Priya
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February 23, 2025

Decode True/False Questions in IELTS Reading

True/False/Not Given (TFNG) questions in the IELTS Reading test often confuse candidates due to paraphrasing, tricky wording, and the challenge of distinguishing between False and Not Given. These questions require careful reading, as the passage may either confirm, contradict, or completely ignore the given statement. Many test-takers struggle because they rely on general knowledge or fail to recognize synonyms and key phrases. This blog will guide you through effective strategies to decode TFNG questions accurately and improve your IELTS Reading score.

Understanding True/False/Not Given Questions

What Are True/False/Not Given Questions?

True/False/Not Given questions assess whether the statement provided agrees, disagrees, or is not addressed in the passage. If the information in the passage exactly matches the statement, the answer is True. If the passage contradicts the statement, the answer is False. However, if the statement is not mentioned or if there is not enough information to decide, the answer is Not Given. Many candidates make mistakes by assuming information or confusing False and Not Given, leading to incorrect answers.

The Difference Between False and Not Given

Understanding the difference between False and Not Given is crucial for accuracy. A statement is False when the passage presents opposing information, directly contradicting the claim. A statement is Not Given when the passage does not mention it at all. For example, if the statement says, “The Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in the world,” and the passage states, “The Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure,” the answer is False because it contradicts the statement. However, if the passage does not mention anything about the tallest structure, the answer is Not Given since there is no information available to confirm or deny the claim.

Common Mistakes in True/False/Not Given Questions

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is assuming information based on their own knowledge instead of relying solely on the passage. Another common mistake is overanalyzing statements, which can cause confusion between False and Not Given. Some test-takers also match keywords without understanding their context, leading to wrong answers. Lastly, ignoring synonyms and paraphrased sentences makes it difficult to find the correct response, as IELTS rarely repeats exact words from the statement./p>

Key Strategies to Decode True/False/Not Given Questions

Read the Statement Carefully

Before scanning the passage, take time to fully understand the statement. Identify keywords and focus on their meaning. For example, in the statement, “All students must submit their assignments by Monday,” the important words are “all students,” “must submit,” and “Monday.” Words like “all” and “must” indicate strong conditions that could affect whether the statement is True, False, or Not Given. Recognizing these details will make it easier to find relevant information in the passage.

Locate the Relevant Part in the Passage

Once you have identified the keywords in the statement, quickly scan the passage to find related information. IELTS Reading follows a logical order, meaning the answer to question 2 is likely found after question 1 in the passage. If you cannot find any reference to the statement, do not waste time overthinking—move on, as the answer is likely Not Given. Efficient scanning saves time and ensures you focus only on relevant sections of the text.

Watch Out for Synonyms and Paraphrasing

IELTS rarely repeats exact words from the statement in the passage. Instead, the test paraphrases information using synonyms or different sentence structures. For example, if the statement says, “The company offers free health insurance to employees,” the passage might say, “All staff members receive medical coverage at no cost.” Here, “medical coverage” replaces “health insurance”, and “at no cost” means “free.” Recognizing such changes helps in identifying the correct answer quickly without being misled by word-for-word matches

Practicing Under Timed Conditions

Be Careful with Extreme Words

Extreme words like “all,” “always,” “never,” “completely,” and “only” often indicate that the statement is False because they do not allow for exceptions. For instance, if a statement says, “All students enjoy studying mathematics,” but the passage states, “Some students find mathematics difficult and uninteresting,” the answer is False since the passage contradicts the idea that all students enjoy math. Paying attention to extreme words can help in avoiding unnecessary confusion and choosing the correct answer.

If You Can’t Find an Answer, Choose Not Given

If a statement seems partially correct but lacks complete supporting information in the passage, the answer is Not Given. Many candidates assume that a statement must be either True or False, leading to incorrect responses. However, IELTS includes Not Given answers to test logical thinking, ensuring candidates do not rely on personal knowledge. If you cannot find clear evidence supporting or contradicting a statement, do not guess—mark it as Not Given and move on.

Time Management Tips for True/False/Not Given Questions

Don’t Spend Too Much Time on One Question

Since IELTS Reading is strictly timed, avoid spending more than 30-40 seconds on a single question. If you struggle to find an answer, skip it and return later instead of wasting valuable time. Managing time effectively ensures you answer all questions within 60 minutes.

Answer in Order to Save Time

TFNG questions generally follow the sequence of the passage, meaning the answer to one question appears before the next. Sticking to this pattern allows you to move efficiently through the text instead of jumping back and forth, reducing wasted time.

Trust the Passage, Not Your Knowledge

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is bringing outside knowledge into the test. IELTS only assesses your ability to extract information from the passage, not what you already know. If the passage does not mention a fact, do not assume—answer Not Given instead. Sticking to this approach ensures higher accuracy and fewer errors.

Practicing Smartly for IELTS Reading Success

Using Official IELTS Practice Tests

The best way to improve is by practicing with real IELTS Reading tests. Use materials from Cambridge IELTS books and the official IELTS website. Simulate test conditions by setting a timer for 60 minutes and completing a full reading test.

Analyzing Mistakes to Improve Accuracy

After completing a practice test, review all your mistakes. Identify if you lost marks due to time management, vocabulary gaps, or misunderstanding question types. Keeping a notebook of common mistakes will help you track progress and avoid repeating errors.

Reading a Variety of Texts to Build Skills

Since IELTS Academic passages come from journals, magazines, and research papers, practice reading similar sources like The Economist, BBC News, and National Geographic. General Training candidates should focus on workplace documents, advertisements, and official notices.

Conclusion

True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading require careful reading, logical thinking, and effective time management. By understanding the difference between False and Not Given, recognizing synonyms, and identifying extreme words, candidates can improve their accuracy and confidence. Practicing these strategies will help in avoiding common mistakes and achieving a higher IELTS Reading score. With consistent preparation, you can master TFNG questions and boost your overall performance. Keep practicing and trust the techniques you’ve learned!