True/False/Not Given questions test whether a statement agrees with the information in the passage. The fastest way to improve is to stop asking whether a statement sounds reasonable and start asking what the passage actually proves.
The three decisions
True: the passage clearly supports the statement.
False: the passage clearly contradicts the statement.
Not Given: the passage does not provide enough information to prove or disprove the statement.
The key distinction is between contradiction and missing information. If the text says the opposite, choose False. If the detail simply is not stated, choose Not Given.
A 4-step method
- Underline the main claim in the question statement.
- Find the relevant part of the passage using names, dates, nouns or paraphrases.
- Compare meaning, not individual words.
- Choose True only with support, False only with contradiction, and Not Given when the evidence is incomplete.
Worked IELTS-style example
Passage
A city library introduced self-service borrowing machines in 2024. During the first six months, waiting times at the main desk fell substantially. The library kept staff at the desk to help visitors with research questions and account problems. A later survey found that most regular users preferred having both self-service machines and staff assistance available.
1. The library removed all staff from the main desk after installing the machines.
2. Waiting times became shorter after the machines were introduced.
3. The survey included more than 1,000 library users.
Show answers and explanations
1. False. The passage says staff remained at the desk, which directly contradicts the statement.
2. True. The passage states that waiting times fell substantially.
3. Not Given. A survey is mentioned, but its sample size is never stated.
The most common traps
Keyword matching: seeing the same noun in the passage does not make the answer True. The meaning of the whole claim must match.
Adding outside knowledge: answer only from the passage, even if you know the topic well.
Turning “some” into “all”: quantity words such as some, most, always, never, only and mainly can completely change the meaning.
Assuming unstated causes: if two events appear together, do not assume one caused the other unless the text says so.
How to use the computer interface efficiently
On a computer-based Reading test, keep your evidence search disciplined. Highlight a short phrase that proves or contradicts the statement, not an entire paragraph. If you cannot identify evidence after a focused search, consider whether the answer is Not Given rather than repeatedly rereading the whole passage.
Build this habit with IELTS Reading practice, then test your timing in a full mock test.
Quick accuracy checklist
- Did I find the exact part of the passage?
- Am I comparing meaning instead of matching words?
- Is there a direct contradiction?
- Am I adding information that the passage never states?
- Did a quantity or certainty word change the claim?
Practise under realistic timing
Move from worked examples to timed computer-based practice so evidence finding becomes automatic.