IELTS / TOEFL: How to Solve IELTS Reading - True- False Not Given

How to Solve: IELTS Reading – True/False/Not Given

Introduction Mastering True/False/Not Given can help you gain 2-3 bands in IELTS Reading, as it requires you to understand the text, identify the main idea, and apply critical thinking.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST You should already have:

1. Basic knowledge of essay structure and vocabulary.
2. Ability to paraphrase and summarize information.
3. Familiarity with IELTS Reading question types.

CORE CONTENT

Anatomy of the task

• True/False/Not Given questions appear in IELTS Reading, usually in the middle or at the end of the test.
• You'll be given a statement and asked to determine whether it's True, False, or Not Given in the text.
• Common traps: not reading the text carefully, misunderstanding the question, or misinterpreting the statement.

Step-by-step strategy

1. Read the statement carefully: Understand what the statement is saying and what it's asking you to do.
2. Read the relevant text: Find the relevant paragraph or section in the text that might support or contradict the statement.
3. Identify the main idea: Determine the main idea of the relevant text and how it relates to the statement.
4. Compare and contrast: Compare the statement with the main idea of the text and decide whether it's True, False, or Not Given.
5. Write your answer: Write "True", "False", or "Not Given" clearly and concisely.

Solved example

Question: The company's new policy aims to reduce energy consumption by 50% within the next two years.

Text: The company's new policy focuses on reducing energy consumption, but the exact target is not specified.

Model answer: Not Given

Why it's correct: The text states that the company's new policy aims to reduce energy consumption, but it doesn't specify the exact target (50%). Therefore, the answer is Not Given.

Common Mistakes

1. Mistake: Writing "True" when the text doesn't support the statement. Why it happens: Not reading the text carefully or misunderstanding the statement. How to fix it: Read the text carefully and make sure you understand the statement before answering.

2. Mistake: Writing "False" when the text supports the statement. Why it happens: Misinterpreting the text or not comparing it with the statement. How to fix it: Read the text carefully and compare it with the statement before answering.

3. Mistake: Writing "Not Given" when the text supports the statement. Why it happens: Not identifying the main idea of the text or not comparing it with the statement. How to fix it: Identify the main idea of the text and compare it with the statement before answering.

4. Mistake: Not reading the relevant text. Why it happens: Not following the step-by-step strategy or not reading the text carefully. How to fix it: Follow the step-by-step strategy and read the relevant text carefully before answering.

5. Mistake: Misinterpreting the statement. Why it happens: Not reading the statement carefully or not understanding the question. How to fix it: Read the statement carefully and make sure you understand the question before answering.

CRAM SHEET

1. Read the statement carefully before answering.
2. Identify the main idea of the relevant text.
3. Compare the statement with the main idea of the text.
4. Write your answer clearly and concisely.
5. Don't assume the text supports the statement.
6. Don't assume the statement is true or false without reading the text.
7. Read the relevant text carefully before answering.
8. Use the step-by-step strategy to answer the question.
9. ⚠️ Don't misinterpret the statement or the text.
10. Check your answer carefully before submitting it.