the main of the paragraph.

– Do not try to match words – this is about paragraph aims.

– Not all headings might be used.

– Your answer will be numeral (for example, i or vi) or a letter – do not write the words.

– There can only ever be one possible heading for each paragraph.

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