Vocabulary · Free lesson
IELTS Reading: match sentence endings by meaning
This original mini-passage separates more library visits from more book loans. Those are related ideas, but they are not the same result.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Read the beginning and each ending as a complete sentence. Check grammar, then find the exact relationship in the passage. A familiar word is not enough: the completed statement must preserve who did what, why, and with what result.
A grammatical ending still needs evidence.
IELTS Academic Reading includes matching sentence endings. The official format supplies more endings than beginnings, and the beginnings follow the text’s order. Here, practice the core meaning check on a smaller scale: complete the claim and compare it with the passage. Treat a contrast such as however as a signal that nearby facts may differ.
Compare the examples
By staying open two hours later on weekdays, a library attracted more evening visitors, especially people who worked during the day. However, the number of books borrowed remained unchanged. Many new visitors used the quiet study rooms rather than taking books home.
The later closing time attracted more evening visitors.
The later closing time increased the number of books borrowed.
More visits does not automatically mean more loans. The passage explicitly separates the two. Both completions are grammatical; only one keeps the reported result.
Build the meaning step by step
Read the complete claim
The later hours increased book loans.
Find supporting or conflicting wording
the number of books borrowed remained unchanged
Keep the supported relationship
more evening visitors, not more book loans
Try it now
Finish the sentence from the passage
Read all answers and explanations
From the passage: “The later opening hours…”
attracted more evening visitors.Evening visits increased. Fewer reverses the result, and every visitor borrowing contradicts the study-room detail.
“The number of books borrowed…”
stayed the same.Remained unchanged means stayed the same. No doubling or zero result is reported.
“Many new visitors…”
used a quiet place to study.The passage says they used quiet study rooms. Working during the day does not mean working at the library.
Put it into practice
Choose an evidence-based ending
Original text: “A park added shaded benches. The new shade allowed older visitors to stay longer, but the total daily visitor count did not rise.” Complete the beginning without inventing a result.
The shaded benches…
See a model answer
The shaded benches helped older visitors stay longer.
The correct ending keeps both the subject group and the specific result.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can grammar alone choose the ending?
It can eliminate impossible combinations, but several endings may be grammatical. The passage decides which complete statement is supported.
More visitors does not necessarily mean more books borrowed.
Does this matching task follow text order?
The official Academic format says the sentence beginnings follow the order of information in the text. Still verify each ending; order is a locating aid, not proof that an option is correct.
Locate the relevant paragraph, then read the complete claim.
Take it into your day
Join the sentence, then verify the whole meaning against the passage.
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