How to Excel in TOEFL Reading: Tackling True/False/Not Given Questions

Article Level: A2

Explanation: This article offers strategies to tackle True/False/Not Given questions in the TOEFL Reading section. It explains how to identify each type, avoid common mistakes, and emphasizes practice and meaning-based reading to improve accuracy and confidence.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Strategy /ˈstræt.ə.dʒi/ (noun): A plan of action to achieve a goal.

   This strategy will help you answer TOEFL questions more accurately.

2. Contradict /ˌkɒn.trəˈdɪkt/ (verb): To say or show the opposite of something.

   The statement contradicts the passage.

3. Synonym /ˈsɪn.ə.nɪm/ (noun): A word that means the same as another word.

   “Big” and “large” are synonyms.

4. Imply /ɪmˈplaɪ/ (verb): To suggest something without saying it directly.

   The author implies that the results were unexpected.

5. Analyse /ˈæn.əl.aɪz/ (verb): To study something in detail.

   Always analyse the statement before looking at the passage.

    

Read more: How to Excel in TOEFL Reading: Tackling True/False/Not Given Questions

How to Excel in TOEFL Reading: Tackling True/False/Not Given Questions

The TOEFL Reading section can be challenging, especially when it comes to True/False/Not Given (TFNG) questions. These types of questions test your ability to understand the text in detail and distinguish between what is explicitly stated, what is implied, and what is not mentioned at all. With the right strategies, you can approach these questions confidently and improve your overall TOEFL score.

Understanding the Question Type

TFNG questions ask you to decide whether a statement is:

• True – the information matches the passage.
• False – the information contradicts the passage.
• Not Given – the passage does not contain enough information to decide if the statement is true or false.

Many students confuse “False” with “Not Given“. Remember, if the statement directly disagrees with the passage, it’s False. If there’s no information at all about the statement, it’s Not Given.

Read the Statement Carefully

Start by reading the statement in the question carefully. Break it into parts and identify the main idea. Look for keywords or phrases that can help you find the matching section in the text.

Scan and Locate

Next, scan the passage for keywords from the statement. Be mindful of synonyms or paraphrased versions. For example, “children” may appear as “young people”, and “increase” might be written as “growth”.

Match Meanings, Not Just Words

Matching exact words is not enough. Pay close attention to the meaning. The passage might use different vocabulary to express the same idea. Understanding these variations is key to selecting the right answer.

Don’t Overthink

One common mistake is overanalysing the statement or assuming things that aren’t in the text. Stick to what is written. If you’re unsure whether the statement is in the text, it’s probably Not Given.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice with real TOEFL reading texts is essential. Time yourself and review both your correct and incorrect answers. Notice the patterns in TFNG questions and learn from your mistakes.

Final Tip

Always base your answers only on the information in the passage. Do not rely on your prior knowledge or opinions. The TOEFL is testing your reading skills, not your background knowledge.

With patience and consistent practice, you can become confident in answering TFNG questions and perform better in the TOEFL Reading section.

Grammar Notes

Grammar Focus: Modal Verbs & Conditionals

Examples from the article:

• “You can become confident…” (modal verb for ability)
• “If you’re unsure… it’s probably Not Given.” (first conditional)

Mini-Lesson:
Modal verbs like can, must, and should express ability, necessity, or advice. They are often followed by the base verb:

• You should practice regularly.
  Conditionals help express cause and effect or hypothetical situations:
• If you study daily, you will improve your score.

 

Five Questions Based on the Article

• What does a “True” answer mean in a TFNG question?

• Why should you be careful with matching only keywords?

• What is the danger of overthinking TFNG questions?

• How does scanning the text help in these questions?

• What is the benefit of regular TOEFL reading practice?

   

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. Sharing your insights, questions, or experiences can help you connect with others in our English learning community. It’s a great way to practice your English skills, engage with like-minded individuals, and improve together. Don’t be shy—jump in and let’s keep the discussion going!