IELTS Reading. Matching sentence endings

Information

This task requires you to match sentence beginnings with a list of possible endings (there will be more sentence endings than you need). Because the beginnings and endings will often all match grammatically and make sense, you can't guess the answers from grammatical or semantic clues. Instead, locate the part of the text mentioned in each sentence beginning and then read it in detail to identify the ending that matches.

Tips

• Remember that the sentence beginnings follow the order of the text.
• Don't be tricked by endings that have words and phrases from the text in them. It doesn't mean the ending is correct.

Strategy

• Read the sentence beginning carefully.

• Find the keywords and think of some similar words for them.

• Find the part of the text where the answer is.

• Read the sentences carefully, looking out for the keywords or similar words.

• Remember the information may be presented in a different order from the question.

• Try to complete the sentence in your own words.

• Check the list and find an ending that is similar to yours.

• Check that the completed sentence is grammatical and that the meaning matches the text.

• If the answer is a noun, check that you have used the correct form: singular or plural.

Download (pdf) a sample "Matching sentence endings" task (with answers and explanations here