How to Answer IELTS True/False/Not Given Questions (TFNG)
Understanding how to answer IELTS True False Not Given questions is essential for scoring band 7 and above in the IELTS Reading test. This question type checks your ability to identify whether a statement matches the passage, contradicts it, or is not mentioned. Below is a simple guide, tips, and 15 IELTS Reading practice questions with a full answer key to help you prepare effectively.
What TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN Means
TRUE
The statement matches the information in the passage.
(Keyword: IELTS True False Not Given)
FALSE
The passage says the opposite of the statement.
NOT GIVEN
The passage does not contain enough information to decide if it’s true or false.
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of IELTS Reading.
Step-by-Step Strategy (IELTS Reading Tips)
Use these IELTS Reading strategies to answer TFNG questions correctly:
1. Read the statement carefully
Break the sentence into meaningful chunks. Break it into parts (who, what, when, how much, why).
This makes it easier to check if all parts match the text.
(Skills for IELTS True False Not Given questions)
2. Locate the related part of the passage
Keywords help, but remember: IELTS uses paraphrasing, not repetition.
Locate the part where the keywords appear.
Look for:
synonyms
antonyms
related ideas
general vs specific information
IELTS Reading techniques, such as Skimming and Scanning, will help identify the context.
3. Match the meaning, not the words
Do not rely on vocabulary matching. Look for the context in the passage and not the words.
Ask yourself:
✔ Does the passage clearly support it? → TRUE
✔ Does the passage clearly contradict it? → FALSE
✔ Is the information missing or incomplete? → NOT GIVEN
If even one part of the statement is not in the text → NOT GIVEN.
4. Decide: TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN
Supported? → TRUE
Opposite? → FALSE
Missing? → NOT GIVEN
5. Do not overthink
IELTS does NOT expect assumptions.
Avoid These 4 Common Mistakes in TFNG
Common Mistakes to Avoid in TFNG Questions
❌ Don’t rely on your own knowledge
Only the passage matters—even if the statement feels obviously true in real life.
❌ Don’t think too deeply
IELTS wants you to match ideas, not interpret hidden meanings.
❌ Don’t confuse “almost true” with TRUE
If it’s not 100% supported → Not Given, NOT “True”.
❌ Don’t skip small details
Words like always, only, never, mostly, some can change the answer.
❌ Mixing ‘NOT GIVEN’ with ‘FALSE’ Check the context. If you can find the reference in the passage go for False; If no reference is found, go for Not Given.
These errors lower scores in the IELTS Reading module, so avoid them.
Quick Examples (with reasoning)
Statement 1: “The museum opens at 9 AM every day.”
Passage: “The museum opens at 9 AM on weekdays.”
✔ Missing information about weekends → NOT GIVEN
Statement 2: “Elephants sleep less than most mammals.”
Passage: “Elephants sleep for only two hours a day.”
✔ Passage does NOT compare with other mammals → NOT GIVEN
Statement 3: “The new system reduced traffic accidents.”
Passage: “Since the new system was introduced, traffic accidents have increased.”
✔ Opposite information → FALSE
Final Strategy to Boost Accuracy
Always determine True or False FIRST.
If you can’t prove either → choose Not Given.
Read the passage before deciding.
Don’t assume the answer from the statement alone.
Answers come in order.
For TFNG questions, the statements usually follow the order of the text—use this to save time.
Practice paraphrasing.
IELTS loves changing simple words like:
increase → rise
decrease → drop
scientists believe → researchers suggest
banned → prohibited
Click the below link to access the practice questions.
Comment on these strategies if you have applied it.
Send an email to faculty@galaxytraining.in to get in touch with our experts on more strategies and question types.
All the best.