The IELTS Reading section is like solving a puzzle because it tests your ability to read between the lines and spot hidden clues. Among its most intriguing challenges are the True, False, Not Given questions. In this, you will be given a set of statements and a text.
Your task is to decide if the statements match the information given in the passage. Sounds simple right? It’s not. Imagine wasting your time searching for information that is not given in the text. Hence, it’s important to have tips to tackle these type of reading questions. This blog will cover some tips & strategies to boost your score and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the Differences Between True, False, and Not Given
You will be given statements containing information. You must decide if the information in the statement is True, False or Not Given according to the information in the reading passage. To correctly answer them, first learn their definitions:
- True: You can find this information in the passage and it agrees with the statement.
- False: The passage and statement have different information. The passage shows that the statement is wrong – it contains a mistake which you know because the passage shows us what it should be.
- Not Given: This means you can’t find all the information in the passage or that the passage does not contain enough information to know if it is true or false.
Key Tips to Answer True/False/Not Given Questions
Now that you’re familiar with this question type, let’s look into expert tips to make this section even easier for you!
- Read and Understand Carefully: Spend time analyzing the statement and its meaning before you try to find the information in the passage. It’s like solving a riddle i.e. the answer lies in the statement itself.
- Look Beyond Matching Words: Don’t match just keywords, but aim to match the meaning. Don’t assume a statement is “True” or “False” just because you see the same words. Remember that you are matching meaning, not words.
- Pay Attention to Qualifiers: The passage may use synonyms or rephrased ideas; be prepared to interpret these. Identify any words that qualify the statement, for example, some, all, mainly, often, always and occasionally. These words are there to test if you have read the whole statement because they can change the meaning. For example, ‘Coca-Cola has always made its drinks in the U.S.A.’ has a different meaning from ‘Coca-Cola has mainly made its drinks in the U.S.A.’
- Move On if Stuck: If you can’t find the information you are looking for, then it is probably ‘not given’. Don’t waste time looking for something that is not there. If you have no idea what the answer is, put ‘not given’. You probably have no idea because the answer is not there.
- Don’t Assume: Avoid adding your own assumptions. Ignore anything you already know about the topic. Base your answers on the text only.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced test takers can fall for these frequent pitfalls and loose scores. Let’s look into some common mistakes to be aware of:
- Misinterpreting “Not Given”: Don’t get confused between False and Not Given. Lack of information doesn’t mean contradiction. Not Given means the entire statement is not given in the passage. Maybe part of the statement is given but not the whole statement. Whereas, False means the passage contradicts the statement. This means the passage shows the statement is wrong.
- Matching Words Instead of Meaning: Don’t fall for word-for-word matches. Many students just try to match words but you actually need to match meaning and check the content of the information given. Sometimes the same words are used but the meaning is not the same – this is one common difficulty with choosing the right answer.
- Rushing Through the Passage: Reading too quickly without focus can cause you to misread or skip crucial details. Take your time to understand before answering.
- Letting Personal Knowledge Interfere: Never try to answer based on your prior knowledge of the topic. The passage could be slightly different from your prior knowledge which may make your bias cloud your judgment. Remember, only the passage matters! Answer the questions based only on the given information.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Tackling These Questions
Here’s a foolproof, step-by-step strategy for you. Follow this practical approach to tackle True, False, Not Given questions with confidence:
Step 1: Read the Statement – Start by carefully reading the statement and understand the meaning before diving into the passage. Pay close attention to every detail—dates, quantities, comparisons, and key facts. These tiny details can make a big difference.
Step 2: Find the relevant part in the passage – Identify the section of the passage where the statement might be addressed. Skim the text to find where the statement might fit. Use keywords or synonyms from the statement to guide you.
Step 3: Compare the information carefully – Once you’ve found the relevant section, compare the passage and the statement carefully. Are they saying the same thing? Is there a contradiction? Or is the statement something the passage doesn’t address at all?
Step 4: Decide Your Answer – Conclude whether the statement is “True,” “False,” or “Not Given,” based on your comparison. Avoid overthinking! Stick to what’s in the passage—don’t add assumptions or external knowledge.
Practice Exercise
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
Last month at an auction house in Germany, a single page from a medieval manuscript went up for sale. Among those who were trying to buy it was David Gura, the Curator of Ancient and Medieval Manuscripts at the University of Notre Dame. It was another chance for him to save part of a 15th century Book of Hours, which only a few years earlier had been broken up. He is now in a race to find the remaining pages of this manuscript before they disappear.
Statement 1: David Gura is trying to buy a book before it gets broken up.
Statement 2: David Gura works for the University of Notre Dame.
Statement 3: Only a small number of pages remain of The Book of Hours.
Answers with Explanation
Statement 1: False.
The statement mentions that David Gura is trying to buy a book before it gets broken up
On the contrary, you can find in the passage that only a single page from a medieval manuscript went up for sale. It can be seen that David Gura is one of the people trying to buy the page.
Statement 2: True.
It is a straightforward question and can be easily seen that David Gura works for the University of Notre Dame. Highlighted keywords also matched.
Statement 3: NOT GIVEN.
It is stated that only a small number of pages remain of The Book of Hours
Yes, there are remaining pages, but it is difficult to conclude from the passage whether they are less or more.
Conclusion
Cracking True, False, Not Given questions requires a blend of attention to detail, logical reasoning, and regular practice. By understanding the differences, avoiding common pitfalls, and following a step-by-step strategy, you can confidently tackle these challenging questions. Remember, practice is key! Explore reliable resources like IELTS Course for expert guidance and personalized support. With determination and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to acing the IELTS Reading section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to Master True/False/Not Given in IELTS Reading?
Ans: Mastering True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS requires strategy, focus, and practice. Start by thoroughly understanding the difference between “False” and “Not Given”—this is where most test-takers falter. Use active reading skills to locate keywords in the statement and scan the passage for relevant sections. Carefully compare meanings, as synonymous words and paraphrased ideas can easily trick you. Avoid adding assumptions and rely strictly on the passage content. Regular practice, especially with mock tests, can fine-tune your skills and boost your confidence.
2. How Can I Improve My True/False Reading?
Ans: Improving in True/False reading starts with enhancing your reading comprehension. Develop a habit of scanning and skimming effectively to locate relevant information quickly. Learn to identify synonyms and rephrased content, as IELTS often tests your ability to interpret meaning. Work on time management to avoid rushing through questions, and don’t forget to double-check your answers. Lastly, consistent practice with varied topics will sharpen your analytical skills, helping you handle even the trickiest passages with ease!
