Understanding True/False/Not Given Questions

Before looking at why these questions are challenging, it’s important to know what each term means:

• True: The statement matches the information in the passage exactly.

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

• Not Given: There is no information in the passage that confirms or contradicts the statement.

On the surface, this seems simple—but in reality, these definitions leave room for a lot of doubt, especially under time pressure.

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Why These Questions Are So Tricky

1. They Test Interpretation, Not Just Fact-Matching

You can't rely only on scanning for keywords. TFNG questions test whether you understand the meaning of what is said. This makes them different from standard reading comprehension.

You must ask:

• Does the statement say exactly what the passage says?

• Is it an assumption or a clear fact?

• Is the idea supported by the text or just hinted at?

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2. Small Changes in Wording Change the Answer

IELTS tests your attention to detail. Words like some, all, never, most, or only can change an answer from True to False.

Example:

• Passage: “Some university students find it hard to balance studies and part-time work.”

• Statement: “All university students struggle with balancing studies and part-time work.”

• Answer: False – “All” is too strong.

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3. “Not Given” Is Especially Confusing

Most students struggle to identify “Not Given” because the human brain naturally tries to make connections or assumptions.

Tip: If you can’t find clear evidence in the text that confirms or denies the statement, it’s “Not Given.”

Example:

• Statement: “The university offers scholarships to international students based on sports achievement.”

• Passage: Doesn’t mention international students or sports.

• Answer: Not Given

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4. You Can Misinterpret the Writer’s Opinion

Sometimes, TFNG questions are based on opinions or beliefs. You must be able to distinguish between the author’s opinion and facts stated by others.

Watch out for phrases like:

• “According to the author…”

• “The writer suggests…”

• “It is believed that…”

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5. Similar Words Can Mislead You

The IELTS test often uses synonyms or paraphrasing to trap students. Just because the statement uses similar vocabulary doesn't mean it has the same meaning.

Example:

• Passage: “The treatment was successful in many patients.”

• Statement: “All patients responded positively to the treatment.”

• Answer: False – "All" and "many" are not the same.

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Tips to Master TFNG Questions

Read the Statement Carefully

Understand the meaning before looking at the passage. Decide if it’s making a strong claim or just a general comment.

Locate Keywords, Then Read Around Them

Find keywords in the passage but don’t stop there. Read the sentence before and after to understand the full context.

Don’t Overthink or Assume

Stick strictly to what the passage says. Don’t use outside knowledge or make assumptions.

Mark “Not Given” Only If You’re Sure

Choose “Not Given” only when you genuinely can’t find matching or opposing information. It’s better to choose True or False if there’s clear evidence.

Practice With Timed Tests

Doing practice under exam conditions improves speed and accuracy. Use IELTS reading mock tests and track your progress.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing False with Not Given

• Not reading the full sentence in the passage

• Matching keywords without understanding meaning

• Letting personal knowledge interfere with test logic

• Rushing through under time pressure

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True/False/Not Given questions are not about guessing—they are about logic, attention to detail, and discipline. If you approach them methodically, these tricky questions can become a scoring opportunity rather than a trap.

By practicing regularly and learning to distinguish subtle differences in meaning, international students can dramatically improve their IELTS Reading scores and take one step closer to their dream of studying abroad.