Vocabulary · Free lesson
IELTS Reading headings: choose the main idea
A heading may repeat a word from the paragraph and still be the wrong heading. Ask what most of the paragraph is doing.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
For a matching-headings decision, choose the heading that expresses the paragraph’s main idea. A true detail can be too narrow. First summarize the paragraph in a short phrase, then compare the headings with that meaning.
Cover the main message without inventing a new one.
In the library paragraph, the change in opening hours and its purpose form the main message: access after work. The café is mentioned, but it is not the reason for the whole paragraph. A heading about drinks would capture one detail while missing the central change.
An original paragraph and two possible focuses
The library used to close at five. It now stays open until nine on Tuesdays and Thursdays so people can visit after work. A small café also sells drinks near the entrance.
Evening access for working readers
Drinks near the entrance
A wrong heading need not be factually false. It may simply fail to represent the paragraph as a whole.
Meaning before matching words
Find the change
The library stays open later on two evenings.
Find its purpose
People can visit after work.
Choose a covering heading
Evening access for working readers
Try it now
Choose by the whole paragraph
Read all answers and explanations
Choose the best heading for the library paragraph above.
Evening access for working readersLater opening and access after work are the central change and purpose. Drinks are incidental; a decline in visits is not stated.
Why is “Drinks near the entrance” weaker as a heading?
It covers one detail but misses the main change.The drinks are real information in this paragraph. The problem is their limited importance, not their truth.
Which heading also expresses the paragraph’s main idea?
More time to use the library after workMore time after work paraphrases evening access. Matching the meaning matters more than repeating the same words.
Put it into practice
Replace a detail-only heading
New paragraph: “The center offers beginner classes on three evenings. Tutors explain each step slowly and provide short practice tasks. New lockers stand near the entrance.” Choose a heading covering the classes and teaching support.
New lockers at the center
See a model answer
Evening classes designed to support beginners
The heading represents the paragraph’s main work rather than its last visible noun.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Is the first sentence always the answer?
No. It can introduce the topic, but check the whole paragraph. Later sentences may explain, contrast or change the focus.
Read the change and the reason together.
Can a true heading still be unsuitable?
Yes. A heading can describe one true detail while being too narrow for the paragraph’s main idea.
A café detail does not summarize changed opening hours.
Take it into your day
A good heading fits the central message, not just a true detail.
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