Hi, I’m Hiroshi Tanaka, and in my two decades of IELTS Reading training, I’ve seen that Matching Sentence Endings often looks easy but hides subtle logic traps.
This task checks how well you connect ideas grammatically and conceptually. The best way to score high is to combine meaning, grammar, and logic — not guesswork.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to approach this question type step by step, recognise distractors, and use patterns to choose correct endings confidently.
You’re given the first half of several sentences and a list of possible endings. Your task is to complete each sentence so that it expresses a logical and grammatically correct idea according to the passage.
Example:
Complete each sentence with the correct ending (A–F).
Endings:
A) the animals learned faster in groups.
B) technology reduced communication errors.
C) new planets existed beyond our solar system.
✅ 1 → C
✅ 2 → A
The endings may appear in any order, and there are usually more endings than beginnings, so elimination is key.
This task measures your ability to:
It’s both a reading-comprehension and reasoning challenge.
1️⃣ Read the Sentence Beginnings Carefully
Understand each stem’s meaning and grammar. Is it about a reason, result, discovery, or contrast?
For example, if the stem says “Researchers concluded that …”, the ending must express a result or belief, not a fact or example.
2️⃣ Identify Grammatical Fit
Endings must fit grammatically.
3️⃣ Predict the Meaning
Before looking at the options, try to predict what might come next logically.
If the stem says “The invention of the printing press …”, you can predict an ending like “changed how information was shared.”
4️⃣ Read the Endings and Highlight Key Words
Underline unique terms or phrases in each ending — numbers, dates, or specific nouns. These will help you scan the passage efficiently.
5️⃣ Scan the Text for Paraphrases
Locate where similar ideas appear in the passage. IELTS rarely repeats the exact wording.
Question Stem | Likely Paraphrase |
“led to” | “resulted in,” “brought about” |
“was caused by” | “stemmed from,” “arose due to” |
“found that” | “discovered,” “revealed that” |
6️⃣ Check Logic + Grammar Together
After locating the right section, test both logical meaning and grammatical fit.
A grammatically correct ending may still be illogical, and vice versa.
Question:
1️⃣ The new research suggests that …
2️⃣ Many earlier studies failed to …
Endings:
A) provide clear evidence for the theory.
B) rely on large enough data samples.
C) demonstrate how children acquire language.
Text Extract:
“Recent studies highlight that earlier experiments used very small groups, limiting their reliability.”
✅ 2 → B (small groups = not large enough data samples)
✅ 1 → A (new research provides clear evidence)
Mistake | Why It Happens | Solution |
Matching by vocabulary only | Identical words appear in distractors | Focus on meaning + grammar |
Ignoring grammar | Ending doesn’t fit verb form | Read the whole sentence aloud mentally |
Over-focusing on one stem | Wastes time | Move to next and return later |
Forgetting passage evidence | Guessing without confirmation | Always verify in text |
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Logical connectors | Identify cause/effect, contrast, or result clues | Ensures semantic accuracy |
Elimination grid | Cross out used endings systematically | Avoids duplication |
Chunk reading | Match by idea units, not isolated words | Improves comprehension speed |
Reverse checking | Read completed sentence aloud | Confirms smoothness and logic |
Spend about 7–8 minutes on this task.
If stuck, skip and revisit — often, other matches will help you eliminate remaining options.
Text:
“While early explorers believed the Earth was flat, later evidence proved it to be spherical.”
Question:
1️⃣ Early explorers wrongly assumed that …
Endings:
A) the Earth had a circular shape.
B) the planet extended endlessly.
C) the Earth was flat.
✅ Answer: C — directly fits both logic and grammar.
At higher bands, candidates show strong awareness of grammar structure. They instantly spot which endings fit verb tenses or noun phrases. Band-9 readers also pre-read endings, creating a logical “map” before scanning the text — saving valuable time.
Matching Sentence Endings tests whether you can connect ideas logically and grammatically. Read actively, verify evidence, and practise combining both halves mentally before checking options.
Next, continue with Sentence Completion to improve your accuracy in selecting words directly from the passage.
Or return to the IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy page for your complete Reading foundation.
For authentic examples, visit the British Council IELTS Reading Practice Tests section.
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