IE4.5-READING

​IELTS READING
MATCHING HEADINGS

By Kim Nguyen

​🎯You must choose the best heading (title) for each paragraph or section in a reading passage. 👉 It tests if you understand the main idea, not details.

• Read the first 1–2 sentences of each paragraph carefully → they often give the main idea.

• Then look at the last sentence for summary or opinion.

• Ignore examples, numbers, or details.

2️⃣ Skim the passage (not read every word!)

• Read all headings quickly.

• Underline key words → especially nouns & verbs.

1️⃣ Read the headings first

STEP-BY-STEP TECHNIQUES

• Compare your note with the key words in the headings.

• Look for paraphrases, not exact words.

4️⃣ Match with the correct heading

• Ask yourself:
  👉 “What is this paragraph mainly about?”
  Write a short note (3–5 words) beside it.

3️⃣ Find the main idea

STEP-BY-STEP TECHNIQUES

• Each heading is used once only (unless stated).

• If two headings seem correct, choose the one that covers the whole paragraph, not just one sentence.

5️⃣ Check logic

STEP-BY-STEP TECHNIQUES

🚫 Matching based on 1 sentence or example only.
🚫 Ignoring paraphrasing (thinking it must have same words).
🚫 Spending too long on one paragraph.

✅ Focus on main idea, not details.
✅ Use keywords + paraphrasing to match ideas.
✅ Don’t choose too fast — reread if needed.
✅ Sometimes 1 heading doesn’t match any paragraph (extra heading).
✅ Practice with short paragraphs first.

TIPS

VOCABULARY

traffic jams = traffic congestion (n) tắc nghẽn giao thông
smog (n) khói bụi / sương khói ô nhiễm (sự pha trộn giữa khói và sương làm ô nhiễm không khí)
developed and developing world (n.phr) thế giới/qgia phát triển và đang phát triển
commuter (n) người đi làm xa
toll (n) phí đường, lệ phí
rush hour (n) giờ cao điểm >< off-peak (adj) ngoài giờ cao điểm