Matching Headings
Topic: Urban Green Spaces
Skill: Identifying the main idea of a paragraph.
Directions: Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below.

Passage: Urban Green Spaces
Paragraph A
With the rapid expansion of cities, the integration of green spaces has become a priority for urban planners. Parks, vertical gardens, and rooftop forests are no longer just aesthetic additions; they are essential for reducing the "urban heat island" effect. Concrete and asphalt absorb heat, raising city temperatures significantly, but vegetation helps cool the environment through shade and evapotranspiration.
Paragraph B
Beyond environmental benefits, green spaces play a vital role in public health. Studies have consistently shown that access to nature reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves mental well-being. For city dwellers living in high-density apartments, a nearby park serves as a communal backyard, fostering social interaction and physical activity.
Paragraph C
However, maintaining these spaces presents a financial challenge. The cost of irrigation, landscaping, and security for public parks is high. Many cities are now exploring public-private partnerships or community-managed gardens to offset these costs, though these solutions often raise questions about accessibility and public ownership.
Questions:
List of Headings
i. The psychological and physical advantages of nature
ii. Strategies for cooling down cities
iii. The rising cost of urban housing
iv. Financial difficulties in sustaining green areas
v. The history of city parks
Paragraph A: ______
Paragraph B: ______
Paragraph C: ______
Answer Key
ii (Strategies for cooling down cities)
Explanation: Paragraph A discusses the "urban heat island" effect and how vegetation helps "cool the environment."
i (The psychological and physical advantages of nature)
Explanation: Paragraph B discusses "public health," "reduces stress," and "improves mental well-being."
iv (Financial difficulties in sustaining green areas)
Explanation: Paragraph C focuses on the "financial challenge," "cost of irrigation," and the difficulty of "maintaining these spaces."
Tips for Matching Headings
Read the headings first: Quickly skim the list of headings to see what themes you are looking for.
Focus on the first and last sentences: In academic writing, the main idea (topic sentence) is usually the first or last sentence of a paragraph.
Beware of "Word Matching": Examiners often place a keyword from the wrong heading into a paragraph to trick you. Don't just match words; match the meaning.
Cross them out: Once you are sure of a heading, cross it out so you don't waste time re-reading it.


