IELTS Reading: How to Solve Matching Headings Questions + Practice Quiz

Matching Headings is another interesting question type in the IELTS Reading test. In this, you are given a list of headings (which are mostly 6 or 8) and a set of paragraphs from a text. Then, your task is to match each heading to the right paragraph based on the main idea or theme.

It is as easy as it sounds, and it will be easier to answer such questions if you have read the passage and the paragraphs carefully… 😉

🤔 How Does It Work??

Well, you will have a series of paragraphs or sentences (which are usually labeled as A, B, C, etc.).

Below these paragraphs, there will be a list of headings.
Then, your task will be to choose the heading that best sums up the content of each paragraph.

You can either go for reading the passage first or headings first, it is up to you. I personally advise to read the passage first. Of course, you do not have time to go through the whole paragraphs—just solve all the other questions first, for instance true/false/not given, summary completion, or any other like it, then go for headings, because by that time you must have already read many paragraphs.

Not all headings will be used—most of the time, there will be more headings than paragraphs.
Each paragraph has a unique heading.

The answers will be in Roman numerals such as I, V, IX, etc.

The key tip is to keep in mind that you have to give heading to each paragraph, while doing other types of questions.

📝 Example:

Text:

Paragraph A:
"In the early 20th century, the scientific discoveries in the field of physics led to the expansion of technology that radically changed the way humans lived. This shift had intense effects on industries and economies globally."

Paragraph B:
"Environmental concerns have risen substantially in the past few decades due to the burgeoning pollution. Efforts to address this issue have led to the advancements in clean energy and eco-friendly technologies."

Headings:

1️⃣ The Impact of Physics on Technology
2️⃣ The Escalation of Environmental Awareness

Answer:

✅ Paragraph A goes with Heading 1: "The Impact of Physics on Technology"
✅ Paragraph B goes with Heading 2: "The Escalation of Environmental Awareness"

🌟 Some Important Tips for Matching Headings:

🔹 1. Have a cursory glance at the headings first:
Before jumping over the paragraphs, have a glance at the headings to get a general idea of the topics covered.

🔹 2. Pay attention to the main idea:
While reading each paragraph, keep looking for the key message or overall idea for better understanding.

🔹 3. Be mindful of the wording:
The heading can be closely matched with the tone and information of the paragraph, but it won't necessarily use the same words. So, be mindful of it.
The words used in the titles might be different from the words used in the passage. Therefore, understand the idea behind the words.

🔹 4. Don’t get distracted by details:
The heading is a summary of the whole paragraph. Avoid getting lost in minor and unnecessary details.
Do not get distracted by insignificant details. Your attention should be more on finding the key points that reflect the whole paragraph.

🔹 5. Pay attention to the first and last sentences:
The first sentence, the topic sentence, usually gives away the answer.
For example, if the first sentence is: “Unemployment has many causes”, then surely the whole paragraph is about the causes of unemployment.
The last sentence of the paragraph also gives a clue.

🔹 6. Understand the difference between similar headings:
Pay special attention to headings that look similar or share some words. Make sure you understand the difference in their meaning or focus.

🔹 7. Skim when needed:
Usually, reading the first sentence or topic sentence of a paragraph tells you the heading of that paragraph. However, sometimes you need to skim through the paragraph to get a better idea.

🔹 8. Time management is crucial:
Pay attention to the time you’re spending. This task can consume a lot of time. That’s why it’s best to attempt it after completing other types like summary completion or true/false/not given.

🔍 Example of a Passage

“Global Warming is greatly impacting the planet. Many countries are suffering from its repercussions. The rise in temperature has resulted in massive heat-waves and deadly droughts that are affecting the lives and livelihood. Moreover, the melting of glaciers is leading to water scarcity in many states. Therefore, global collaboration is required to cope with this detrimental environmental challenge.”

❓ Question: What is the most suitable title?

OPTIONS:
A. The Rise of Global Warming in 21st Century
B. The Impact of Global Warming upon the States
C. Water Scarcity due to Global Warming
D. The Loss of Lives and Livelihood

✅ Correct Answer: Option B

(Because the passage is more focused on showing the impacts of global warming upon the countries.)

🎯 Ready to test your skills? Try solving the next passage using these tips!