True / False / Not Given (TFNG) is one of the most challenging question types in the IELTS Reading test. Many students lose marks because they confuse False with Not Given.

If you are stuck at Band 5 or 5.5, learning how to identify the difference between these answers can significantly improve your reading score.

This guide explains exactly how to solve True / False / Not Given questions step by step.

Need a simpler explanation?

🎓IELTS True False Not Given: Quick Answer

In IELTS Reading:

Not Given → The passage does not provide enough information to confirm the statement

If the passage does not clearly support or contradict the statement, the answer is Not Given.

🧠What Are True False Not Given Questions?

In this question type, you are given a statement and must decide whether it matches the information in the reading passage.

Example instruction:

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

Write:

🎯Where TFNG Questions Appear in IELTS Reading

True / False / Not Given questions appear in both IELTS Academic and General Reading tests.

If you want to understand how the two tests differ, see:

They are commonly found in:

These sections usually contain more detailed arguments and explanations.

🏅The Biggest Problem Students Face

The most common mistake is confusing False with Not Given.

Understanding the difference is critical.

Answer

Meaning

True

Passage supports the statement

False

Passage says the opposite

Not Given

Passage does not confirm the statement

The passage must clearly contradict the statement for the answer to be False.

If the information is missing, the answer is Not Given.

💡Step-by-Step Strategy for True False Not Given

Follow this five-step method when solving TFNG questions.

💼Step 1: Identify Keywords in the Statement

Read the statement carefully and identify important keywords.

Example:

The experiment was conducted in France.

Keywords:

These keywords help you scan the passage quickly.

💼Step 2: Locate the Relevant Sentence in the Passage

Use scanning to find where the topic is discussed.

Remember that IELTS often uses paraphrasing instead of identical wording.

Example:

Recognising synonyms is essential.

💼Step 3: Compare Meaning, Not Words

Do not simply match words.

You must compare the meaning of the statement and the passage.

Ask yourself:

Does the passage confirm the statement?

Does the passage contradict the statement?

Is the information missing?

💼Step 4: Identify If the Statement Is True

The answer is True when the passage clearly supports the statement.

Example:

Passage: The study was conducted in France in 2015.

Statement: The experiment took place in France.

Answer: True

💼Step 5: Identify If the Statement Is False

The answer is False when the passage states the opposite.

Example:

Passage: The study was conducted in Germany.

Statement: The experiment took place in France.

Answer: False

The passage clearly contradicts the statement.

💼Step 6: Identify If the Statement Is Not Given

The answer is Not Given when the passage does not provide enough information.

Example:

Passage: The study examined the effects of climate change.

Statement: The study lasted three years.

Answer: Not Given

The duration of the study is not mentioned.

🏅Example IELTS True False Not Given Question

👉Passage Excerpt

Researchers found that urban noise levels have increased significantly in the last decade due to higher traffic volumes.

👉Statement

Urban noise levels have increased because of industrial activity.

👉Correct Answer

Not Given

Explanation:

The passage mentions traffic volumes, but industrial activity is not discussed.

⚡Common Mistakes in TFNG Questions

Many candidates make predictable errors.

💼Mistake 1: Using Outside Knowledge

Your answer must come only from the passage.

Even if you know the statement is true in real life, it is Not Given if the passage does not mention it.

💼Mistake 2: Matching Words Instead of Meaning

IELTS uses paraphrasing and synonyms.

Example:

You must focus on meaning, not identical words.

💼Mistake 3: Overthinking Not Given Questions

If you cannot find clear evidence after careful scanning, the answer is likely Not Given.

Do not try to guess missing information.

🏅Advanced Tip: Look for Absolute Words

Statements containing extreme words are often incorrect.

Examples include:

Passages usually present balanced or qualified statements, not absolute ones.

💡Time Management for TFNG Questions

Do not spend too long on a single statement.

Recommended timing:

If you are unsure, mark the question and return later.

More timing strategies are explained here:

🔥Other Important IELTS Reading Question Types

To reach Band 7 or higher, you must understand all IELTS Reading question formats.

These include:

For example:

🚀Frequently Asked Questions

💼What is the difference between False and Not Given?

False means the passage clearly contradicts the statement. Not Given means the passage does not provide enough information to confirm the statement.

💼How many True False Not Given questions appear in IELTS?

There is no fixed number. Typically you may see 5–7 TFNG questions in a test.

💼Are TFNG questions harder in Academic Reading?

Yes. Academic passages contain more complex ideas and paraphrasing, making TFNG questions more difficult.

💼Should I read the whole passage first?

No. It is better to read the statement first and then locate the relevant part of the passage.

💼What band score requires strong TFNG accuracy?

To reach Band 7 in Reading, you usually need around 30 correct answers out of 40, so accuracy in TFNG questions is very important.

💡Improve Your IELTS Reading Score Faster

Many students practice reading passages but do not analyse why answers are correct or incorrect.

Effective preparation tools can help you:

Estimate your Reading band score here:

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