IELTS Reading: Mastering True/False/Not Given

Article Level: A1-A2

Explanation: This article gives simple strategies for solving IELTS Reading True/False/Not Given questions. It explains key differences, offers step-by-step tips, and shows how practice helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Passage /ˈpæsɪdʒ/ (noun): A short part of a text.

   Read the passage before answering.

2. Statement /ˈsteɪtmənt/ (noun): A sentence that expresses an idea.

   The statement says everyone drinks tea.

3. Carefully /ˈkeəfəli/ (adverb): With attention and focus.

   Check your answers carefully.

4. Meaning /ˈmiːnɪŋ/ (noun): What something shows or explains.

   The meaning of the word is clear.
   
   
5. Practice /ˈpræktɪs/ (noun): Repeated activity to get better at something.
   
   Daily practice improves your skills.
   
   

Read more: IELTS Reading: Mastering True/False/Not Given

IELTS Reading: Mastering True/False/Not Given

Preparing for the IELTS exam can feel challenging, especially the reading section. One of the most confusing parts is the True/False/Not Given (TFNG) questions. Many students find these tricky because they test not only reading skills but also attention to detail. With the right approach, you can learn to answer them with confidence and accuracy.

What Are True/False/Not Given Questions?

In this task, you read a statement and compare it to the passage.

• If the statement agrees with the text, the answer is True.

• If the statement is opposite to the text, the answer is False.

• If the text does not give enough information, the answer is Not Given.

The challenge is knowing when information is missing. Many test-takers confuse False and Not Given, so it is important to understand the difference clearly.

Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully

Before starting, always read the instructions. Some IELTS reading tasks may look similar, but each one has a slightly different rule. For TFNG questions, you must focus on meaning, not just keywords.

Step 2: Locate the Information in the Passage

Do not try to answer from memory. Instead, find the part of the passage that matches the statement. Underline keywords and check how they are used in context. Remember, IELTS often uses synonyms and paraphrases.

Step 3: Check for Exact Meaning

Compare the statement with the text closely. Even small changes can make a big difference. For example:

• Passage: “Many people enjoy tea in the morning.”

• Statement: “Everyone drinks tea in the morning.”
  Here, the answer is False, because the passage says “many people,” not “everyone.”

Step 4: Watch Out for Missing Information

If the passage does not give enough detail to confirm or deny the statement, the answer is Not Given. For example:

• Passage: “The study was done in London.”

• Statement: “The study was done in Paris.”
  The answer is False.

• Statement: “The study included children.”
  The passage does not say this, so the answer is Not Given.

Step 5: Practise Regularly

The best way to improve is practice. Work with sample IELTS reading texts and time yourself. Over time, you will become faster at spotting the difference between True, False, and Not Given.

Final Tips

1. Do not overthink — choose the answer based on what is written.

2. Remember that IELTS never asks about your opinion.

3. Stay calm and manage your time well.

With patience, practice, and clear strategies, you can master TFNG questions and boost your IELTS reading score.

Grammar Notes

The article uses:

• Present Simple Tense: e.g., “You read a statement,” “IELTS often uses synonyms.” → This tense is used for facts and routines.

• Imperatives: e.g., “Read the instructions carefully,” “Do not overthink.” → Used for giving advice or instructions.

• Examples with Contrast: e.g., “Many people enjoy tea” vs. “Everyone drinks tea.” → Shows how meaning changes with words.

Mini Grammar Lesson: Imperatives

Imperatives are sentences used to give orders, advice, or instructions.

• Positive form: “Read the passage.”

• Negative form: “Do not guess.”
  They are common in study tips and exam strategies.

 

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• What does the answer “True” mean in TFNG questions?

• Why should you read the instructions carefully?

• What does IELTS often use instead of the same words?

• How can you tell if the answer is “Not Given”?

• What is one way to get better at TFNG questions?
  
  

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