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True / False / Not Given Mastery
Conquer the most challenging question type in the IELTS Reading test.
Defining the Options
TRUE (T)
The statement agrees exactly with the information provided in the text.
FALSE (F)
The statement disagrees or contradicts the information in the text. (The text says the opposite).
NOT GIVEN (NG)
The information is not mentioned in the text. You cannot know if it is true or false based only on the passage.
The Step-By-Step Walkthrough Strategy
Let’s break down exactly how to approach a T/F/NG question using a real IELTS sample text about a Cycling Event.
1
Understand the General Meaning: Read ALL the statements first. Do not look at the text yet. Reading the statements gives you a very good idea of what the whole text is about.
2
Scan for Keywords: Pick one or two keywords from the first statement and scan the text for them. Remember: The answers appear in order in the text!
1. You should not arrive more than half an hour before your allocated starting time.
Scan the first paragraph for the keywords “start time” or “half an hour”. Be mindful that synonyms will be used.
3
Read in Detail & Compare: Once you locate the area, read that specific sentence carefully.
Text says: “…arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your time.”
Statement says: “…not arrive more than half an hour before…”
Statement says: “…not arrive more than half an hour before…”
Analysis: “30 minutes” = “half an hour”. “No earlier than” = “not arrive more than”. The information matches perfectly. Answer: TRUE.
4
The ‘Not Given’ Trap: Read the second statement and choose keywords to scan for, starting from where you found the last answer.
2. Your Rider Identity Card will be sent to you before the event.
Scan for “Identity Card” or “ID Card”. If you find the word “Identity card” in the text, but the sentence does NOT mention anything about it being “sent to you before the event”, then you cannot prove the statement is True or False.
Analysis: The text mentions an ID card, but says nothing about sending it beforehand. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
5
Contradictions (False): Look at the fourth statement.
4. Helmets are compulsory for all participants.
Scan for the heading “Wear a Helmet”. Read the paragraph in detail.
Text says: “…we would like to see every cyclist on the ride wearing one.”
Analysis: “Would like to see” means they strongly encourage it, but it is NOT “compulsory” (a strict rule you must follow). The text contradicts the statement. Answer: FALSE.
6
Don’t Waste Time: If you are scanning for keywords for Statement 6, and you suddenly see the keywords for Statement 7, stop immediately!
Because the answers run in order, if you have passed the area for Statement 7, it means Statement 6 was not in the text. Conclude that Statement 6 is NOT GIVEN and move on.
10 Quick Strategy Challenges
Test your logic! Click to reveal the correct T/F/NG analysis for these scenarios.
1. Text: “The museum is open every day except Monday.” Statement: “The museum is closed on Mondays.”
TRUE. “Except Monday” means it is closed on Mondays. The meaning is an exact match.
2. Text: “Many researchers believe the diet is healthy.” Statement: “All researchers believe the diet is healthy.”
FALSE. “Many” is a large amount, but it contradicts the absolute word “All”. Watch out for absolute modifiers!
3. Text: “Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.” Statement: “Alexander Fleming was born in Scotland.”
NOT GIVEN. Even if you know from your own general knowledge that he was born in Scotland, the text does not state it. You must only use the text provided!
4. Text: “Refreshments will be available to purchase.” Statement: “Refreshments are free.”
FALSE. “Available to purchase” directly contradicts the word “free”.
5. Text: “The population of the city grew by 5%.” Statement: “The city’s population increased by exactly 5% last year.”
NOT GIVEN. The text says it grew by 5%, but it does not specify that it happened “last year”. You cannot assume the timeline.
6. Text: “The majority of students pass the exam on their first attempt.” Statement: “Most students fail the exam the first time.”
FALSE. “Majority” means most. Therefore, if the majority pass, it contradicts the statement that most fail.
7. You write “T” on your answer sheet instead of the full word “TRUE”. Will you lose the mark?
Usually, T, F, and NG are accepted by examiners, but it is highly recommended to write the full words TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN to ensure there is no misinterpretation of your handwriting.
8. Text: “The new engine is much quieter than the previous model.” Statement: “The previous model was very noisy.”
NOT GIVEN. We know the new one is quieter, but we don’t know if the old one was “very noisy”. Perhaps the old one was quiet, and the new one is completely silent. We cannot know.
9. Why should you use Section Headings (Titles) when scanning for T/F/NG questions?
Headings act as a roadmap. If the statement is about “Helmets”, and there is a paragraph titled “Safety Equipment”, you can skip reading the rest of the text and jump straight there to find your keywords.
10. What is the biggest mistake students make when they think the answer is Not Given?
They panic and re-read the entire text from the beginning, wasting 5 minutes. Remember the answers are in order! If you find the answer for Q4, and the answer for Q6, then Q5 must be between them. If it’s not there, it’s Not Given.
10 Full T/F/NG Practice Tests
Put your strategies to the ultimate test with these full IELTS Reading tasks.
