Matching Headings asks you to choose the best heading for each paragraph from a list of options. The most common mistake is reading every paragraph fully — which wastes time. The fast scan method: read the first sentence and last sentence of each paragraph only, then match.
Examples
Weak
AvoidReading every word of every paragraph before attempting to match — running out of time on later questions as a result.
Stronger
BetterReading the first and last sentence of each paragraph to identify the main idea, then matching that idea to a heading — average 45 seconds per paragraph.
First sentences introduce the main idea; last sentences often summarise or conclude it. Together they reveal the paragraph's function without requiring a full read.
How It Works
The scan method
- Read the heading list first — understand all options before reading the text.
- For each paragraph: read sentence 1 and sentence 2 (or last).
- Ask: what is this paragraph mainly about — a problem, a solution, an example, a statistic?
- Match to the heading that covers the paragraph's function, not just one word in it.
Heading vs paragraph mismatch traps
- A heading word appears in the paragraph but covers only one sentence → wrong heading.
- The correct heading covers the whole paragraph's purpose, not just a detail.
- Paragraphs that give examples are headed with "An illustration of..." not the topic name.
Paragraph function signals
Quick rules
- Do not use a heading just because its words appear in the paragraph.
- Eliminate clearly wrong options first to reduce the choice set.
- Spend no more than 60 seconds per paragraph — move on and return.
Common Mistakes
Matching a word, not the paragraph function
AvoidParagraph discusses cost as one factor among five. Heading says "The cost of X." Candidate chooses it because "cost" appears.
BetterThe heading "Factors affecting X" covers the whole paragraph. "The cost of X" covers only one detail.
Fix: Ask: does this heading cover what the whole paragraph is doing, or just one sentence?
Reading every sentence
AvoidFull read of 8 paragraphs = 12+ minutes on matching headings alone.
BetterFirst + last sentence scan = 6-7 minutes, leaving time for the rest of the section.
Fix: Cap your reading at the first two sentences per paragraph. Only return to read the middle if the match is unclear.
Practice Lab
Self-mark each task. Retry until every answer is correct.
Score: 0/3
1. Quick pick
A paragraph opens: "The first domesticated animals appeared in the Middle East around 10,000 BCE, long before the development of written language." Which heading fits best?
2. Build it
Put the sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it between the bank and answer area.
3. Sort it
Sort each item into the correct category.
Match the heading because its main word appears in the paragraph.
Match the heading that best describes what the whole paragraph is doing.
Read every sentence of every paragraph before choosing.
Scan the first and last sentence, then match to heading function.
Why It Matters
Matching Headings is worth 5-6 marks per test and is time-intensive. Candidates who read fully run out of time; those who keyword-match fall into the distractor trap. The scan-and-function method cuts time to 45-60 seconds per paragraph while avoiding both failure modes.
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