The “True False Not Given” questions in the IELTS Reading test can be tricky, requiring a careful approach to distinguish between true information, false information, and information that is not given in the passage. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies to tackle these questions and provide you with examples to enhance your understanding.

Understanding the Challenge:

The key challenge in “True False Not Given” questions lies in the nuances between false information and information that is not given. Let’s break down the three options:

1.    True: The information matches the details in the passage.

2.    False: The information contradicts the details in the passage.

3.    Not Given: The information is not found in the passage. This is crucial – if the information is not explicitly stated, it is considered “Not Given.”

Tips for Tackling “True False Not Given” Questions:

1.    Read Carefully: Thoroughly read the passage before attempting the questions. Pay attention to details, keywords, and the overall structure. Understand the author’s main idea, the structure of the text, and how different parts relate to each other. Identify and underline key phrases or sentences that convey crucial information. This practice helps you refer back to specific details when answering questions. Take note of the author’s tone and attitude towards the subject matter, as it can provide insights into the author’s perspective.

2.    Stick to the Text and Avoid Assumptions: When answering “True False Not Given” questions, rely solely on the information provided in the passage. Stick to what is explicitly stated without adding your own interpretations. Resist the temptation to make assumptions or draw conclusions that go beyond the given information. If a specific detail is not present in the passage, label it as “Not Given” rather than making speculative assumptions. Be cautious with implied information and watch for misleading language to ensure your answers are based on actual text.

3.    Watch for Synonyms and Paraphrasing: Be vigilant for synonyms – words that have similar meanings but may not be identical. The passage may present information using different terms than those found in the question. Look out for paraphrasing, where the author rephrases or expresses the same idea using different words. Questions may use paraphrased language, requiring you to recognize equivalent expressions. When answering questions, cross-reference the question with the passage to ensure that the concepts and ideas align, even if the wording is not an exact match.

4.    Be Wary of Traps: Watch out for misleading information or statements designed to trick you into choosing the wrong option. Common traps include overgeneralization, time shifts, negation traps, comparative traps, extrapolation traps, and absolute language. Be cautious with complex statements containing multiple ideas and ensure that your answers reflect the accurate interpretation of the passage.

Example Scenarios:

Statement: “The new technology was immediately embraced by the majority of the population.”

1.    True: If the passage states that the new technology was embraced by the majority, the answer is “True.”

2.    False: If the passage mentions resistance or hesitation towards the new technology, the answer is “False.”

3.    Not Given: If the passage does not provide information about how the population reacted to the new technology, the answer is “Not Given.”

Practice Exercise:

Read the following passage excerpt and answer the question:

Statement: “The study conclusively proved that the experiment was a failure.”

Is the statement True, False, or Not Given?

Passage Excerpt: “The results of the study were inconclusive, leaving the success of the experiment open to interpretation.”

Answer: Not Given

The passage neither supports nor contradicts the statement, making it “Not Given.”

Conclusion:

Mastering “True False Not Given” questions requires a careful reading of the passage, attention to detail, and an ability to distinguish between true, false, and not given information. Practice regularly with a variety of passages to sharpen your skills and build confidence for the IELTS Reading test.

Remember, success lies not just in finding the correct answers but in understanding the reasoning behind them. Happy practicing!

For more in depth tips and advice on how to excel in your IELTS reading test, download our IELTS Blackbelt reading ebook by clicking on the link below: