Reading
IELTS Reading matching headings
Skim for topic, not detail — matching headings rewards structure recognition.
Published Feb 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Read the list of headings first
Note similar pairs — 'Effects of X' vs 'Causes of X' — that will become distractors. Mark headings you understand clearly.
Skim each paragraph's opening and closing
Main idea usually appears in the first two sentences or the conclusion. Examples and statistics in the middle often distract from the paragraph's role.
One heading per paragraph, no reuse
If you're unsure between two headings, pick the one that fits the whole paragraph, not one sentence. Leave harder paragraphs and return after eliminating options.
