IELTS Reading: True/False/Not Given Strategies

The IELTS Reading section is one of the most challenging parts of the test, especially when it comes to True/False/Not Given (TFNG) questions. Many test-takers find themselves confused about whether a statement is simply false, or whether the information is not given in the text at all. Understanding the difference, and learning practical strategies, can significantly improve your score.

In this guide, we will cover what TFNG questions are, common mistakes, and effective strategies to answer them confidently.

What Are True/False/Not Given Questions?

In this question type, you are presented with a series of statements about a reading passage. You need to decide:

• True: The statement agrees with the information in the passage.

• False: The statement contradicts the information in the passage.

• Not Given: The statement is not mentioned in the passage, or there is not enough information to decide.

Unlike multiple-choice or matching questions, TFNG tasks test your ability to identify details and understand exact meaning.

Why Are They Tricky?

Many IELTS candidates struggle with this type for several reasons:

1. Similar wording – The statement often uses synonyms or paraphrases instead of repeating the passage directly.

2. Overthinking – Students sometimes assume extra information instead of sticking to what’s in the passage.

3. Time pressure – Passages can be long, and test-takers waste time re-reading multiple times.

4. Confusion between False and Not Given – The most common mistake is mixing up these two options.

Key Difference: False vs. Not Given

The core challenge is distinguishing between False and Not Given.

• False = The passage gives information that is the opposite of the statement.

• Not Given = The passage does not say anything about the statement, or leaves it incomplete.

Example:

Passage: “Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes, one in Physics and another in Chemistry.”

• Statement: “Marie Curie won a Nobel Prize in Medicine.”

  • False → The passage clearly says she won Physics and Chemistry, not Medicine.

• Statement: “Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.”

  • Not Given → The passage does not mention if she was the first woman or not.

Step-by-Step Strategy for TFNG Questions

1. Read the Question Statement First

Before reading the passage in detail, look at the statement. Underline the key subject, verb, and object. This gives you a clear idea of what information to look for.

2. Locate the Relevant Section in the Passage

The statements appear in order in most IELTS Reading passages. This means the answer to Question 2 will usually appear after Question 1’s answer in the text. Use this to save time.

3. Scan for Keywords and Synonyms

Look for keywords in the statement: names, numbers, dates, or technical terms. If the passage doesn’t use the exact word, find synonyms or paraphrases.

Example:

• Statement: “The factory increased its production by 50% in 2010.”

• Passage: “In 2010, the factory’s output rose by half compared to the previous year.”

• Answer: True (50% = half).

4. Match Meaning, Not Words

Don’t be tricked by words that look the same but mean something different. Focus on the meaning, not just vocabulary.

5. Decide Using Logic

Ask yourself:

• Does the passage confirm the statement? → True

• Does the passage directly contradict the statement? → False

• Is there no information (or incomplete info)? → Not Given

6. Don’t Overthink

If you are unsure, avoid adding your own knowledge. Rely only on the text. Remember: IELTS doesn’t test your background knowledge, only your reading skills.

Advanced Tips to Improve Accuracy

A. Beware of Absolute Words

Words like always, never, all, none, completely are often traps. Check carefully—if the passage suggests exceptions, the statement may be False.

B. Use Elimination

If you can’t decide between False and Not Given, ask:

• “Is this clearly the opposite of what the passage says?”

  • Yes → False

  • No → Not Given

C. Stay Calm Under Time Pressure

Don’t spend too long on one question. If you can’t decide, make the best guess and move on. You can return later if time allows.

D. Notice Quantifiers

Pay attention to numbers, percentages, and quantities. Even small differences can change the answer.

Example:
Passage: “The survey showed that 60% of students preferred online learning.”
Statement: “Most students preferred online learning.”
Answer: True (60% = majority).

But if the statement said “All students preferred online learning” → False.

Practice Examples

Passage Excerpt:
“The Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. It was built for protection, but it also helped with trade and communication.”

1. The Great Wall of China is more than 20,000 kilometers long.

   • True

2. The Great Wall was built only for military defense.

   • False (It also helped with trade and communication.)

3. The Great Wall was built in one single year.

   • Not Given (The passage does not mention the time it took.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding Personal Knowledge
   Example: If you know from history that Marie Curie was the first woman Nobel Prize winner, you might answer True. But if the passage doesn’t mention it, the correct answer is Not Given.

2. Confusing Keywords
   Just because you see the same keyword in the passage doesn’t mean the answer is True. Always check the meaning.

3. Rushing
   Many students answer based on a quick impression. Take time to analyze carefully.

4. Ignoring Synonyms
   IELTS loves paraphrasing. If you only look for exact words, you’ll miss the answer.

Time Management Strategy

• Spend 1–1.5 minutes per TFNG question.

• If you don’t find the answer quickly, skip and come back later.

• Use the order of questions to guide your search through the passage.

How to Practice Effectively

1. Use Official IELTS Practice Tests – Cambridge IELTS books are the best source.

2. Analyze Wrong Answers – Don’t just mark them wrong. Check why you got confused.

3. Practice Paraphrasing – Take a statement and rephrase it in different ways to train your recognition of synonyms.

4. Time Yourself – Practice under real test conditions.

Final Thoughts

True/False/Not Given questions test your attention to detail and logical reasoning. The most important skill is distinguishing between False and Not Given. Always remember:

• True = the passage supports the statement.

• False = the passage says the opposite.

• Not Given = the passage doesn’t include enough information.

By practicing regularly, focusing on meaning instead of words, and avoiding overthinking, you can improve your accuracy and boost your IELTS Reading score.

FAQ:IELTS Reading: True/False/Not Given Strategies

What does True/False/Not Given mean in IELTS Reading?

True means the statement agrees with the passage. False means the statement contradicts the passage. Not Given means the passage does not include enough information to decide. Always base your answer on the passage only, not on outside knowledge or assumptions.

How do I reliably distinguish False from Not Given?

Ask one decisive question: “Does the passage explicitly state the opposite of the statement?” If yes, mark False. If the passage is silent, partially related, or ambiguous, mark Not Given. Do not infer beyond the text. If you find related lines but no clear confirmation or contradiction, it is safer to choose Not Given.

Do the answers appear in order?

Generally, yes. In most IELTS Reading tasks, answers follow the sequence of the passage. Use this to narrow your search window: after answering one question, begin scanning slightly after that location for the next. This saves time and reduces back-and-forth scanning.

What is the best step-by-step method for TFNG?

1. Read the statement first and underline the core subject, verb, and any numbers or qualifiers.
2. Predict synonyms/paraphrases that could appear in the text.
3. Scan the passage in the likely region (usually in order) for those ideas or equivalents.
4. Read the sentence before and after the matching line to confirm context.
5. Decide meaning (agree/contradict/insufficient) based on the precise wording.
6. Move on quickly if uncertain; mark and revisit later if time remains.

Which words are common traps?

Absolute and limiting words often signal traps because they raise the bar for being True:

• always, never, all, none, only, entirely, completely
• Comparatives/superlatives like more than, less than, most, least
• Quantifiers like all students vs. most students

If the passage mentions exceptions or a narrower scope than the statement, the statement will likely be False.

How do I deal with synonyms and paraphrasing?

IELTS rarely repeats phrasing exactly. Train yourself to map meaning, not just keywords. For example, “rose by half” and “increased by 50%” are equivalents. Build a synonym bank for common academic terms (e.g., decline → drop, fall, reduction; benefit → advantage, gain).

How can I avoid adding outside knowledge?

Create a simple rule for yourself: if a detail does not appear in the lines you have verified, it does not exist for the purpose of this question. Even if you know something is true in real life, you must select Not Given when the passage omits it.

What timing strategy should I use for TFNG?

A practical benchmark is about 1–1.5 minutes per statement. Because answers are usually in order, you can scan forward with confidence. If you cannot justify an answer within that time, make your best choice, mark the question, and return later with fresh eyes.

What are clear examples of True, False, and Not Given?

True: The passage states “The museum reopened in 2022.” The statement says “The museum reopened in 2022.”

False: Passage: “Only a minority of residents support the plan.” Statement: “Most residents support the plan.” That is the opposite.

Not Given: Passage: “The drug improved symptoms in adults.” Statement: “The drug is safe for children.” The passage says nothing about children.

What should I read around the matching line?

Always check the full sentence and the one before/after to capture scope, conditions, and contrasts (e.g., however, although, despite). Many contradictions appear after a connector, and many limits are set by a clause you might miss if you only read a fragment.

How do numbers, dates, and percentages affect TFNG?

They require precision. A small change can flip the answer:

• If the passage says 60% and the statement says a majority, that can be True (majority ≥ 50%).
• If the statement upgrades 60% to all, it becomes False.
• If the statement references a specific year not mentioned, it may be Not Given.

What should I do when a statement is partly correct?

Partly correct is not enough for True. If any essential element is contradicted, the answer is False. If the missing/unclear piece is essential and not in the text, the answer is Not Given. Treat the statement as an indivisible claim that must fully match the passage to earn True.

How can I practice effectively for TFNG?

• Use official-style materials and read explanations to understand missteps.
• Build a paraphrase journal: rewrite sentences with varied structures and synonyms.
• Timed drills: simulate sections and track average time per item.
• Error log: record whether wrong answers stem from misreading, vocabulary gaps, or over-inference.

Are there quick heuristics I can apply under pressure?

• If the passage clearly states the opposite → False.
• If relevant information is missing/insufficient → Not Given.
• If wording looks similar but a key qualifier differs (some vs. all) → likely False.
• If you are torn between False and Not Given and cannot find a direct contradiction → choose Not Given.

How do connectors change meaning?

Words like however, although, whereas, despite, while often introduce contrast that flips the truth value. For example, “Although many support the policy, experts warn of hidden costs” might undermine a statement claiming “Experts are fully supportive.” Always read beyond the connector to capture the actual stance.

How can I reduce careless errors?

1. Underline qualifiers (e.g., only, at least, more than, in some cases).
2. Verify subjects (e.g., the statement refers to children but the passage refers to adults).
3. Check scope (local vs. national, pilot study vs. full rollout).
4. Re-read contradictions to ensure they are explicit, not implied.

What should I do if two answer options seem possible?

Return to the passage and ask: “Where is the exact sentence that proves this?” If you cannot pinpoint a line that confirms or denies the statement, it is Not Given. If you can point to a line that states the opposite, it is False. When time is short, pick the option supported by a specific line you can cite to yourself.

Can I predict TFNG answers by common patterns?

No. Do not rely on patterns like “There are always more Not Givens.” IELTS varies distribution across tests. The only safe approach is text-based justification for each item.

Any final exam-day tips for TFNG?

• Trust the text: Decide based on explicit evidence.
• Use order: Search forward, not randomly.
• Watch absolutes: “Always” and “only” demand strong textual support.
• Keep moving: Don’t let one item consume your section time.
• Review flags: Revisit uncertain items with a fresh, literal reading.

How can I self-check my TFNG answers after practice?

After finishing a set, write a one-sentence justification for each answer, citing the exact line (or noting “no line, information missing” for Not Given). If you cannot produce a concise justification, you may be relying on inference or memory. Replace that with a text-anchored rationale before moving on.

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