IELTS Reading – True False Not Given

IELTS Reading – True / False / Not Given

Here are some tips, strategies and articles with True / False / Not Given questions.

(At the bottom of the page there is some information and articles for Yes / No / Not Given.)

True / False / not given basics

You will get a list of statements. Decide if each one matches the information in the passage.

True – the information in the statement agrees with / is the same as the information in the passage.
False – the information in the statement contradicts / is the opposite of the information in the passage.
Not Given – the information in the statement isn’t in the passage, or there isn’t enough information in the passage to say whether the statement is true or false.

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?

7. Good experiences give us a permanent boost in happiness.

8. Most of Santos’ students get good grades.

9. People who fail in job applications often feel worse than they imagined.

10. There is a lot of brain activity when something new happens.

11. The happiness from achieving goals isn’t usually long lasting.

True / False / Not Given example from the article Happiness Part 1.

Tips for True / False / Not Given Questions

The questions follow the order of the text.
You will usually find the answer to question 2 after the answer to question 1 etc.
You need to understand the meaning of the full statement.
– Keywords help, but be careful just looking for matching words.
– The text might use the same or similar words, but the meaning can be different or not there at all.
Be careful with words like all, some, always, and mainly.
– These can change the meaning and affect whether the answers is T, F or NG.
If you can’t find an answer, put NG.
– Maybe you can’t find it because it’s not there.

The strategies below are ones I recommend, but there are different ways to approach these questions. Try different strategies and use what works best for you.

Strategies for True / False / Not Given Questions

NB. My preferred method for starting reading:
At the start of each passage, spend 2-3 minutes skimming the text. Think about (or write down) the main idea for each paragraph – this can help you find the answers more quickly.

Read the question carefully.
– Identify keywords and think of possible synonyms or paraphrases.
– Think about where in the passage you might find the answer.
– Look out for words like, some, all, most, always, mainly.
Scan the text for the keywords or synonyms.
Read the matching part of the passage carefully.
– Check if the information is the same, different, or not there / not sufficient.
Compare it to the statement again to check.
When you go on to the question 2, start scanning in the text from the place you found question 1.
– The questions follow the order of the text.

Articles with True / False / not given questions

Thinking Errors 2 – How We See Ourselves and Others

Our minds lie to us all the time.
(690 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
True / False / Not Given & Summary Completion

Thinking Errors 1 – Stories, Patterns and Causes

Don’t believe everything you think.
(620 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
Short Answer Questions & True / False / Not Given

Happiness Part 1 – Average Levels

The good things won’t be as good, and the bad things won’t be as bad as we think. – Dan Gilbert
(720 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
Matching Headings & True / False / Not Given

Strange Things That Happen When You Sleep

Sleepwalking, nightmares and lucid dreaming.
(730 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
True / False / Not Given & Summary Completion

Why We Like Horror Films

What makes horror films scary, and why do people enjoy watching them?
(720 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
True / False / Not Given & Summary Completion

6 Ways People Influence You

People who know how your thinking works can use that knowledge to influence the decisions you make.
(670 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
Matching Headings and True / False / Not Given

Too Much Choice?

Does having so much choice cause us problems?
(620 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
Short Answer & True / False / Not Given

Man’s best friend

Why are dogs ‘man’s best friend’, and how did it come to be that way?
(850 words)
IELTS Reading Questions:
True / False / Not Given & Summary Completion

IELTS Reading – Yes / No / Not Given

Yes / No / Not Given basics

True / False / Not Given questions focus on facts. Yes / No / Not Given questions are similar, but they focus on the writer’s opinions or the opinions of someone in the passage. The same techniques can be used for both question types.

Do the following statements agree with the views expressed in the article.

Making your bed means that you achieve at least one thing.
There is no connection between the state of your room and the state of your mind.
Exercise helps you to have a positive start to the day.

Yes/ No / Not Given example from the article Morning Routines.