What you are really testing

A heading must capture the paragraph’s main purpose. Wrong options usually match a single detail, the opposite idea, the wrong scope (too broad or narrow), or a different function like example vs cause.

The 5 step Wrong Option method

1. Gist note: write 3 to 6 words that sum up the paragraph.
2. Function tag: choose one label only - definition, problem, cause, effect, contrast, solution, process, example.
3. Shortlist 2 or 3 headings that could fit by meaning, not words.
4. Reject actively using four tests:
   • Detail only
   • Opposite stance
   • Scope mismatch
   • Function mismatch
5. Confirm survivor: the remaining heading fits all sentences, not just the first.

Four tests for fast rejection

• Detail only: heading names one fact, but the paragraph argues a bigger idea.
• Opposite stance: paragraph warns, heading praises.
• Scope mismatch: paragraph about one city, heading about the country.
• Function mismatch: paragraph gives a solution, heading says cause.

Mini passage with full wrong option analysis

Headings
A. A costly failure of design
B. Training that changed outcomes
C. Why the first schedule was unpopular
D. Small adjustments with big effects
E. A definition of success

Paragraph
The bus team shifted stop positions by 50 meters near two schools and added a painted waiting zone. Queues formed in one line, boarding sped up, and morning delays fell by 30 percent. No new buses were purchased.

Gist and function

• Gist: tiny layout changes cut delays
• Function: solution leading to effect

Why not A

• Talks about a failure and design cost. Paragraph reports success and no purchase cost. Opposite stance.
  Why not B
• Focuses on training. Paragraph changes physical layout, not staff training. Function mismatch.
  Why not C
• Mentions unpopular schedule. Paragraph does not discuss popularity, only delays. Scope mismatch.
  Why not E
• A definition would give criteria like fewer than 5 minute waits. Paragraph reports a result, not a definition. Function mismatch.
  Correct: D
• Small adjustments with big effects matches the whole paragraph purpose and outcome.

Contrast example: same topic, different wrongs

Paragraph
The new winter timetable cut late night frequency from every 10 minutes to every 20 minutes to save fuel. Complaints rose.

Best heading
C. Why the first schedule was unpopular
Why not D

• Changes did not bring a positive big effect. Opposite stance.
  Why not A
• Not about design failure. It is about a schedule decision. Scope mismatch.
  Why not B
• No training. Function mismatch.
  Why not E
• No definition language.

Language traps to ignore

• Repeated nouns: bus, schedule, delays appear in many headings. Do not chase word matches.
• Number bait: 30 percent can tempt a heading like costs and figures. If the paragraph’s purpose is solution, pick the solution heading.

Error tags for review

• WD = word trap
• DS = detail instead of summary
• OP = opposite stance chosen
• SC = scope mismatch
• FM = function mismatch

Timing plan

• 60 to 90 s skim title and topic sentences
• 4 min match headings using the four rejection tests
• 60 s verify two hardest paragraphs by rephrasing their gist in 6 words

Rapid checklist

• Does my gist cover the whole paragraph
• Does the heading match the function
• Is the scope correct for time and place
• Is the stance aligned
• Did I reject near matches for a clear reason

10 minute drill routine

1. Pick one 5 paragraph text.
2. Write a 3 to 6 word gist and a function tag for each paragraph.
3. For each wrong heading you almost chose, write a Why not line naming the exact test you used.
4. Tag one error type and write a fix rule for tomorrow.

Build your unique study system

• Keep a Function Bank with real examples for cause, effect, contrast, solution, process, definition.
• Maintain a Why not log: store your rejected options and the rule that killed them.
• Recycle headings by neutralising words: turn A costly failure of design into failure due to design to focus on meaning.
• Weekly, redo one passage and try to reject each wrong heading in under 12 seconds using the four tests.

Final advice

Headings success is controlled rejection. Write a tiny gist, tag the function, and kill wrong options with clear reasons. When only one heading survives all four tests, you have a confident match.