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:

True: The information matches the details in the passage.

False: The information contradicts the details in the passage.

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: 
Thorough Passage Understanding:  Reading carefully involves a close examination of the entire passage, paying attention to details, nuances, and the overall context. Understand the author’s main idea, the structure of the text, and how different parts relate to each other.

· Note Key Phrases: Identify and underline key phrases or sentences that convey crucial information. This practice helps you refer back to specific details when answering questions.

  Consider the Author’s Tone: Take note of the author’s tone and attitude towards the subject matter. Sometimes, the tone can provide insights into the author’s perspective, which may be relevant in certain types of questions.

2 Stick to the Text and Avoid Assumptions: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage. Do not rely on external knowledge or assumptions:

·  Base Answers on Explicit Information: 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.

·  Avoid Making Assumptions: 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: While the passage may imply certain ideas, only consider them if they are clearly supported by the text. Don’t assume connections or details that are not explicitly stated.

·  Watch for Misleading Language: Ensure that your answers are based on the actual words and phrases in the passage. Be wary of answer choices that may sound plausible but are not directly supported by the text.

3. Watch for Synonyms and Paraphrasing: Answers may not be directly stated but could be expressed using synonyms or paraphrased language:

·  Recognize Synonyms: 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.

·  Identify Paraphrased Language: 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.

·  Cross-reference Key Concepts: 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.

Example: Passage Excerpt: “The study indicated a positive correlation between exercise and mental well-being.” A related question might use a paraphrased form: “The research suggested a link between physical activity and emotional health.” Recognizing the paraphrasing is essential for accurate responses.

4. Be Wary of Traps: Watch out for misleading information or statements designed to trick you into choosing the wrong option.

·        Overgeneralization:

Example: Passage mentions that “some researchers” agree with a certain idea. The statement in the question, however, says “all researchers.” If you find such absolute terms, be cautious, as the answer might be False.

·        Time Shift:

Example: The passage discusses a historical event that happened in the past. The statement in the question uses present tense. Make sure to match the time frame in both the passage and the statement.

·        Negation Trap:

Example: The passage might state that “the majority” supports an idea, but the statement in the question introduces a negative, like “few people disagree.” Pay attention to the use of negatives and positives.

·        Paraphrasing:

Example: The passage talks about the harmful effects of a substance, but the question statement uses different words like “adverse impact.” Look out for synonyms and paraphrased language.

·        Details vs. Main Idea:

Example: The passage might mention a specific aspect of a topic, but the question asks about the overall main idea. Ensure you are addressing the level of detail the question is seeking.

·        Comparative Trap:

Example: The passage compares two ideas, stating one is more prevalent than the other. The question statement might ask about the absolute prevalence of one idea without considering the comparison. Be mindful of the context.

·        Extrapolation Trap:

Example: The passage might discuss a specific scenario or case study. The question, however, extends the idea to a broader context. Stick to what is explicitly stated in the passage.

·        Assumption Trap:

Example: The passage might provide information about a particular situation, but the question statement assumes a generalization without proper support. Avoid making assumptions that go beyond the given information.

·        Multiple Ideas in a Statement:

Example: The statement in the question may include multiple ideas. While one part is true, another part might be false. Break down complex statements into individual components to assess their accuracy.

·        Absolute Language:

     Example: Extreme words like “always,” “never,” or “every” can be traps. If the passage provides a nuanced view, and the question uses absolute terms, be cautious and double-check the information.

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.”

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!