IELTS Reading True, False, Not Given: How to Answer Accurately
Learn a clear method for IELTS Reading True, False, Not Given questions, with practical examples, common traps, and a quick checking routine you can use in your next practice test.
Why this question type causes so many mistakes
True, False, Not Given looks straightforward, but it tests careful reading, not quick matching. Many learners lose marks because they answer from memory, from general knowledge, or from one word they noticed too quickly.
The rule is simple:
- True = the statement agrees with the passage.
- False = the statement contradicts the passage.
- Not Given = the passage does not give enough information to decide.
The most useful mindset is this: judge the statement against the text, not against what seems logical.
If you choose Not Given, ask yourself one honest question: is the information really missing, or did I just fail to find it quickly? That small check can save easy marks.
The passage gives information that shows the statement is wrong.
Passage: The museum opens at 9:00 on weekdays.
Statement: The museum opens at 10:00 on weekdays.
This is False because the text gives the opposite time.
The passage does not give the missing detail.
Passage: The museum opens at 9:00 on weekdays.
Statement: The museum is more popular on weekdays than weekends.
This is Not Given because the text says nothing about popularity.
A 4-step method for every True, False, Not Given question
1. Underline the real test point in the statement
Do not underline every word. Focus on the words that carry the claim: names, dates, numbers, comparisons, causes, opinions, and limiting words.
Limiting words are especially important:
- all, always, only, mainly, never, exactly, the first, the best
These words often change the answer.
Example statement: Adults learn languages more quickly than children.
The key test point is not just adults and children. It is more quickly.
2. Find the matching part of the passage
Look for paraphrase, not exact words. IELTS usually changes the wording.
Statement: City residents were unhappy about the new transport system.
Passage: Many people living in urban areas expressed dissatisfaction with the revised public transit network.
This matches because:
- city residents = people living in urban areas
- unhappy = expressed dissatisfaction
- new transport system = revised public transit network
3. Read the sentence before and after
Do not answer from one keyword line alone. The answer is often clarified by the sentence before or after, especially when the writer adds a contrast such as however, although, or in fact.
4. Ask one exact question
- Does the passage agree? → True
- Does the passage say the opposite? → False
- Is the detail missing or incomplete? → Not Given
If you cannot point to evidence in the text, do not guess from common sense.
The difference between False and Not Given
This is where many students lose marks. Use this simple distinction:
False: the writer gives information that clashes with the statement.
Not Given: the writer does not give that information at all, or not clearly enough.
Example 1
Passage: The course is open to students over the age of 18.
Statement: Only students over the age of 18 may apply for the course.
The dangerous word is only. The passage says the course is open to students over 18, but it does not say that younger applicants are completely excluded. That extra claim is not stated.
Answer: Not Given
Example 2
Passage: The course is open to applicants aged 18 and above.
Statement: People under 18 can join the course.
Now the statement clearly goes against the text.
Answer: False
Quick self-check
When you are stuck between False and Not Given, ask:
Can I prove the opposite from the passage?
If yes, choose False.
If no, and the detail is simply not there, choose Not Given.
Common traps that lower your score
Trap 1: Matching words too fast
You see the same noun in the passage and statement, so you answer immediately. This is risky because IELTS often keeps the topic but changes the meaning.
Statement: The study was carried out in Canada.
Passage: The Canadian researchers later repeated the study in Brazil.
The word Canadian appears, but the location of the study is Brazil.
Answer: False
Trap 2: Using your own knowledge
If a statement sounds reasonable, some learners mark True. That is a mistake.
Statement: Walking to work improves concentration.
If the passage never says this, the answer is Not Given, even if you believe it is probably true.
Trap 3: Ignoring small opinion and quantity words
Words like may, some, often, and can are weaker than will, all, and always.
Passage: Some children may benefit from extra reading time.
Statement: All children benefit from extra reading time.
Answer: False
Trap 4: Using Not Given as a rescue answer
Not Given is not the safe choice when you feel unsure. If the text clearly agrees, it is True. If it clearly contradicts, it is False. Use Not Given only when the information is genuinely absent.
Mini-checklist for your next reading practice
Did I underline the real claim, not just the topic?
Did I look for paraphrase?
Did I read around the match?
Can I explain my answer using words from the passage?
A worked example with band-score thinking
Use this short passage and test yourself before reading the answers.
Passage: A recent school project found that students who reviewed vocabulary in short daily sessions remembered more words after one month than those who studied once a week for a longer period. However, the researchers noted that motivation may also have affected the results, as the daily-study group reported higher interest in the task.
Statement 1: Students who studied every day learned more vocabulary after a month.
This agrees with remembered more words after one month.
Answer: True
Statement 2: Weekly study sessions were a more effective method for vocabulary learning.
The passage says the opposite.
Answer: False
Statement 3: The daily-study group had better teachers.
The passage mentions motivation and interest, but says nothing about teachers.
Answer: Not Given
What stronger readers do differently
Weaker readers often react to one matching phrase. Stronger readers check the exact claim in the full statement.
Try this habit in your next practice set: after choosing an answer, complete this sentence: because the passage says... If you cannot complete it clearly, your choice may be weak.
Check your understanding
Passage: 'The new library was designed for local residents, although visitors may also use it.' Statement: 'Only local residents can use the new library.' What is the best answer?
Which features often need extra attention in True, False, Not Given questions? (multiple choice)
Passage: 'Several participants said the course materials were useful.' Statement: 'All participants thought the course materials were useful.' What is the best answer?
Passage: 'The article discusses the effects of sleep on memory in teenagers.' Statement: 'The article was written by a doctor.' What is the best answer?
How to manage time on test day
These questions can waste time if you keep changing your mind. Use a short routine.
- Spend a few seconds on the statement first. Mark the keywords and any strong modifiers such as only, mainly, or always.
- Find the relevant area in the passage. Use names, dates, or clear nouns to locate it quickly.
- Read carefully, but locally. Usually you need one small section, not the whole passage again.
- If you are stuck, move on and return later. Long hesitation often leads to careless answers.
A useful exam-day question is: Is the opposite actually stated? That often helps when you are choosing between False and Not Given.
A 10-minute practice routine for this week
- Choose one reading passage with this question type.
- Do the questions under time pressure.
- Review each wrong answer and label the reason: missed paraphrase, ignored a limiting word, used my own knowledge, or confused False with Not Given.
- Rewrite one wrong statement in simpler words so the test point becomes clearer.
This review habit is usually more useful than doing extra sets without checking why you made mistakes.
Use this final check before you move on
- True: Can I show where the text agrees?
- False: Can I show where the text contradicts the statement?
- Not Given: Can I honestly say the text does not give enough information?
For your next study session, take one IELTS Reading passage and review only the True, False, Not Given items. Write a one-line reason for each answer. That is one of the fastest ways to improve accuracy with this question type.