Matching headings
Match headings to paragraphs by finding each paragraph’s main idea — not by matching single words.
In this lesson you will
- Identify the main idea of a paragraph quickly
- Avoid word-matching traps
- Use elimination to finish faster
Learn
A heading summarises the main idea of the whole paragraph, not one detail in it. There are always more headings than paragraphs.
Method: (1) Read the list of headings first and note the key idea of each. (2) For each paragraph, read the first one or two sentences and the last sentence — the main idea is usually there. (3) Skim the middle to confirm. (4) Choose the heading that covers the whole paragraph; cross it off.
Trap: a heading that repeats a word from the paragraph is often wrong, because the word is only a detail. Look for paraphrase of the overall point instead.
Do the paragraphs you’re sure about first; the remaining choices get easier. If two headings seem possible, ask which one describes the purpose of the paragraph (e.g., a problem, a comparison, a solution).
Examples
- Paragraph about how plastic breaks down in the sea and ends up in fish → heading: “From large waste to tiny particles”.
- A paragraph mentioning ‘cost’ once but mainly about safety → the ‘cost’ heading is a trap.
- Paragraph beginning ‘However, critics argue…’ → likely heading: “Doubts about the benefits”.
Vocabulary
main idea
the most important point of a paragraph
detail
a specific piece of information supporting the main idea
topic sentence
the sentence that states a paragraph’s main idea
eliminate
remove options that are wrong
distractor
a wrong option designed to look correct
Practice
Where is the main idea of a paragraph usually found?
Lesson quiz
A heading should cover…
Review
Key points
- Headings = main idea of the whole paragraph.
- Read first/last sentences, skim the middle.
- Beware of repeated-word traps.
- Eliminate as you go.
What you learned
- ✓ I can find a paragraph’s main idea.
- ✓ I can avoid word-matching traps.
- ✓ I use elimination.