IELTS Reading drill · Matching headings + matching information

Chess: an old game's new life

Timeabout 15 minutesQuestions9, real-test style
Reading

Matching headings tests whether you can see the main idea of a whole paragraph, not just one detail. The traps are headings that match only one sentence, or share a word with the paragraph. Then matching information asks you to find small details hidden inside the paragraphs.

1Quick tip

Find the main idea of a paragraph

  1. Read the first and last sentences of the paragraph. The main idea is often there.
  2. Skim the middle quickly. Ask: what is the whole paragraph about?
  3. Say the main idea in your own words, in about 5 words. Then find the heading that means the same.
  4. Check it covers the whole paragraph. If a heading only matches one sentence, it's too narrow.
Too narrowThe heading matches one detail, not the whole paragraph.
Word matchThe heading repeats a word from the paragraph (like "computer") but not its main idea.
Extra headingsThere are more headings than paragraphs, so some are never used.

💡 Matching information is different: you look for one small detail, and the questions are not in passage order. Do the headings first: by then you'll know roughly what each paragraph contains.

2Read and answer

In the real test you have about 20 minutes for each passage and its 13 or 14 questions. This passage is shorter, with 9 questions. Use the clock if you want real-test pace.

Optional. The clock never stops you.

Questions 1–6 · The passage has six paragraphs, A–F. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list. There are more headings than paragraphs.

List of headings

  1. iMachines that improved human play instead of replacing it
  2. iiHow the game reached its modern form
  3. iiiUncertain evidence about benefits in the classroom
  4. ivThe day a computer beat a world champion
  5. vA sudden rise in popularity
  6. viProblems remain, but the future looks bright
  7. viiTechnology makes learning the game easier
  8. viiiWhere chess first began
  1. 1Paragraph A
  2. 2Paragraph B
  3. 3Paragraph C
  4. 4Paragraph D
  5. 5Paragraph E
  6. 6Paragraph F
↑ Back to the passage

Questions 7–9 · Which paragraph contains the following information? Choose A–F. You may use any letter more than once.

  1. 7a prediction that turned out to be wrong
  2. 8the reason a change happened at a particular time
  3. 9a step taken to stop players breaking the rules
↑ Back to the passage

4Talk about it Speaking Part 3 practice

The passage gave you ideas and words. Use them! Give an opinion, a reason, an example and a final view. About 1 minute each.

  1. Why do you think some old games are still popular today?
  2. Should schools teach games like chess in lessons? Why or why not?
  3. Do computer games have more advantages or disadvantages for young people?
to take up a hobbyto start doing it
concentrationkeeping your attention on one thing
to stand the test of timeto stay popular for a long time
it depends onto show your answer has conditions

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This practice lives online. Visit getbandready.com/drills/reading/headings.html to do the drill.