Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: skim, name, match and test. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 11 cards
the trap that catches good readers
A wrong heading can repeat the paragraph's words. The right one may share none.
Paragraph: "Tolls were dropped in 2015. Within a year traffic had doubled and shops were busier." Heading A: "How tolls are collected"repeats 'tolls' Heading B: "Trade grew once charges ended"
Match the idea, not the words.
a paragraph has layers
| Part | Its job | Heading? |
|---|---|---|
| First sentence | Often states the idea | Maybe |
| Examples and names | Back the idea up | No |
| Last sentence | Sums up or turns | Maybe |
| Whole paragraph | One main idea | Yes |
A heading sums up a paragraph's main idea, not one supporting detail.
Card 3 of 11 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 8 come with any plan.
Create a free account →11 cards
Start Matching headings free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy