What True, False and Not Given mean
| Answer | Means | Ask yourself |
|---|---|---|
| True | The passage says the same thing, usually in different words | Does the passage agree with the statement? |
| False | The passage says the opposite, or makes the statement impossible | Does the passage contradict it? |
| Not Given | The passage doesn't say enough to decide | Is the information simply missing? |
Yes / No / Not Given works the same way, but you're checking the writer's views or claims, not facts. You'll see it with opinion-based passages, like our reading passage on machine creativity.
A 4-step method for True/False/Not Given
- Read the statement and underline the key words, especially words that limit the meaning: all, most, some, always, only, never, more than, first, increased.
- Find the part of the passage it refers to. Answers come in order, so start after the previous answer. Scan for names, numbers and synonyms.
- Compare carefully, word by word. Is every part of the statement supported? Look hardest at the limiting words.
- Decide: same meaning → True; opposite meaning → False; the passage is silent on the key point → Not Given.
Worked examples
Passage: "Researchers now use satellite images to map surface temperatures across entire cities. These maps often reveal striking differences between neighbourhoods."
| Statement | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite images are used to measure temperatures in cities. | True | "map surface temperatures" = measure temperatures |
| Satellite maps show that all suburbs have similar temperatures. | False | The passage says the opposite: "striking differences" |
| Satellite mapping is the cheapest way to measure city temperatures. | Not Given | Cost isn't mentioned at all |
Passage: "Sleeper carriages carry fewer passengers than seated carriages, so ticket prices must be relatively high to cover costs."
| Statement | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Night train tickets are always cheaper than flights. | Not Given | The passage says prices are high but never compares them with flights |
| Sleeper carriages can carry more people than seated carriages. | False | It says "fewer" |
The 5 traps that cost marks
- Limiting words. "Most cities have…" is not the same as "Some cities have…". One word can turn True into False or Not Given.
- Using your own knowledge. If the passage doesn't say it, the answer is Not Given, even if you know it's true in real life.
- Matching words, not meaning. A statement can repeat words from the passage and still be False. Check the meaning.
- Comparisons that aren't made. If a statement compares two things (cheaper, faster, more popular) and the passage only describes one of them, the answer is usually Not Given.
- Spending too long. If you can't decide after a minute, choose Not Given or False, mark the question, and come back if you have time.
Is it False or Not Given? A quick test
Ask: "Could the statement and the passage both be true at the same time?"
- No, they can't both be true → False.
- Yes, they could both be true, but the passage doesn't confirm it → Not Given.
Practise True/False/Not Given now
These free tests include True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given questions, with explanations for every answer:
- Reading passage 1: Cooling the city
- Reading passage 2: The return of the night train
- Reading passage 4: Gardening under the sea
- Reading passage 5: The box that changed the world
- Reading passage 6: Can a machine be creative? (Yes/No/Not Given)
- General Training reading practice
Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official IELTS question types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a band score. For official sample tests, visit ielts.org.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between False and Not Given in IELTS?
False means the passage clearly says the opposite of the statement. Not Given means the passage doesn't give enough information to say whether the statement is true or false.
What is the difference between True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given?
True/False/Not Given checks facts in the passage. Yes/No/Not Given checks the writer's opinions or claims. The method is the same.
Are True/False/Not Given answers in order?
Yes. The answers follow the order of the passage, which helps you find them quickly.
Can I write T, F and NG instead of the full words?
On the paper test, IELTS accepts the abbreviations T, F and NG (and Y, N and NG). On the computer test you choose from the options. Never write 'True' for a Yes/No/Not Given question.