True/False/Not Given: The Complete Guide
Master the Most Challenging IELTS Question Type
True/False/Not Given questions are often considered the trickiest part of IELTS Reading. The difference between "False" and "Not Given" confuses many test-takers. This guide will clear up the confusion.
Understanding the Three Options
TRUE
The statement agrees with the information in the passage. The passage says the same thing, perhaps using different words.
FALSE
The statement contradicts the information in the passage. The passage says the opposite or something clearly different.
NOT GIVEN
The passage doesn't give enough information to say if the statement is true or false. The topic might be mentioned, but the specific claim is not addressed.
The Key Difference: False vs Not Given
This is where most people struggle. Remember this rule:
- FALSE: You can point to text that proves the statement wrong
- NOT GIVEN: You cannot find evidence either way
Example
Passage: "The company was founded in 1985 by Maria Chen."
Statement 1: "The company was founded in 1990."
Answer: FALSE: The passage says 1985, which contradicts 1990.
Statement 2: "Maria Chen is still the CEO today."
Answer: NOT GIVEN: The passage mentions Maria Chen founded the company but says nothing about whether she's still CEO.
Step-by-Step Strategy
Step 1: Read the Statement Carefully
Identify the key claim being made. What exactly is the statement saying?
Step 2: Locate the Relevant Section
Find where the passage discusses this topic. Statements usually follow passage order.
Step 3: Compare Precisely
Compare the statement to the passage word by word. Look for:
- Exact matches (likely TRUE)
- Opposite meanings (likely FALSE)
- Missing information (likely NOT GIVEN)
Step 4: Avoid Assumptions
Don't use your own knowledge. Only use what the passage states. Even if something is true in real life, if the passage doesn't say it, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
Common Traps
Trap 1: Partial Information
The passage mentions the topic but not the specific detail in the statement. This is NOT GIVEN, not FALSE.
Trap 2: Similar but Different
"Most people" is not the same as "all people." Watch for words like some, many, always, never, only.
Trap 3: Using Outside Knowledge
You might know something is true in real life, but if the passage doesn't confirm it, mark it NOT GIVEN.
Practice Tip
When practicing, highlight the exact words in the passage that prove your answer. If you can't highlight anything for FALSE, reconsider whether the answer might be NOT GIVEN.