The IELTS Reading test can be challenging, and one of the trickiest question types is True/False/Not Given. In this article, we will explain what these questions are, how to approach them effectively, and share some essential tips to improve your performance. Let’s dive in!
Understanding True/False/Not Given Questions
In the True/False/Not Given task, you will be given a set of statements based on information from a passage. Your job is to determine if each statement is:
- True: The information in the statement is clearly found in the passage.
- False: The information in the statement contradicts what is mentioned in the passage.
- Not Given: The information is not mentioned at all, or there is not enough information in the passage to confirm if the statement is true or false.
This question type tests your ability to understand explicit information, identify contradictions, and recognize when information is missing. Let’s look at each answer type in detail.
1. True
A statement is True if the information in the statement matches the information in the passage. It must be exactly the same, with no differences or contradictions.
Example:
- Passage: “The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.”
- Statement: “The Eiffel Tower was finished in 1889.”
- Answer: True – The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
Tip: When you see a statement that matches the information in the passage, be sure to double-check the details to make sure everything lines up correctly. Watch out for tricky wording or synonyms.
2. False
A statement is False if it directly contradicts the information in the passage. This means the statement says something different or opposite to what is in the text.
Example:
- Passage: “The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France.”
- Statement: “The Eiffel Tower is located in Berlin, Germany.”
- Answer: False – The information in the statement is incorrect because it contradicts the passage.
Tip: Be cautious when a statement looks almost correct but has small details that make it inaccurate. Check for words like “always,” “never,” “all,” and “none,” which can change the meaning significantly.
3. Not Given
A statement is Not Given if there is no information about it in the passage. This means that even if you cannot confirm or deny the statement, the answer is Not Given because the passage does not provide the details needed.
Example:
- Passage: “The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of tourists every year.”
- Statement: “The Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Europe.”
- Answer: Not Given – The passage does not mention whether the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Europe or not.
Tip: If you cannot find specific information in the passage that confirms or denies the statement, don’t waste too much time searching. The answer is probably Not Given.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Answering True/False/Not Given Questions
- Read the Instructions Carefully
- Make sure you understand what is being asked. Do not confuse Yes/No/Not Given questions (which deal with opinions) with True/False/Not Given (which deal with factual information).
- Read the Passage Carefully
- Before looking at the questions, read the passage thoroughly to get a general understanding of the content. This will help you locate the information more easily later.
- Analyze the Statements One by One
- Read each statement carefully. Identify key words that will help you find the corresponding part of the passage (e.g., names, dates, places, specific terms).
- Scan the Passage for Keywords
- Look for the keywords or synonyms from the statement in the passage. Once you locate the relevant section, read it carefully to determine if the information agrees, contradicts, or is not mentioned at all.
- Determine if the Statement is True, False, or Not Given
- If the information matches exactly: Choose True.
- If the information contradicts: Choose False.
- If the information is missing: Choose Not Given.
- Double-Check Before Moving On
- If you’re not sure, don’t guess right away. It’s okay to move on and come back to the question later. Always double-check your answers if you have time.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Assuming Information
- Many students make the mistake of assuming details based on their own knowledge. Remember, only use the information given in the passage.
- Avoid: Adding your own knowledge or assumptions.
- Solution: Stick strictly to what is mentioned in the text, even if you know something different.
- Overlooking Synonyms and Paraphrasing
- Sometimes the passage will use different words to express the same idea. Be aware of synonyms and paraphrasing that might make the statement tricky.
- Avoid: Ignoring statements because the wording doesn’t match exactly.
- Solution: Learn to recognize synonyms and paraphrased information. For example, “elderly” might be used instead of “old,” or “gain knowledge” might replace “learn.”
- Wasting Time Searching for Non-Existent Information
- If you can’t find specific information to confirm or contradict a statement, the answer is probably Not Given.
- Avoid: Spending too much time trying to find information that isn’t there.
- Solution: If you’ve scanned the passage carefully and don’t see anything, trust your instincts and select Not Given.
Practice Exercise: Try It Yourself!
Passage Excerpt: Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. It is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and China. Thousands of climbers attempt to reach its peak every year, but many are unsuccessful due to harsh weather conditions.
Statements:
- Mount Everest is located in Nepal.
- Answer: True
- Explanation: The passage confirms that Mount Everest is located on the border between Nepal and China, so this statement is correct.
- Mount Everest is the second tallest mountain in the world.
- Answer: False
- Explanation: The passage states that Mount Everest is the tallest mountain, so the statement contradicts the passage.
- Mount Everest has the most dangerous climbing route in the world.
- Answer: Not Given
- Explanation: The passage mentions harsh weather conditions but does not say whether Mount Everest has the most dangerous climbing route, so we cannot confirm this statement.
Final Tips
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice True/False/Not Given questions, the better you will become at quickly identifying key information and answering accurately.
- Learn to Recognize Paraphrasing: Exam creators often use synonyms or rephrase the information to make questions trickier. Practice identifying these patterns.
- Stay Calm and Manage Your Time: True/False/Not Given questions can be tricky, but they become easier with practice. Remember to manage your time efficiently, and don’t get stuck on one question for too long.
By following these strategies, you can approach True/False/Not Given questions with confidence and improve your IELTS Reading score. Good luck, and keep practicing!
