Why Matching Headings Matters
In IELTS Reading, headings summarize the main idea of paragraphs. Choosing the correct heading requires focus and quick identification of the key concept. This skill helps you save time and improve accuracy.
🎯 Tip: The first and last sentences often hold the main idea. Skim strategically to spot them.
1. Step-by-Step Approach
- Step 1: Read the heading options first.
- Step 2: Skim each paragraph to locate the main idea.
- Step 3: Identify keywords that match heading synonyms.
- Step 4: Eliminate obviously incorrect options.
- Step 5: Double-check your choice by confirming with the paragraph context.
Accuracy > speed. Don’t rush — find the main idea clearly.
2. Common Mistakes
- Choosing a heading that matches a detail instead of the main idea.
- Confusing synonyms — the correct heading may be worded differently than the paragraph.
- Relying on the first word only — context matters.
⏰ Strategy: Skim first, then read carefully only the sentences that seem to contain the main point.
Mini Challenge
“Which sentence best summarizes the main idea of this paragraph?”
3. Timing Tips
- Spend about 30 seconds reading heading options.
- Skim paragraphs for 1–2 minutes each to spot main ideas.
- Confirm and eliminate in less than 1 minute per paragraph.
A total of ~4 minutes per paragraph ensures you stay on track for the passage.
🌿 You Did It!
Congratulations, you’ve completed Lesson 6 of Summage Academy’s IELTS Reading course.
Next up:
Lesson 7: T/F/NG vs Y/N/NG