The TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN question type in the IELTS Reading Test is one of the trickiest sections to master. These questions test your ability to understand details, identify facts, and distinguish between information that is explicitly mentioned, contradicted, or not provided in the text.
With the right strategies and consistent practice, you can confidently handle this question type and improve your reading score. This article will provide actionable tips, practical examples, and guidance to help you excel. For complete preparation, visit our website and enroll in our expertly designed IELTS courses.
Understanding the Question Types
- TRUE: The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
- Example:
- Statement: “The research was conducted in 2020.”
- Passage: “The study took place in 2020.”
- Answer: TRUE (The information in the statement matches the passage).
- Example:
- FALSE: The statement contradicts the information in the passage.
- Example:
- Statement: “The company employs more than 1,000 workers.”
- Passage: “The company has fewer than 1,000 employees.”
- Answer: FALSE (The statement directly contradicts the passage).
- Example:
- NOT GIVEN: The information is not mentioned or cannot be inferred from the passage.
- Example:
- Statement: “The museum was built in 1850.”
- Passage: The text describes the museum’s architecture but does not mention the construction date.
- Answer: NOT GIVEN (There is no information about the year of construction).
- Example:
Why Are These Questions Difficult?
- Synonyms and Paraphrasing: The passage rarely uses the exact words from the statement, making it harder to find a match.
- FALSE vs. NOT GIVEN Confusion: Candidates often mistake a contradiction for missing information or vice versa.
- Time Pressure: Searching for details in the passage can take too much time if you don’t have a strategy.
Strategies to Handle TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN Questions
1. Read the Instructions Carefully
Always ensure you understand the task. Many candidates lose marks by confusing TRUE, FALSE, and NOT GIVEN simply because they rush through the instructions.
2. Analyze the Statement
- Break the statement into parts: subject, verb, and key information.
- Look for words like all, some, most, or only, as they can change the meaning of the statement.
Example:
- Statement: “All students passed the test.”
- Passage: “Most students passed the test.”
- Answer: FALSE (All and most indicate a contradiction).
3. Locate Keywords in the Passage
- Use scanning techniques to find the relevant section of the passage. Focus on proper nouns, dates, or technical terms.
- Remember that keywords might appear as synonyms or paraphrases.
Example:
- Statement: “The company reduced its expenses significantly.”
- Passage: “The firm drastically cut costs last year.”
- Answer: TRUE (Reduced expenses and cut costs mean the same).
4. Check for Contradictions or Missing Information
- TRUE: The information matches exactly.
- FALSE: The information contradicts the passage.
- NOT GIVEN: There is no relevant information.
Example:
- Statement: “The city introduced a new transport system in 2021.”
- Passage: “The city has plans to launch a transport system in the future.”
- Answer: FALSE (Introduced contradicts plans to launch).
- Statement: “The transport system improved traffic flow in 2021.”
- Passage: The text does not mention traffic flow improvements.
- Answer: NOT GIVEN (No information about traffic flow is provided).
5. Manage Your Time Wisely
- Limit yourself to 1-2 minutes per question.
- If you’re unsure, make your best guess and move on. Return to the question if time permits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a clear strategy, candidates often fall into common traps. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Assuming Information
- Example:
- Statement: “Children under five received free vaccines.”
- Passage: The passage discusses vaccines but doesn’t specify if they were free for children under five.
- Answer: NOT GIVEN (Don’t assume details that aren’t explicitly stated).
2. Confusing FALSE and NOT GIVEN
- FALSE means the statement contradicts the passage. NOT GIVEN means there’s no information about it.
- Example:
- Statement: “The library closes at 6 PM on weekends.”
- Passage: “The library closes at 5 PM on weekends.”
- Answer: FALSE (Direct contradiction).
- Statement: “The library offers free workshops on weekends.”
- Passage: No mention of workshops is made.
- Answer: NOT GIVEN (The information isn’t provided).
3. Ignoring Small Words
Words like only, always, or some can change the meaning significantly.
Example:
- Statement: “The event was attended by only students.”
- Passage: “The event was attended by students and teachers.”
- Answer: FALSE (Only contradicts the passage).
4. Reading Too Broadly or Narrowly
- Skimming too much may cause you to miss details. Conversely, focusing on a single sentence might prevent you from understanding the context.
Solution: Skim to find the section, then read surrounding sentences to understand the context fully.
5. Spending Too Much Time on One Question
- If you’re stuck, move on and revisit later. Avoid wasting valuable time searching for something that may not exist.
6. Relying on Word Matching
- Many candidates look for identical words between the statement and passage, which leads to errors when synonyms or paraphrasing are used.
Example:
- Statement: “The factory produces textiles.”
- Passage: “The plant manufactures fabrics.”
- Answer: TRUE (Factory and plant, produces and manufactures, textiles and fabrics are synonymous).
Final Thoughts
TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN questions require a sharp eye for detail and a clear understanding of the passage. Avoid common pitfalls by focusing on exact meanings, practicing regularly, and managing your time effectively.
For expert guidance and tailored practice, visit our website and enroll in our IELTS courses. With the right preparation, you can confidently handle these challenging questions and achieve your desired IELTS score.
Start preparing today and take one step closer to IELTS success!
