The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to comprehend and understand written texts in English. One of the question types in the IELTS Reading test is matching headings to paragraphs. In this question type, you will be given a list of headings and a passage divided into several paragraphs. Your task is to match each heading with the correct paragraph. In this blog, we will provide you with tips and strategies to answer matching headings to paragraph questions and some sample mock questions.

Tip 1: Read the passage carefully

Before attempting to match the headings to the paragraphs, read the passage carefully. Try to understand the main idea and the structure of the passage. This will help you to identify the main points and the purpose of each paragraph.

Tip 2: Skim and scan

Once you have read the passage, skim and scan each paragraph to get an idea of its content. Look for keywords, phrases, and ideas that match the headings. Skimming and scanning can save you time and help you find relevant information quickly.

Tip 3: Match the tone and style

The headings are usually written in a similar tone and style as the passage. Try to match the tone and style of the headings with the paragraphs. This can help you to eliminate the irrelevant headings and choose the correct ones.

Tip 4: Eliminate options

If you are unsure about a heading, try to eliminate the options that are obviously incorrect. This can help you to narrow down your choices and increase your chances of choosing the correct heading.

Tip 5: Look at every word in the heading

If even one of them does not accurately reflect the meaning of the paragraph, then this heading is probably wrong.

Sample mock question 1:

Choose the most suitable heading from the list A-F for each paragraph of the text.

(i). Benefits of cycling

(ii). Cycling safety tips

(iii). Types of bicycles

(iv). History of cycling

(v). Environmental benefits of cycling

(vi). Cycling equipment

Paragraph A:
Cycling has a long and interesting history. The first bicycles were invented in the early 19th century and were known as “boneshakers”. Over the years, bicycles have evolved into various shapes and sizes.

Paragraph B:
Cycling can be a fun and healthy activity, but it is important to stay safe on the road. Always wear a helmet and reflective clothing, and obey traffic rules.

Paragraph C:
There are many different types of bicycles to choose from, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Each type of bicycle is designed for a specific purpose.

Paragraph D:
Cycling has many environmental benefits. It is a clean and green form of transportation that reduces air pollution and traffic congestion.

Paragraph E:
In addition to a bicycle, there are several pieces of equipment that are essential for cycling, such as a water bottle, a pump, and a repair kit.

Sample mock question 2: 

Choose the most suitable heading from the list A-F for each paragraph of the text.

(i). Effect of city life on mental health

(ii). Stress reduction in animals

(iii). Two types of stress

(iv). The fallout of cell death

(v). The best type of exercise

(vi). How stress can be useful

(vii). Managing stress in job interviews

(viii). One reason behind bad tempers

(ix). Neuron loss in childhood

(x). Regrowing the brain with exercise

Paragraph A:
Despite its bad reputation, stress historically had a vital role to play. Commonly referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ mode, the sudden release of stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol causes the heart to beat faster, airways to dilate and blood vessels to open up, all of which push the body towards optimal performance and, ultimately, survival. In the rest of the animal kingdom, this is still often the difference between life and death. As he springs off to freedom, the lucky gazelle who escapes the lion can thank this primal evolutionary response.

Paragraph B:
In ordinary modern life, although we’re in little danger of being stalked by wild beasts down city streets, our bodies react to stress in the same ways. Experiencing anxiety, fear and stress is considered a normal part of life when it is occasional and temporary, such as feeling anxious and stressed before an exam or a job interview. It is when these acute reactions are prolonged or cannot be switched off, however, that serious physical, social and cognitive issues can result. In contrast to the normal everyday stress of modern life, chronic stress is a pathological state which can significantly interfere with daily living activities such as work, school and relationships, wreaking havoc on the body’s immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems.

Paragraph C:
Of major concern is the impact on the brain. Researchers have found that the hippocampus, the control centre of memory and our ability to learn, can physically shrink in response to prolonged release of stress hormones like cortisol which result from chronic stress. Neurons in this area do not just get smaller, but actually die, which weakens the neural connections, affecting the way memories are organised and stored in the brain. A chronically stressed person would recognise this as a ‘brain fog’, and it also has ramifications for other areas such as creativity and adaptability.

Paragraph D:
While this part of the brain gets smaller, another area, the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions, can grow with chronic stress. Across species, a larger amygdala has been found to correlate with aggression and this, coupled with the weakened connection to the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s decision-making centre, can profoundly impact mood and behaviour. With the link between emotions and decision-making compromised, a person is much less able to stop and reflect, becoming instead reactive and short-fused. Think of the difference between being able to tolerate a screaming child and instead giving in to the desire to scream back.

Paragraph E:
In the past, it was accepted that there was a limited number of neurons in the brain and as they died off as a result of ageing, stress or substance abuse, for instance, they were lost forever. It turns out, however, that this is not the case and that stem cells within the brain are actually able to create new neurons. In other words, lost neurons can be replaced. What makes this discovery even more powerful is the fact that replenishing neurons is rather straightforward. One of the most powerful stimulants for neuron growth is physical activity. So, in addition to its role in the reduction of stress hormones in the first place, and its ability to stimulate the release of endorphins, exercise has now been shown to contribute to the repair of the chronically stressed brain.

Conclusion
Matching headings to paragraphs is an important skill that can help you achieve a high score in the IELTS reading exam. To succeed in this task, it’s important to read the headings carefully, identify the main ideas of the text, and look for words and phrases that indicate the topic of each paragraph. 

Practice is key, so try to do as many mock tests as possible and analyze your mistakes to improve your performance. With dedication and practice, you can master this task and increase your chances of success in the IELTS reading exam.

Once you’re ready to take the IELTS Reading Test, book your seat in advance.

If you want to book your IELTS test in advance, visit IELTS AOLCC. We have IELTS Test Centres available in Mississauga, Kingston, London, and Brampton. All our test centres are equipped with the necessary amenities. 

If you have any other queries, do reach out to us at  (905) 306-0666  or send an email to ielts@aolccollege.ca.