True, False, Not Given in IELTS Reading: A Complete Strategy Guide

Understanding True, False, Not Given Questions in IELTS Reading

Introduction to the Question Type

True, False, Not Given (TFNG) questions are a core component of the IELTS Reading section. They test a candidate’s ability to understand detailed factual information, locate specific points within a passage, and evaluate whether these match, contradict, or are not addressed in a set of statements. Unlike many other question types, TFNG tasks require careful comparison of ideas rather than simple retrieval of data.

In this task, you are presented with several statements. Your role is to determine whether each statement is:

• True – the information matches what is stated in the passage.
• False – the information is contradicted by what is stated in the passage.
• Not Given – the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the passage.

The challenge lies in identifying subtle differences in meaning, interpreting qualifiers and modifiers, and ignoring external knowledge or assumptions.

Purpose and Testing Skill

TFNG questions evaluate more than just reading comprehension. They test a range of higher-level skills such as critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to paraphrase and recognize paraphrased ideas. These questions aim to assess whether you can differentiate between explicit facts, implied information, and absent details.

You must be able to:

• Understand the exact meaning of the statement.
• Accurately interpret information in the passage.
• Identify whether there is a direct match, contradiction, or lack of relevant information.

Many test-takers consider this the most difficult reading question type because it requires an exact match in meaning, not just similar wording or ideas.

Definitions of True, False, and Not Given

Understanding the official definitions used in the IELTS exam is critical to success. Let’s look closely at what each answer means.

What Does “True” Mean?

A statement is marked True if the information in the statement agrees with the information presented in the reading passage. This agreement must be exact. The meaning of the statement must match the meaning of the corresponding part of the passage, even if the wording is different.

For example:

Statement: The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris.
Text: The Eiffel Tower stands in the heart of Paris.

Even though the wording is slightly different, the meaning is the same. Therefore, the correct answer is True.

True does not mean “similar” or “approximately right.” It must be completely accurate in meaning. If there is any deviation, the answer should be something else.

What Does “False” Mean?

A statement is False if it directly contradicts the information in the passage. This means that the statement presents facts or claims that oppose what the passage states. It is important to understand that even a small contradiction is enough for the answer to be considered False.

For example:

Statement: The Eiffel Tower is located in Berlin.
Text: The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris.

Here, the statement contradicts the text. So, the answer is False.

False does not mean “partially wrong.” Even if one part of the statement is incorrect or opposes the passage, the answer must be False.

What Does “Not Given” Mean?

Not Given is used when the passage does not contain enough information to confirm or deny the statement. This could mean that part of the statement is addressed, but not all of it. Alternatively, it could mean that the issue in the statement is never discussed in the passage at all.

For example:

Statement: The Eiffel Tower was designed by a Swedish architect.
Text: The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and remains a symbol of France.

Here, the passage mentions the year and symbolic status but says nothing about who designed it. There is not enough information to determine whether the statement is correct or incorrect. Therefore, the answer is Not Given.

Many students get this type wrong because they assume that if some of the words in the statement are in the text, it must be True or False. That is not the case. A Not Given statement can share some vocabulary with the text and still be unanswerable due to missing context or facts.

The Order of the Answers

One useful aspect of the TFNG question type is that the answers appear in the same order as the information in the passage. This means that the first statement’s answer will be found in an earlier section of the text than the second, and so on. This is a helpful structural clue that allows you to progress through the passage logically rather than jumping back and forth.

For example:

• Statement 1 is based on paragraph 1.
• Statement 2 refers to paragraph 2.
• Statement 3 relates to paragraph 3 or later.

Knowing this can help you manage your time and focus your search when analyzing each statement.

Why You Must Avoid Guessing Based on Keyword Matching

One of the most common strategies among IELTS test-takers is to identify keywords in the statement and search for the exact words in the passage. This approach is flawed for several reasons:

1. The IELTS exam is designed to test your understanding of meaning, not your ability to find matching words.
2. The words in the passage are often paraphrased, using synonyms or similar expressions.
3. Keywords may be present in the passage, but the overall meaning could still be different.

Let’s look at an example:

Statement: The study was conducted in Canada.
Text: Researchers in Toronto contributed to the global study.

Toronto is a city in Canada, but the text does not say the entire study was conducted in Canada. It only mentions that researchers from Toronto were involved. This is not enough to confirm or deny the statement fully. Therefore, the answer would be Not Given, even though the keyword “Toronto” matches.

Examples of Each Type

Understanding how to identify each answer type becomes easier with clear examples.

Example 1 – True

Statement: The Mona Lisa is housed in the Louvre Museum.
Text: The world-famous Mona Lisa painting is kept at the Louvre in Paris.
Answer: True (The meaning matches exactly.)

Example 2 – False

Statement: The Mona Lisa was painted in the 17th century.
Text: Leonardo da Vinci completed the Mona Lisa in the early 16th century.
Answer: False (There is a direct contradiction regarding the period.)

Example 3 – Not Given

Statement: The Mona Lisa was painted over ten years.
Text: The Mona Lisa is thought to have taken several years to complete.
Answer: Not Given (There is no specific number of years stated.)

These examples show how subtle shifts in wording, precision, and detail determine the correct answer. Always focus on what is directly stated or implied in the text.

The Role of Grammar and Qualifying Words

Another important area to consider when tackling TFNG questions is the presence of qualifiers and grammatical cues that can shift the meaning of a statement. These include:

• Words like “all,” “most,” “some,” “occasionally,” and “usually”
• Verbs like “claim,” “suggest,” “state,” and “believe”
• Modal verbs such as “may,” “must,” “might,” and “can”

For example:

Statement: All passengers must show identification.
Text: Identification is usually requested from passengers.
Answer: False (The statement implies it is mandatory for everyone, while the passage suggests it is not always required.)

Even small changes like these can change the answer type. The IELTS test is specifically designed to assess your sensitivity to such details.

Avoiding Assumptions and Personal Knowledge

Many candidates make the mistake of using their knowledge or assumptions to answer TFNG questions. This is particularly dangerous when the topic is familiar or seems obvious. Always remember that your answers must be based only on the passage, not on what you know or believe.

For example:

Statement: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Text: Mount Everest is one of the most famous mountains in the world.
Answer: Not Given (Even though the fact is common knowledge, the passage does not confirm it.)

This principle is especially critical for the Not Given category, where you may feel confident in the truth of the statement but must base your answer strictly on the provided text.

Solving Common Problems with True, False, Not Given Questions

Overview of Student Difficulties

Many IELTS candidates struggle with True, False, Not Given questions because they approach them with incorrect assumptions or strategies. These problems are often the result of:

• Misunderstanding what True, False, and Not Given mean.
• Relying too much on identifying matching words rather than comparing meanings.
• Making assumptions based on personal knowledge or logic.
• Spending too long searching for information that isn’t there.
• Misreading small but important qualifiers such as “some,” “always,” or “usually.”
• Struggling to distinguish between partial truths (False) and information that’s missing altogether (Not Given).

Understanding and resolving these problems can significantly improve both your accuracy and your time management on the test.

Focusing on the Meaning, Not Just the Words

The single most common mistake is focusing only on keywords in the statement and trying to locate those exact words in the passage. Many students are taught to skim and scan for keywords, and while this is useful for some question types, it is not a reliable method for TFNG tasks.

This approach often leads students to choose True just because some of the words match, even when the meaning does not.

Consider the following example:

Statement: The school accepts international students every semester.
Text: The school welcomes students from abroad during the fall term.

A student may look at “international students” and “students from abroad” and assume they mean the same. They may also see “semester” and “fall term” and treat them as identical. However, the statement refers to every semester, which implies both fall and spring terms, while the text only mentions fall. The meaning does not match exactly. Therefore, the answer is False, not True.

This shows why it’s essential to compare ideas and meanings, not just words.

Qualifying Words That Change Meaning

Another major area where students make mistakes is with qualifying words—these are words that limit or change the scope of a statement. Ignoring or misunderstanding them can lead to choosing the wrong answer type.

Examples of common qualifiers include:

• Quantifiers: all, most, many, some, few, none
• Frequency words: always, usually, sometimes, never, occasionally
• Modal verbs: might, must, should, could, can
• Reporting verbs: believe, suggest, argue, claim

Each of these words changes how strong a statement is. IELTS writers use them deliberately to test whether you’re reading carefully.

Example 1:

Statement: All the workers in the factory receive free meals.
Text: Most workers at the factory are provided with free lunches.
Answer: False (The statement says “all,” but the passage says “most.” That is a contradiction.)

Example 2:

Statement: The museum is usually open on Sundays.
Text: The museum opens every Sunday without exception.
Answer: False (The passage states it opens every Sunday, while “usually” suggests there may be exceptions.)

Even though the differences may seem small, they are enough to change the meaning and require a different answer.

The False vs Not Given Dilemma

One of the hardest tasks in the IELTS Reading test is telling the difference between False and Not Given. This is where many students lose marks, even when they have strong reading skills.

Let’s break this down clearly.

When Is It False?

A statement is False if the passage says the opposite of what the statement says. There must be a direct contradiction between the two.

When Is It Not Given?

A statement is Not Given if the passage does not provide enough information to decide either way. It might touch on part of the topic but leave out crucial details that would allow a True or False judgment.

Example 1: False

Statement: The manager fired three employees last month.
Text: The manager only gave written warnings to employees last month.
Answer: False (The statement says they were fired; the passage says they were not.)

Example 2: Not Given

Statement: The manager fired two employees and promoted one last month.
Text: The manager only gave written warnings to employees last month.
Answer: Not Given (The passage contradicts the first part—firing—but says nothing about promotions. Since part of the statement is not addressed, it cannot be labeled False. It becomes Not Given.)

The golden rule: if part of the statement is unsupported and not contradicted, it is Not Given.

Tricks Used in IELTS TFNG Questions

The test creators often use the following techniques to confuse or mislead test-takers. Being aware of these will help you avoid traps.

Partial Matching

This happens when part of the statement matches the text, but not all of it. If even one part contradicts the text, the answer is False. If one part is not mentioned at all, the answer is Not Given.

Statement: The hotel offers free breakfast and laundry service.
Text: The hotel offers free breakfast.
Answer: Not Given (There is no mention of laundry service.)

Close Synonyms That Change Meaning

Some synonyms look similar but have different strengths or implications.

• “Suggest” is not the same as “prove.”
• “Many” is not the same as “most.”
• “May cause” is not the same as “does cause.”

You must understand how word choice affects certainty and accuracy.

Statement: The report proved the theory correct.
Text: The report suggested the theory might be correct.
Answer: False (The statement is stronger than the text and thus contradicts it.)

Passive vs Active Voice Confusion

Many students struggle with understanding who is doing the action, especially when passive voice is used.

Statement: The scientist was awarded a prize by the government.
Text: The government received a proposal from the scientist.
Answer: Not Given (The action is completely different. The passage says nothing about a prize or an award.)

Understanding passive and active voice structures is key to interpreting such distinctions accurately.

When to Choose Not Given

This is the safest answer when:

• You cannot find any supporting or contradicting information after a reasonable search.
• The passage mentions the topic but leaves out part of the statement.
• The statement talks about cause and effect, but the text only describes a process.
• The text only presents a possibility or opinion, and the statement presents it as a fact.

Let’s examine one more pair.

Statement: Smoking directly causes heart attacks in young adults.
Text: Some studies have linked smoking to increased health risks in younger populations.
Answer: Not Given (The passage talks about general risks and associations, but not a direct cause of heart attacks.)

This is a classic Not Given example. It touches on the topic without confirming or denying the claim.

A Step-by-Step Thought Process

To help you stay accurate and efficient, follow this thought process when answering each TFNG question:

1. Read the statement carefully and understand its full meaning.
2. Pay attention to qualifying words (e.g., all, some, never).
3. Predict what the text should say if the statement is True.
4. Locate the relevant part of the text based on the order.
5. Read that part slowly and compare meanings.
6. Ask: Does the text say the same thing? → True
7. Does it say the opposite? → False
8. Is the information missing or incomplete? → Not Given

Use this checklist to stay methodical and avoid emotional decision-making or rushed guesses.

Strategy and Techniques for Answering True, False, Not Given Questions

Why a Strategy Is Necessary

Without a clear and practiced strategy, TFNG questions can easily consume too much time and produce inconsistent results. Unlike matching headings or multiple-choice questions, TFNG tasks require careful comparison and logical reasoning. A good strategy allows you to reduce time spent on each question, avoid common traps, and make confident, consistent decisions.

Many test-takers attempt to rely solely on intuition or skim-reading. This approach often leads to misinterpretation, especially when statements are subtly different from the passage or use tricky qualifiers. A methodical approach brings structure and clarity to an otherwise complex task.

Step-by-Step Strategy for TFNG Questions

The following is a seven-step strategy designed to help you deal with True, False, Not Given questions efficiently and accurately.

Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully

Even though the format may be familiar, always read the instructions at the start of the question. Ensure the task asks for True, False, Not Given, and not Yes, No, Not Given, which is a similar but different type (used for opinions, not facts).

Instructions often specify where the answers come from and may include subtle differences. Avoid rushing into the task based on assumptions about what it asks for.

Step 2: Understand the Full Meaning of the Statement

Before you look at the passage, read each statement carefully and try to understand what it is saying. Pay close attention to:

• Quantifiers (e.g., all, some, none)
• Frequency (e.g., always, usually, rarely)
• Comparisons (e.g., more than, less than)
• Cause and effect relationships (e.g., results in, leads to, because of)
• Verbs and adjectives that show certainty or doubt (e.g., proves, suggests, might)

Paraphrasing the statement in your own words can help clarify the meaning. You should think: If this statement is true, what exactly must the text say?

Step 3: Predict the Type of Information You Expect to Find

Once you understand the statement, pause and try to predict the kind of information the passage would need to contain to make that statement True.

For example:

Statement: The school has recently increased its tuition fees.
Your mental prediction: The passage must mention a tuition fee increase and a recent timeframe.

Having this clear picture in mind prevents you from being misled by partial matches and irrelevant details.

Step 4: Scan the Passage to Locate the Relevant Section

Use scanning techniques to find the part of the passage most likely to contain the information related to the statement. The good news is that IELTS TFNG questions usually follow the order of the text, so the information for question 5 should appear after the section where you found the answer for question 4.

Look for synonyms and related ideas—not just exact words. Use headings, names, dates, and keywords to quickly locate the right paragraph.

Step 5: Read the Relevant Part of the Text Carefully

Once you find the right section, stop scanning and start reading carefully. Skimming is not enough at this point. You need to read with the intention of matching ideas, not words.

• If the text confirms everything stated, the answer is True.
• If the text contradicts any part of the statement, the answer is False.
• If there is not enough information to make a judgment, the answer is Not Given.

Make sure you don’t let similar vocabulary trick you into assuming a match when there’s a contradiction or a lack of information.

Step 6: Decide on the Correct Answer Type

Use logical reasoning to make your decision. Ask yourself:

• Does the meaning of the statement and the text match completely? → True
• Does the meaning of the statement and the text conflict in any way? → False
• Is there not enough information to decide? → Not Given

Do not rush this step. One mistake can cost you not only the mark for that question but also waste time on rechecking and second-guessing.

Step 7: Underline the Justification in the Text

To help you stay organized and reduce the need for second-guessing later, underline or mentally note the exact words or phrases in the passage that support your answer.

This serves two purposes:

• It gives you a clear reason for your choice, helping with confidence and speed.
• It helps you go back quickly if you need to double-check your answer before submitting.

If you cannot underline physically (in the computer-based IELTS), highlight mentally, or use the note-taking feature.

Tips for Improving Time Management

TFNG questions can be time-consuming. Use these tips to keep your pace without sacrificing accuracy:

Don’t Get Stuck

If you’ve spent more than 90 seconds trying to find the relevant part of the passage or interpret a confusing statement, move on. Mark it as Not Given temporarily and return later if you have time.

In many cases, the correct answer is Not Given when nothing is obvious. Trust that instinct.

Use the Sequential Nature of the Questions

Since TFNG answers are in order, once you find the paragraph that answers question 1, you can limit your search area for question 2 to the text that follows. This prevents unnecessary rereading of earlier sections.

Keep a Balanced Pace

You typically have around 20 minutes per passage in the IELTS Reading section, which includes reading and answering around 13–14 questions. Aim to spend no more than 1 minute per TFNG question on average.

If you are confident in your technique, you may be able to answer some in 30–40 seconds, leaving more time for the tricky ones.

Additional Reading Strategies for Better Accuracy

Read in Chunks, Not Word by Word

Trying to match individual words from the statement to the passage leads to confusion. Instead, train yourself to read in meaning-based groups (phrases, clauses), which allows you to grasp ideas more effectively.

Identify the “Trap Words” in the Statement

IELTS statements often include one or two words that change the entire meaning, such as:

• “Only”
• “Always”
• “Completely”
• “Never”
• “At least”

Spotting these early can alert you to the fact that the statement is very specific, which means you’ll need equally specific confirmation in the text for it to be True.

If the text is vague or general, and the statement is absolute or extreme, the answer is likely False or Not Given.

Learn to Recognize Synonyms and Paraphrases

IELTS rarely repeats exact wording from the passage in the statement. Instead, it tests your ability to recognize paraphrased information. Practice identifying how common words are rewritten.

Example:

• Statement: The government reduced funding for education.
• Text: Public spending on schools was cut by the authorities.

Here:

• “Reduced” = “was cut”
• “Funding” = “spending”
• “Education” = “schools”
• “Government” = “authorities”

Understanding these equivalencies is essential for matching meanings and making the correct TFNG decision.

Trust the Process

Once you have followed your steps carefully—read the statement, scanned, located the text, read the section carefully, and made your decision—trust your answer. Don’t second-guess yourself repeatedly unless you find strong evidence that another choice is more justified.

Changing your answers without new evidence is one of the most common reasons students lose marks unnecessarily.

Practice Techniques, Common Mistakes, and Sample Exercises

Why Practice Is Essential

Understanding the theory and strategy behind True, False, and Not Given questions is not enough. Like any other skill, success comes through regular and deliberate practice. Practicing helps you:

• Apply theoretical strategies in real situations
• Build speed and accuracy under time constraints.
• Develop confidence in distinguishing between False and Not Given.
• Improve your recognition of paraphrases and subtle meaning differences.

Consistent practice also reduces test-day anxiety, because you are already familiar with the task type and know what to expect.

Effective Practice Techniques

To maximize the value of your preparation, focus on quality over quantity. Use the following methods to build mastery through practice.

Use Authentic IELTS Materials

Always practice with real IELTS reading tests or those from reliable sources. These follow the same patterns, logic, and language style that you’ll face on test day.

Look for materials from:

• Cambridge IELTS books
• The official IELTS website
• British Council practice tests

These contain well-constructed questions that reflect actual exam standards.

Practice in Sections

Instead of completing entire reading tests every time, isolate one type of question, such as True, False, or Not Given, and focus on mastering that. This allows you to:

• Focus fully on improving your weak points
• Apply your step-by-step strategy without being distracted by other task types.
• Measure your progress more clearly
  .

After building confidence in TFNG tasks alone, start integrating them back into full test practices.

Time Yourself

Time management is essential. When practicing TFNG questions, set a timer to simulate exam pressure. For example:

• Give yourself 1 minute per question
• Set an overall timer of 10–12 minutes for a set of 10 TFNG questions.

This habit prepares you for the pace of the real test and helps reduce panic when time is limited.

Keep an Error Log

When you make a mistake, do not move on too quickly. Instead, analyze:

• Why was your answer wrong
• Which part of the passage caused confusion
• Whether the mistake was due to misunderstanding vocabulary, not recognizing qualifiers, or misjudging Not Given

Keeping a journal of these mistakes and lessons learned will help you avoid repeating them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-prepared students fall into predictable traps. Below are some of the most common errors that lead to incorrect answers in TFNG questions.

Mistake 1: Assuming a Statement Is True Because It Seems Logical

What happens: You think the statement is probably true in real life, so you choose True without confirming it in the text.

Why it’s wrong: TFNG answers must be based only on what is written in the passage, not on your general knowledge or logic.

Correction: Always ask: Did the text confirm this idea exactly? If not, the answer is not True, even if it seems correct.

Mistake 2: Confusing “False” and “Not Given”

What happens: You choose False because the text does not mention the idea in the statement, when in fact it doesn’t contradict it either.

Why it’s wrong: False requires a direct contradiction. If the information is missing, the correct answer is Not Given.

Correction: Recheck the text. Ask: Does it clearly say the opposite of what’s in the statement? If not, it’s Not Given.

Mistake 3: Matching Words, Not Meaning

What happens: You find the same words from the statement in the passage and assume they match in meaning, even though the context is different.

Why it’s wrong: IELTS often uses similar vocabulary to test whether you understand context and meaning, not just vocabulary.

Correction: Focus on paraphrased meanings and full sentence comparison, not on word-for-word similarity.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Small Words That Change the Meaning

What happens: You skip over words like “all,” “only,” “never,” or “occasionally,” which completely change what the statement means.

Why it’s wrong: These qualifiers are often what make a statement True, False, or Not Given.

Correction: Highlight or mentally underline such words when reading the statement, and check if the passage includes or excludes them.

Sample True, False, Not Given Practice Questions

Below are practice questions along with the relevant passage and explanations.

Sample Text

Text:
“Many experts believe that regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of certain diseases. While some researchers argue that daily exercise is essential, others claim that exercising three times a week is sufficient for most people. However, all agree that some form of consistent activity is beneficial.”

Statements and Answers

1. All experts agree that people must exercise every day.
   Answer: False
   Explanation: The text says some researchers believe daily exercise is essential, but not all experts agree. Therefore, the statement contradicts the text.
2. Exercise is considered helpful by all researchers mentioned.
   Answer: True
   Explanation: The final sentence says “all agree” that consistent activity is beneficial. So, the statement is in full agreement with the passage.
3. Some experts believe exercising twice a week is enough.
   Answer: Not Given
   Explanation: The passage mentions three times a week as sufficient for some, but says nothing about two times. There is not enough information to decide.

Second Sample Text

Text:
“Arctic foxes are known for their white winter coats, which help them blend into the snow. In summer, their fur changes to a brown or grey color to better match the environment. These seasonal adaptations are vital for avoiding predators.”

1. Arctic foxes have white fur throughout the year.
   Answer: False
   Explanation: The text clearly states their fur changes in summer, which contradicts the statement.
2. The color change helps Arctic foxes hide from predators.
   Answer: True
   Explanation: The last sentence confirms that these adaptations help them avoid predators.
3. Arctic foxes live in packs during the summer months.
   Answer: Not Given
   Explanation: The passage discusses fur color and predators, but says nothing about living in packs. There’s no information, so the answer is Not Given.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Use this checklist while practicing or reviewing answers:

• Did I read the statement carefully and identify qualifiers?
• Did I compare meanings instead of just words?
• Did I find the exact location in the passage for comparison?
• Did I check if the text confirms, contradicts, or does not mention the idea?
• Did I avoid assumptions and stick only to the text?
• Did I manage my time effectively?

If you answer “yes” to all of the above, you’re applying the TFNG strategy correctly.

True, False, Not Given questions challenge your understanding of detailed factual information, your ability to detect nuance in language, and your discipline in avoiding assumptions. While they are often considered the most difficult reading question type, they become manageable with the right approach.

Here’s a recap of the full approach to mastering these questions:

• Understand what each answer type truly means.
• Focus on comparing full meanings, not just matching words.
• Be aware of qualifiers and subtle language shifts.
• Use a structured strategy to approach each question methodically.
• Practice regularly, review your mistakes, and track your improvement.

By applying these techniques consistently, you will develop the accuracy, confidence, and speed needed to perform well in the IELTS Reading section.

Final Thoughts

True, False, Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test can be one of the most challenging tasks, but with the right approach, they become manageable and even predictable. Success depends on your ability to read precisely, understand the full meaning of each statement, and match that meaning accurately with the information in the text. Avoid relying on matching words or prior knowledge—focus instead on identifying exact agreement, clear contradiction, or a lack of information. With a consistent strategy, regular practice using real IELTS materials, and a habit of analyzing your mistakes, you can build both accuracy and confidence. Mastering this question type is not about tricks—it’s about careful reading and clear thinking.