English Practice

Lesson 3 of 6 · Intermediate · Reading · 20 min · +40 XP

Choose headings and recognise paraphrases

Identify a paragraph's purpose and check the strength of a claim.

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Your exam technique

Summarise the paragraph → compare heading meanings → reject a heading that covers only one detail.

Choose the heading for the whole paragraph

A heading should capture the main idea, not a memorable example. After reading a paragraph, write a five-word summary before looking at headings. Notice whether the paragraph explains a problem, describes a method, contrasts views, or reports a result.

Check the scope of the claim

Words such as all, some, only, and may change meaning. Some people improved does not establish that everyone improved. In True/False/Not Given questions, use False only when the text contradicts the claim. Do not supply missing comparisons from your own knowledge.

Avoid this common mistake

Do not choose a heading solely because it repeats a memorable noun. A correct heading covers the paragraph's main job, including any contrast or change of direction.

See it in practice

Starting point

A paragraph describes staff learning new software, adjusting schedules, and sharing desks. Heading: The cost of one computer.

Using this skill

Heading: How staff adapted to a new workplace.

The wider heading includes all the paragraph's changes; the narrow one invents a focus on price.

Reading practice

Testing a different working week

A. A small design company tested a four-day working week for three months without reducing pay. Managers shortened routine meetings and set aside quiet periods for complex work. The aim was to preserve output while reducing unnecessary interruptions.

B. At the end of the trial, completed projects remained at roughly the same level. Most staff reported feeling less tired, although two employees said that longer daily schedules made childcare more difficult. Managers therefore decided to offer several scheduling options instead of one timetable for everyone.

C. The company has not published a calculation of its electricity savings. Its director also cautioned that a design office may be able to change schedules more easily than a business that must serve customers throughout the week. A longer trial is planned before any permanent policy is introduced.

01 / Check your understanding

Try the skill

Choose an answer for each question. You can try again after reading the feedback.

1. Which heading best fits paragraph B?
2. The company saved more electricity than nearby businesses during the trial.

02 / Put it into words

Make it your own

Give each paragraph a short heading. Explain the evidence for your heading for B and why the electricity comparison cannot be confirmed.

Write at least 50 words. Use the checklist and example to review your work; this exercise does not give an automatic IELTS score.

0 / 50 words minimum Save your response with the button below.

Before you finish

  • Each heading covers the paragraph's main purpose.
  • I distinguished most staff from every employee.
  • I avoided inventing a comparison.
Read one possible response

Compare the choices this writer made with your own. Many different responses can work.

My headings are Trial design for A, Mixed experiences and flexible schedules for B, and Limits and next steps for C. Paragraph B links staff reactions to a decision about timetables. Most staff felt less tired, but two faced childcare problems. The electricity comparison is not given because the company has published no calculation and the passage gives no figures for other businesses.

Earn 40 XP once by answering all questions correctly, reaching the response minimum, and reviewing your work.