IELTS lesson · Reading

IELTS Reading Matching Sentence Endings notesSentence endings: grammar first

Cut endings that break the grammar, then let the passage decide. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: predict, shortlist, locate and match. 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 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSReading · Matching sentence endings

    It fits. Is it right?

    grammar is only half the job

    Two endings can fit the grammar. Only one says what the passage says.

    Passage: "The pool shut because repairs cost too much." Beginning: "The pool shut because ..." Two endings fit: "repairs were too costly" and "few swimmers camefits, not said".

    Grammar shortlists. Meaning picks.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSReading · Matching sentence endings

    How the task works

    the facts in one glance

    The task gives youWhat that means
    BeginningsHalves of sentences
    EndingsA lettered list
    Extra endingsMore than beginnings
    OrderFollows the passage
    The skillMain ideas in the text

    Pick the best ending for each beginning.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
  3. Card 3 of 10 onwards

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10 cards

Contents

  1. 1It fits. Is it right?grammar is only half the jobIn the preview
  2. 2How the task worksthe facts in one glanceIn the preview
  3. 3Shortlist, then checkfour moves for every beginningFree account
  4. 4Q1: predict, then shortlistgrammar cuts the list firstWith a plan
  5. 5Q1: locate, then matchthe passage picks the winnerWith a plan
  6. 6Q2: two fit the grammarthe meaning decidesWith a plan
  7. 7Two mix-ups to fixtrue is not the same as rightWith a plan
  8. 8One sentence, checkedbeginning, ending and passage togetherWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnnew topics, same movesWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe sentence-endings checklistWith a plan

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FAQ

Is the Sentence endings: grammar first lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Sentence endings: grammar first PDF?+

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.

Who wrote this lesson?+

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.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

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

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