IELTS · reading

IELTS True / False / Not Given — Format, Tips & Free Practice

Learn how IELTS True / False / Not Given works inside reading: format, scoring cues, common mistakes, and free timed practice on EnglishTestNow. Ask the Exam Knowledge Expert for member-only exam specifics.

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Format at a glance

What this is

True/False/Not Given (or Yes/No/Not Given for opinions) tests whether a statement matches the passage, contradicts it, or cannot be determined from the text. The hardest distinction is False vs Not Given: False means the passage says the opposite or clearly rules it out; Not Given means the topic is absent or too vague to decide. After you learn the format, switch to timed IELTS True / False / Not Given practice on EnglishTestNow so pacing becomes automatic. Review each attempt by whether you finished the required moves for this task—not only by an overall section estimate. When the same mistake repeats twice, open the sibling reading guides on this site and compare how related tasks are marked before you book another full mock.

Why this section matters

Statements appear in order through part of a passage. Write TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN or YES/NO/NOT GIVEN as instructed. No spelling of full sentences—just the judgment. Typically several statements per set. Precise matching of statement to text. No assumptions from real-world knowledge. Recognition of qualification (some, often, may) that makes a blanket statement False. Test takers usually underperform on IELTS True / False / Not Given when they practice generic language drills instead of this response shape under official timing.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using outside knowledge to mark True when the passage does not say it.
Choosing False because the idea feels wrong to you personally.
Treating Not Given as lazy False—absence is not contradiction.
Matching one keyword without reading the full sentence in context.

Tips that move the score

Underline qualifiers in the statement: all, most, first, only.
Locate the same subject in the text—synonyms will be used.
If you find no relevant line after quick search, lean Not Given.
False needs clear contradiction, not absence of mention.
Yes/No/Not Given applies to the writer’s views, not factual truth alone.

Members only

Stuck on True / False / Not Given?

Ask the Exam Knowledge Expert about scoring grey areas, timing, and what examiners look for on this exact format—not generic grammar tips.

Example:Can you walk through one False vs Not Given example?
Example:How long should I spend on each T/F/NG statement?

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Common questions

What is the difference between False and Not Given?

False: the passage says something incompatible with the statement. Not Given: you cannot prove true or false from the text alone. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Do answers appear in passage order?

Yes for the statement set—use that to navigate quickly. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Are Yes/No/Not Given and True/False/Not Given the same skill?

Similar logic, but Yes/No focuses on the author’s claims or opinions, not every fact. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Should I write TRUE or T?

Use the full word TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN unless instructions allow abbreviations. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Where can I get help interpreting my IELTS True / False / Not Given practice?

Use free timed practice on EnglishTestNow, then review with the scoring notes on this page. Members with Exam Knowledge Expert can ask questions such as: “Can you walk through one False vs Not Given example?” or “How long should I spend on each T/F/NG statement?”

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