IELTS Reading Matching Headings

The IELTS Reading Test features forty questions over a span of three different passages. The forty questions can contain up to eleven different question types, which are set to test different reading and comprehension skills. In this lesson, we will cover the Matching Headings question type, which will test your ability to understand the main idea of each paragraph.

First off - what are headings? Headings are short sentences that summarize the information in a given paragraph. In general, headings contain general ideas and do not contain supporting details, since they act as general descriptors of a paragraph.

For this question type, you will usually be presented with five to nine headings, sometimes, although rare, there could be more than nine headings. It's important to note that there will always be more headings than paragraphs. The objective of this question type is to match each paragraph in the reading text to one heading, based on the general information in the text. Here is an example of what a Matching Heading would look like in the IELTS Exam:


As such, this type of question calls upon your ability to skim for the general idea of each paragraph. How can we do this while also adhering to strict time constraints on the exam? Using the skimming technique, we will show you how to focus on the first and last sentences of each paragraph in order to get the general idea (or ‘gist’) of what each paragraph is about. Our strategy will reflect this objective and more!

The amount of questions for this specific task can vary, but keep in mind that answers will only be used once in the Matching Headings question type. Do not get confused with the general rules of other Matching question types! Remember: In the other matching question types (Matching Features, Matching Information, and Matching Sentence Endings), the given choices can be used more than once. Of course, given the structure of the question type, answers will be in a random order throughout the passage.

The first three steps contain "preparation work", which will be done while reading the headings. The last two steps are to be done with the reading passage itself.

1. Read Each Heading - Think of this step as the “Golden Rule” of any reading question on the IELTS exam. You should never “read blindly”, or reading the passage without knowing exactly what to read for. Therefore, the first step in this case will be to read the information given to you. Reading the provided information first will help you get an overview of the theme of the passage, which will help you scan for information later.

Go through the headings that have been given to you in the test. Be sure to understand the general meaning of each heading and then move on to the next.

2. Find Key Words - Once you've read a heading for its meaning, circle or underline any key words. These can include names, places, or dates. This step will help you know what to look for in the passage, thus allowing you to better match up the headings with the paragraphs. With time and practice, you can combine this step with the first step in order to maximize time and efficiency..

3. Note Similarities and Differences - One of the difficult "tricks" to this section involves very similar headings. This will make it difficult for test-takers to choose the "best" option, since there may be a few "reasonable" headings for a specific paragraph. On the other hand, some headings may be complete opposites, which may help you when using process of elimination, if necessary. If you are able to note similar headings in the early stage, this will make your decision-making process easier at a later stage. If two headings are very similar, mark them with a designated symbol (perhaps a 'S*') and if necessary, think about how they are slightly different.

4. Read the First and Last Sentences - After you have read the headings for meaning, key words, and similarities, it is time to read the passage. However, you must optimize your time. Instead of reading every single sentence, reading the first and last sentences of each paragraph will allow you to gain a general idea of the paragraph. After all, that's the objective for this question type!

Although this technique will help you save time on the exam, it is important to note that some questions will require you to read more than just the first and last sentences. If you find that you have tried reading the first and last sentences but still cannot find the answer, skim the rest of the sentences in the paragraph.

5. Make margin notes (Optional). As an optional step, you can make margin notes. After reading the first and last sentences, try writing down the potential heading number next to each paragraph. This will not only solidify your understanding of the paragraph, but it may be useful to refer to when it's time to answer the questions.

After you've done these steps, start answering your questions. Some things may make immediate sense after having read the first and last sentences of the paragraphs. If something is still unclear, use the skimming technique to briefly skim the paragraphs to get a clearer idea of its general purpose.

Before we use these tips to look at an example, let's briefly discuss what not to do when answering the Matching Headings question type.

Do not read the entire passage. As a general rule for the Reading section, it is not necessary and actually time-restrictive to read the entire passage, word for word. Due to the timeconsuming nature of this particular question type, this tip is of utmost importance.

Do not use a heading more than once. In the other matching question types (Matching Features, Matching Information, and Matching Sentence Endings), the given choices can be used more than once. In this Matching Headings type, however, each heading is used only once. Thus, it would even be a good idea to place a small 'x' next to an option once you've used it.

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.

The answers for this question type will be the Roman Numerals that correspond to the chosen heading.

Using these tips, let's look at an example of a passage with this specific question type. We will first examine the "preparation tips" with the headings, and then use the last two tips discussed when reading the passage.

Matching Headings Recap

Do:

• Read the headings first and circle or underline any key words.
• Read the passage looking for information provided in the headings.
• Skim as necessary.
• Write the roman numerals in your answer booklet.

Don’t:

• Waste time reading paragraphs that are not included in the question set.
• Read the passage first.
• Repeat any headings for answers.
• Write any words in your answer booklet for this section.