Hello, I’m Chen Wei. Over years of teaching IELTS Reading, I’ve found that Matching Headings is one of the most misunderstood question types. Many learners match based on individual words instead of the overall idea.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to analyse each paragraph logically, recognise its main theme, and avoid the traps that lower scores. With the right approach, this question type becomes one of the easiest to master.
In this task, you must match a list of headings (short summaries) to paragraphs in the passage.
Each heading expresses one main idea, while each paragraph may include several details.
Example:
Passage Section A → Heading iii: Causes of Population Growth
IELTS usually provides 5–8 headings for 4–6 paragraphs, so there are always extra options to make the task challenging.
Matching Headings measures your ability to:
This task rewards candidates who can see the “big picture” rather than focusing only on key words.
1️⃣ Read the Headings First
Before reading the passage, study all the headings. Predict what topics might appear. Underline key nouns and verbs (e.g. causes, effects, solutions, advantages).
2️⃣ Skim Each Paragraph Quickly
Read the first sentence carefully — it often contains the topic sentence.
Then glance through the rest to confirm the main idea, ignoring examples or dates.
3️⃣ Summarise in Your Own Words
After skimming, ask:
“What is this paragraph mainly about?”
Write a two- or three-word summary beside it.
4️⃣ Match Meaning, Not Words
Compare your summary with the headings list. Don’t rely on identical vocabulary — IELTS paraphrases heavily.
Example:
Paragraph: “Urban expansion has reduced farmland.”
Heading: Loss of agricultural areas due to city growth.
✅ Same idea, different words.
5️⃣ Eliminate and Check Balance
Each heading fits only one paragraph. Cross out used headings and double-check that every paragraph has one clear central idea.
List of Headings
i. New Technologies in Agriculture
ii. Urban Migration and Its Consequences
iii. Government Subsidies for Farmers
iv. Environmental Effects of Modern Farming
Passage Excerpt (Paragraph A):
“As cities expand, farmland is being converted into residential and industrial zones, forcing many rural families to seek work in urban centres.”
✅ Answer: Heading ii — Urban Migration and Its Consequences.
Mistake | Why It Happens | Solution |
Matching based on a single word | Trapped by keywords | Focus on meaning of whole paragraph |
Ignoring topic sentences | Miss main idea | Read first and last sentences carefully |
Mixing examples with themes | Details can distract | Ask “What is the main point?” |
Leaving paragraphs unmatched | Time pressure | Allocate 1 minute per paragraph on average |
If a passage has 6 paragraphs, spend about 7–8 minutes total:
During daily practice:
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Contrast signals | Look for “however, although, despite” to find main argument shift | Clarifies focus of paragraph |
Main idea spotting | First + last sentences often summarise theme | Saves time |
Keyword grouping | Identify words that recur through a paragraph | Highlights central topic |
Logical progression | Notice how each paragraph connects to the next | Builds overall coherence |
Matching Headings checks whether you can identify the main idea behind details. Practise reading topic sentences, recognising paraphrases, and writing mini-summaries in your own words.
Next, continue with True / False / Not Given to sharpen your evidence-based reasoning skills.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for a complete overview of your foundation skills.
For authentic examples, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice section.
Task:
You have 3 short texts about workplace safety.
Try to answer 12 questions in 15 minutes.
✅ Review:
If you finish with 2 minutes remaining, your speed is on target.
If not, note where you lost time — vocabulary confusion? locating information? rereading too much?
From my experience, Band 8–9 readers manage time through structure, not stress.
They divide the test naturally: 20 minutes per passage, then refine based on difficulty.
They also know when to stop — they don’t chase one mark at the cost of five others.
IELTS Reading Time Management Tips help you use every minute efficiently.
Skim first, scan for detail, and move strategically. Time management is not speed — it’s smart control.
Next, revisit Computer-Based vs Paper-Based IELTS Reading or the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy mother page for your full foundation.
For official materials, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests resource.
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