Example:

Source: Cambridge IELTS 11, Test 2 – Reading, Passage 2, Questions 14 – 20

Strategies:

1. Read the heading list and underline the key words => understand each heading
2. Read each paragraph CAREFULLY. The main idea is often:
   • expressed in topic sentences (1st, 2nd and last sentence)
   • repeated a lot
   • supported by details
3. Go back to the list of headings and choose the one that best fits your summary.

Tips:

• If you see this type of question in the test, do it FIRST!
• There are usually 2 – 3 given headings that look quite similar to each other that you need to watch out for. Identify and read them carefully to identify the differences.
• Beware of SYNONYMS/ PARAPHRASES. The correct heading will always be a paraphrase of the main idea in each paragraph.
• Look for a heading that captures the main idea of the whole paragraph instead of having some words in the text. If you choose a heading just because it has similar/ exact same words with ones in the paragraph, chances are you’ll fall into the trap!
• If you cannot decide a heading for any paragraph at a time, move on to the next one and get back to it after you finish the other paragraphs. The answer will reveal later.