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Excelling in IELTS Reading: How to Answer True, False, Not Given Questions

True, False, Not Given (TFNG) questions in the IELTS Reading test are often a source of confusion and difficulty for candidates. These questions assess a candidate’s ability to accurately interpret information and determine whether specific statements align with the details provided in the passage. Misinterpreting even a single word or phrase can result in errors that affect overall performance. Therefore, mastering this question type requires a structured approach, a deep understanding of the nuances between False and Not Given, and consistent practice. This comprehensive guide explores the format, common challenges, and advanced techniques needed to excel in answering True, False, Not Given questions and improve IELTS Reading scores. You can watch this YouTube video explainer by IELTS Guide Phil.

Understanding the True, False, Not Given Format

Task Overview

In True, False, Not Given questions, candidates are provided with a series of statements related to the content of the passage. They are required to determine whether each statement is:

  • True: The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
  • False: The statement contradicts the information in the passage.
  • Not Given: The information is not mentioned or there is insufficient information to determine the accuracy of the statement.

Common Question Format

These questions are typically phrased as:

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?

  • Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
  • Write FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
  • Write NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this.

Key Differences Between True, False, and Not Given

1. True

A statement is classified as True when it accurately reflects the information provided in the passage.

Example:
Passage: The company was founded in 1990.
Statement: The company was established in 1990.
Explanation: The statement matches the information, making the answer True.

2. False

A statement is labeled False when it directly contradicts information in the passage.

Example:
Passage: The company was founded in 1990.
Statement: The company was founded in 1985.
Explanation: The date in the statement contradicts the passage, so the answer is False.

3. Not Given

A statement is classified as Not Given when the passage does not provide sufficient information to confirm or contradict the statement.

Example:
Passage: The company was founded in 1990.
Statement: The company employs over 500 workers.
Explanation: Since the passage does not mention the number of employees, the answer is Not Given.

Why Students Struggle with True, False, Not Given

1. Misinterpreting Keywords

A frequent error involves misunderstanding keywords or synonyms used in the passage. Candidates often misidentify paraphrased information or fail to recognize equivalent expressions, leading to incorrect responses.

2. Confusing False with Not Given

Distinguishing between False and Not Given is one of the most common difficulties. A False statement explicitly contradicts the information in the passage, while a Not Given statement lacks sufficient information for verification.

3. Overthinking or Assuming Information

Many candidates rely on personal knowledge or assumptions instead of strictly adhering to the information presented in the passage. This tendency can lead to errors, especially when the passage does not address the topic directly.

4. Time Pressure

Spending excessive time on a single question can reduce the time available for subsequent questions, impacting overall test performance.

Step-by-Step Strategy for True, False, Not Given

Step 1: Carefully Read the Instructions

Ensure that you understand whether the task requires True, False, Not Given or Yes, No, Not Given (often used in passages that discuss opinions or viewpoints).

Step 2: Analyze the Statement First

Identify key nouns, verbs, and adjectives in the statement to pinpoint the essential information.

  • Look for Synonyms/Paraphrasing: Recognize that the passage may use synonyms or paraphrased information rather than exact wording.
  • Example:
    Statement: The population of the city increased significantly between 2000 and 2010.
    Keywords: population, increased, 2000–2010

Step 3: Skim and Scan the Passage

  • Skim for General Understanding: Gain an overview of the passage’s content to locate the relevant section.
  • Scan for Keywords or Synonyms: Identify where the information is mentioned or where paraphrased ideas are located.

Step 4: Compare the Statement with the Text

  • Exact Match: If the statement matches the passage, mark True.
  • Contradiction: If the statement contradicts the information, mark False.
  • No Mention: If the information is missing or insufficient, mark Not Given.

Step 5: Pay Attention to Qualifiers and Modifiers

Examine words that modify the meaning of the statement, such as:

  • All, always, only, never, most, some, many, possibly

Example:
Passage: The company occasionally offers discounts.
Statement: The company always offers discounts.
Explanation: Since “always” contradicts “occasionally,” the answer is False.

Advanced Techniques to Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Avoid Assumptions or Background Knowledge

Base your answers solely on the information provided in the text, not on prior knowledge.

Example:
Passage: Research shows that moderate exercise improves heart health.
Statement: Daily exercise guarantees improved heart health.
Explanation: Since “moderate” does not imply “daily” and “improves” does not guarantee results, the statement is False.

2. Recognize Paraphrasing and Synonyms

IELTS passages often paraphrase information. Identifying synonyms is essential to determining the correct response.

Example:
Passage: The government reduced funding for public schools.
Statement: The government cut financial support for public schools.
Explanation: “Reduced” and “cut” are synonyms, indicating that the statement is True.

3. Distinguish Between False and Not Given

  • False: The passage explicitly contradicts the statement.
  • Not Given: The passage lacks sufficient information to confirm or deny the statement.

Example:
Passage: The museum opens from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.

  • Statement 1: The museum opens at 8 AM on Saturdays.
    Explanation: No information about Saturday hours is provided, so the answer is Not Given.
  • Statement 2: The museum remains open until 6 PM on weekdays.
    Explanation: This contradicts the passage, making the answer False.

4. Watch for Trick Statements

Be cautious of statements that:

  • Exaggerate Information: Use absolute terms like “always,” “never,” or “only.”
  • Include Extra Details: Add information not mentioned in the text.

Practice Techniques for True, False, Not Given

1. Practice with Authentic IELTS Passages

Familiarize yourself with the language and complexity of real IELTS Reading passages.

2. Highlight Keywords

Mark relevant sections in the passage that match the statement’s information.

3. Time Yourself

Simulate test conditions by allocating 20 minutes per passage.

4. Analyze Incorrect Answers

Review errors to identify patterns and develop a deeper understanding of why certain responses were incorrect.

Sample True, False, Not Given Exercise

Passage Excerpt:
The city council introduced a new recycling program in 2018, which led to a 20% reduction in landfill waste within the first year. However, participation rates among residents remained relatively low.

Statements:

  1. The recycling program resulted in a significant decrease in landfill waste.
  2. The participation rate increased dramatically in the first year.
  3. The recycling program was conceptualized in 2017.

Answers:

  1. True: The passage confirms a 20% reduction, indicating a significant decrease.
  2. False: The passage mentions that participation rates remained low, contradicting the statement.
  3. Not Given: No information about 2017 is mentioned, making it impossible to determine the accuracy of this statement.

Top Tips for Achieving Band 8+ in True, False, Not Given Questions

✅ Develop Keyword Recognition Skills: Enhance your ability to identify paraphrased information.
✅ Stay Objective: Base your answers strictly on the passage.
✅ Learn to Differentiate False and Not Given: Pay close attention to contradictions versus missing information.
✅ Manage Your Time: Spend no more than 1-2 minutes on each question to maintain good pacing.

Final Thoughts

Mastering True, False, Not Given questions requires a combination of critical reading skills, attention to detail, and consistent practice. By following a systematic approach, recognizing synonyms and paraphrasing, and refining your ability to differentiate between contradiction and omission, you can significantly enhance your IELTS Reading performance. With dedication and practice, candidates can develop the confidence and accuracy needed to achieve a high band score in the IELTS Reading test.

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IELTS Guide Phil

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