Hello, I’m Chen Wei, and today we’ll look at Matching Headings in the IELTS General Training Reading test.
This task checks whether you can identify main ideas quickly — not just recognise words. It often appears in Section 2 or 3 with workplace documents, reports, or information leaflets. The challenge is to match each paragraph or short text with the heading that summarises its key message.
You’ll see a list of headings labelled with Roman numerals (i, ii, iii …). Each paragraph in the passage must be matched to one correct heading.
Example:
Paragraph | Heading Options |
A | i Reasons for Staff Training |
B | ii Improving Customer Service |
C | iii Reducing Costs |
Your task: decide which heading best represents the main idea of each paragraph — not every small detail.
Understanding of topic sentences and main ideas.
1️⃣ Read the Headings First
Get an overview of all headings before reading the text.
Ask yourself: What are the main themes? (e.g. reasons, benefits, changes, warnings).
This primes your brain to recognise them later.
2️⃣ Skim Each Paragraph Once
Read only the first sentence and a few keywords in the middle or end.
The first sentence often gives the topic; the rest supports it.
3️⃣ Summarise Each Paragraph in One Phrase
Write a simple note like “training benefits” or “safety rules” beside each paragraph.
Then compare your phrase with the heading list.
4️⃣ Match by Meaning, Not Vocabulary
IELTS headings are usually paraphrased.
Example:
5️⃣ Eliminate Obvious Mismatches
Cross out headings already used or clearly unrelated.
Check grammar consistency — a heading that describes a process won’t match a paragraph describing a rule.
Paragraph A:
“To reduce accidents, staff must wear helmets and reflective jackets whenever entering the construction zone.”
Best Heading:
✅ Safety Requirements for Staff
Wrong choices like ‘New Building Plans’ include correct vocabulary but miss the main idea.
Pattern | Signal Words | Example |
Cause → Effect | because of, therefore, as a result | “Because accidents increased, new rules were introduced.” |
Problem → Solution | to address, in order to | “To improve attendance, flexible hours were offered.” |
General → Specific | for example, such as | “Training is important. For example, new staff…” |
Identify which pattern fits the heading’s structure.
Mistake | Reason | Fix |
Matching based on words | Ignoring main idea | Read for meaning not vocabulary |
Reading too deeply | Wasting time | Focus on first and last sentences |
Ignoring unused headings | Overcomplicating | Cross them out after use |
Missing connectors | Losing logical link | Watch for “however,” “therefore,” “for example” |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Keyword Clustering | Group headings by theme (e.g. safety / training / benefits) | Speeds matching |
Sentence Mapping | Draw arrows between headings and topic sentences | Visual clarity |
Process Elimination | Remove headings that repeat meaning | Avoids confusion |
One-phrase summary | Write 1–3 words per paragraph | Focus on essence |
Text:
“Employees should report any safety hazard immediately to the supervisor. Failure to do so could result in penalty.”
Possible Headings:
i – Reporting Procedures
ii – Safety Equipment
iii – Office Facilities
✅ Answer: i – Reporting Procedures
Spend 8–9 minutes on an entire Matching Headings set.
If two headings seem similar, skip and return after you’ve completed others — later context usually clarifies.
High-band candidates identify topic sentences accurately and use logic to decide which heading summarises the main idea.
They avoid being distracted by examples or repeated words and always confirm that the heading covers the whole paragraph, not just a part of it.
Matching Headings in IELTS GT Reading tests how well you grasp main ideas and structure. Focus on topic sentences, eliminate by logic, and check that each heading fits the whole paragraph.
Next, continue with Matching Features to learn how to link statements to people or categories in short texts.
Or revisit the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy mother page for your complete foundation.
For authentic materials, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests resource.
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