Matching Headings asks you to choose the best heading for each paragraph from a list. It's one of the most time-consuming IELTS Reading question types, because there are always more headings than paragraphs and several look similar. The key is to find each paragraph's main idea, not a matching word.
A 5-step method
- Read the headings first and underline the key idea in each. Notice headings that look alike and work out how they differ.
- Read the paragraph's first and last sentences. The main idea is often there, but not always, so check the middle if they don't fit.
- Ask: what is this whole paragraph about? Say it to yourself in 5 or 6 words.
- Choose the heading that summarises the whole paragraph, not just one detail or example.
- Do the easy paragraphs first, cross off used headings, then return to the difficult ones with fewer options left.
Traps to avoid
- Word matching. A heading that repeats a word from the paragraph is often a distractor. The right heading usually uses different words.
- Detail headings. If a heading describes only one example in the paragraph, it's probably wrong.
- Getting stuck. You have 60 minutes for 40 questions, and in Reading there is no extra time to transfer answers on paper. Spend about one minute per paragraph and move on.
Worked example
Paragraph: "Early bicycles were expensive and dangerous, and only wealthy young men rode them. By the 1890s, mass production had lowered prices dramatically, and a new 'safety bicycle' with equal-sized wheels made cycling accessible to women and working people for the first time."
| Heading | Right? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The dangers of early bicycles | No | Only the first sentence; it's a detail. |
| How cycling became available to everyone | Yes | Summarises the whole paragraph: price and design changes widened access. |
| The invention of mass production | No | Mentioned, but not what the paragraph is about. |
For another tricky question type, see our True/False/Not Given guide. To see what your Reading score means, try the IELTS score calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there more headings than paragraphs?
IELTS adds extra headings as distractors, so you can't get the last answers by elimination alone.
Can I use the same heading twice?
Usually no. Each heading normally fits only one paragraph unless the instructions say otherwise.
Should I read the whole passage first?
Not in detail. Read the headings first, then read each paragraph looking for its main idea.
Is there extra time to transfer Reading answers?
No. Unlike paper-based Listening, Reading has no extra transfer time, so write answers on the answer sheet within the 60 minutes.