Master the most challenging IELTS Reading question type. Learn proven strategies to identify main ideas, avoid common traps, and improve your accuracy by 30-40%. This tutorial follows evidence-based learning principles to ensure you not only understand the theory but can apply it confidently in practice.
Follow this proven sequence every time. These steps are based on cognitive load theory—they help you process information efficiently without overwhelming your working memory.
Before looking at the passage, read through all the headings to understand the range of topics. Don't try to memorize them—just get familiar with the themes.
Read the first 1-2 sentences and last sentence of the paragraph. The main idea is usually stated in one of these positions. Look for general statements, not specific examples.
After reading the topic sentence, mentally summarize the paragraph's main idea in 3-5 words. What is this paragraph REALLY about? Ignore examples and details.
Now look at your heading list. Which heading expresses a similar idea to your summary? Remember: the heading won't use the exact same words—look for synonyms and paraphrases.
Once you've picked a heading, skim the middle of the paragraph. Do the supporting sentences align with your chosen heading? If yes, you're correct. If not, reconsider.
Immediately cross out the heading you've used. This narrows your options for remaining paragraphs and prevents accidentally reusing a heading.
Watch how an expert approaches this question type. Pay attention to the thinking process—not just the answer, but WHY it's the answer. This is "modeling" from the GRR framework: I'll show you how I think, then you'll practice.
List of Headings:
Now it's your turn to apply the strategy. Try to match this paragraph with a heading. If you get stuck, progressive hints are available. This is the "guided practice" stage—you're doing the work, but support is there if needed.
List of Headings:
Despite the immense potential of artificial intelligence, several factors continue to limit its integration across various industries. Primary among these obstacles is the substantial cost of implementing AI systems, which remains prohibitively expensive for small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, a significant skills gap exists, with many organizations struggling to find employees who possess the technical expertise required to develop and maintain AI infrastructure. Regulatory uncertainties in different jurisdictions further complicate matters, as businesses hesitate to invest heavily in technologies that may face legal restrictions in the future.
Why it's correct:
Why others are wrong:
You've learned the strategy, seen it in action, and practiced with support. Now it's time for the final stage of GRR: independent production. Apply everything you've learned on real exercises!
Clear topic sentences, obvious main ideas, fewer distractors
Sample 1: Sleep & Health Sample 1: Renewable EnergyMore complex paragraphs, subtle main ideas, multiple similar headings
Sample 3: Online Education Sample 4: Conservation Sample 5: TechnologyImplicit main ideas, many distractors, exam-level difficulty
Exercise 1: Climate Exercise 2: Aviation Exercise 3: Energy Exercise 4: Safety Exercise 5: TradeRemember: Every expert was once a beginner. The more you practice with strategy, the better you'll get!
After each practice exercise:
🎯 Target Score: Aim for 80% accuracy on beginner samples, 70% on intermediate, and 60-70% on advanced. This translates to Band 7.0-8.0 in the actual test!