IELTS Reading: Master the ‘Matching Headings’ Questions

Introduction

During the IELTS Reading Task, you will be asked questions related to matching headings. It can be challenging. Out of the nearly eight IELTS Reading task questions, many candidates find ‘Matching Heading’ to be the most challenging.

What is ‘Matching Headings’ in IELTS Reading?

It involves matching headings with their corresponding paragraphs. There is always the possibility, as it often happens, that there will be more headings than passages. You need to select the appropriate heading suiting a paragraph. Each paragraph is contextualized to test your understanding.

The Common Problems in the Reading ‘Matching Headings’ question type are as follows:

• The paragraph is too lengthy and time is running out.
• Trying to match the heading with the similar words that are in the paragraph.
• You can be confused by headings with the same meaning.
• The paragraph order will not match the order of the headings.
• Spending plenty of time reading the paragraphs and headings.
• To find the perfect heading, it is not always enough to use the first and last sentence.

IELTS Reading Tips & Tricks to Master ‘Matching Heading’

Skimming is the Key: While skimming the paragraph, focus on the first sentences and the last sentences. You will be able to understand the gist of the paragraph. So, focus more on them.

Identify the Keywords: Then, try to identify some keywords that are important to find the best heading. Highlight the keywords — they can be numbers, places, or key topics. You will be able to identify the most appropriate heading this way.

Every word is Not Your Keyword: IELTS Reading Task tests your reading skills, so it’s OK if you don’t read the entire text word-for-word. A part of the paragraph can be skipped if it does not seem necessary. Having a good understanding of the text will allow you to skip reading a few sentences of the paragraph.

Be Confident: Match the relevant headings if you are sure about them.If you are not confident; switch to the next step and come back to this question later on.

Lesser options mean less confusion: Once you start matching the headings, there will be lesser options left for you. This too will help resolve your dilemma. Then, turn to the questions you left blank, and mark the most relevant heading.

Look for Synonyms: Pay attention to the synonyms in the paragraphs. The synonyms often reveal your answer.

Conclusion

Getting enough practice with PenPencil IELTS classes and following these strategies will help you feel confident in this question type in no time. Identifying the main idea of the paragraph will help you answer the questions correctly.

IELTS Reading ‘Matching Heading’ questions require practice to succeed. You can get ample practice questions and sample answers to boost your confidence and polish your skills at PenPencil.