🎯 Objective
To help learners master the critical reading skills and analytical techniques needed to accurately identify True, False, and Not Given responses in IELTS Reading tests.
📝 Understanding True/False/Not Given Questions
These questions test your ability to identify specific information and distinguish between what is stated, contradicted, or not mentioned in the text.
| Response Type | Meaning | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| TRUE | Statement matches the passage information | Find supporting evidence in text |
| FALSE | Statement contradicts the passage information | Find opposing evidence in text |
| NOT GIVEN | Statement is not mentioned or cannot be confirmed | No relevant information in text |
📚 Complete Guide: Mastering True/False/Not Given Questions
Understanding Each Response Type
Critical Distinction: The difference between FALSE and NOT GIVEN is often the most challenging aspect. FALSE means the passage explicitly contradicts the statement, while NOT GIVEN means there's insufficient information to confirm or deny.
✅ TRUE
The statement agrees with the passage
Evidence: Clear supporting information exists
Strategy: Find exact or paraphrased match
Example: Statement: "Sales increased by 25%" / Passage: "Sales rose by a quarter"
❌ FALSE
The statement contradicts the passage
Evidence: Passage states opposite information
Strategy: Find contradictory evidence
Example: Statement: "Sales decreased" / Passage: "Sales increased significantly"
❓ NOT GIVEN
The statement cannot be confirmed from the passage
Evidence: No relevant information provided
Strategy: Cannot find supporting or contradicting evidence
Example: Statement: "Sales increased due to advertising" / Passage: "Sales increased" (no reason given)
🔍 Key Differences
FALSE vs NOT GIVEN: FALSE = actively contradicted; NOT GIVEN = no information
TRUE vs NOT GIVEN: TRUE = clearly supported; NOT GIVEN = insufficient evidence
Common trap: Assuming information that seems logical but isn't stated
Step-by-Step Analysis Process
Step 1: Locate the Relevant Section (30 seconds)
- Identify key words in the statement
- Scan for these words or synonyms in the passage
- Focus on the specific paragraph or section
- Don't read the entire passage for each question
Step 2: Compare Information Carefully (45 seconds)
- Read the relevant section word by word
- Look for paraphrasing and synonyms
- Pay attention to qualifying words (some, all, most, never)
- Note numbers, dates, and specific details
Step 3: Apply Decision Logic (15 seconds)
- TRUE: Can you find clear supporting evidence?
- FALSE: Does the passage contradict the statement?
- NOT GIVEN: Is there no relevant information to confirm/deny?
- When in doubt between FALSE and NOT GIVEN, choose NOT GIVEN
Common Traps and Solutions
✅ Effective Strategies:
- Focus only on information in the passage
- Look for synonyms and paraphrasing
- Pay attention to qualifying words
- Consider the exact meaning of statements
- Read the relevant section multiple times
- Don't use outside knowledge
❌ Common Mistakes:
- Using general knowledge instead of passage info
- Making logical assumptions not stated in text
- Confusing FALSE with NOT GIVEN
- Missing subtle qualifying words
- Rushing through without careful analysis
- Looking for exact word matches only
Key Words to Watch:
Absolutes: all, every, always, never, only, completely
Qualifiers: some, many, most, often, usually, generally
Comparatives: more, less, better, worse, higher, lower
Time indicators: before, after, during, since, until
Advanced Techniques
Synonym Recognition:
Statement: "Profits declined rapidly"
Passage might say: "Earnings fell sharply" or "Revenue decreased dramatically"
Key: declined = fell/decreased, rapidly = sharply/dramatically, profits = earnings/revenue
Dealing with Numbers and Dates:
Be precise: "approximately 50%" ≠ "exactly 50%" ≠ "more than 50%"
Alternative expressions: "quarter" = 25%, "half" = 50%, "majority" = more than 50%
Time precision: "in 2020" ≠ "since 2020" ≠ "by 2020"
📄 Reading Passage: Urban Vertical Farming
Vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled environments. This innovative method has gained significant attention in recent years as urban populations continue to expand and arable land becomes increasingly scarce.
The concept utilizes advanced technologies including LED lighting systems, hydroponic nutrients, and climate control mechanisms to create optimal growing conditions. Unlike traditional farming, vertical farms can operate year-round, producing crops regardless of weather conditions or seasonal variations. Research conducted by the University of Columbia indicates that vertical farms can yield up to 390 times more produce per square meter compared to conventional farming methods.
Several major cities have already implemented vertical farming projects. Singapore, facing severe land constraints, has invested heavily in this technology and now produces approximately 30% of its leafy vegetables through vertical farming systems. The Netherlands has also emerged as a leader, with over 200 vertical farms currently operational across the country.
However, the technology faces significant challenges. The initial setup costs are substantial, often exceeding $40 million for large-scale facilities. Energy consumption remains a critical concern, as LED lighting systems require considerable electricity. Critics argue that the environmental benefits may be offset by the high energy demands, particularly in regions where electricity is generated from fossil fuels.
Despite these challenges, industry experts predict that vertical farming will become increasingly viable as LED technology improves and costs decrease. Some projections suggest that the global vertical farming market could reach $20 billion by 2030, driven by growing urbanization and food security concerns.
🧩 Practice Questions: True/False/Not Given
Read the statements below and decide whether they are True, False, or Not Given according to the passage.
1. Vertical farming allows crop production throughout the entire year.
2. Vertical farms produce exactly 390 times more crops than traditional farming.
3. Singapore produces the majority of its vegetables using vertical farming technology.
4. Large-scale vertical farming facilities typically cost more than $40 million to establish.
5. The vertical farming market will definitely reach $20 billion by 2030.
6. Vertical farming uses more energy than traditional farming methods.
✅ Answer Key & Detailed Analysis
1. TRUE - "Vertical farming allows crop production throughout the entire year."
Supporting Evidence: "vertical farms can operate year-round, producing crops regardless of weather conditions or seasonal variations"
Analysis: The passage clearly states that vertical farms can operate "year-round," which directly supports the statement about production "throughout the entire year."
2. FALSE - "Vertical farms produce exactly 390 times more crops than traditional farming."
Contradictory Evidence: "vertical farms can yield up to 390 times more produce per square meter"
Analysis: The passage says "up to 390 times," which indicates a maximum, not an exact figure. The word "exactly" in the statement makes it false.
3. FALSE - "Singapore produces the majority of its vegetables using vertical farming technology."
Contradictory Evidence: "now produces approximately 30% of its leafy vegetables through vertical farming systems"
Analysis: 30% is less than 50%, so it's not a majority. The statement is therefore false.
4. TRUE - "Large-scale vertical farming facilities typically cost more than $40 million to establish."
Supporting Evidence: "initial setup costs are substantial, often exceeding $40 million for large-scale facilities"
Analysis: "Often exceeding $40 million" supports that they "typically cost more than $40 million."
5. FALSE - "The vertical farming market will definitely reach $20 billion by 2030."
Contradictory Evidence: "Some projections suggest that the global vertical farming market could reach $20 billion by 2030"
Analysis: "Some projections suggest" and "could reach" indicate uncertainty, not definiteness. The word "definitely" makes the statement false.
6. NOT GIVEN - "Vertical farming uses more energy than traditional farming methods."
Missing Information: The passage mentions that vertical farming requires "considerable electricity" but doesn't compare this to traditional farming energy use.
Analysis: While energy consumption is mentioned as a concern, there's no direct comparison with traditional farming methods.
🏆 Complete Analysis Guide and Strategies
🔍 Key Word Analysis Techniques:
Question 1 Analysis:
Key words: "crop production" → "producing crops", "throughout the entire year" → "year-round"
Decision process: Direct match found → TRUE
Question 2 Analysis:
Key words: "exactly" vs "up to" - crucial difference
Decision process: Statement is more specific than passage → FALSE
Question 6 Analysis:
Missing comparison: Passage mentions energy use but no comparison to traditional farming
Decision process: No comparative information available → NOT GIVEN
⚠️ Common Trap Analysis:
Trap 1: Logical Assumptions
• Statement: "Vertical farming is more expensive than traditional farming"
• Trap thinking: "High setup costs must mean it's more expensive overall"
• Correct approach: Passage only mentions setup costs, not total operational costs
Trap 2: Qualifying Words
• "All vertical farms" vs "vertical farms" - specificity matters
• "Always" vs "often" - frequency indicators change meaning
• "Definitely" vs "could" - certainty levels are crucial
📊 Decision Tree for Difficult Questions:
Step 1: Can I find the relevant information in the passage?
→ NO: Answer is NOT GIVEN
→ YES: Continue to Step 2
Step 2: Does the passage information support the statement?
→ YES: Answer is TRUE
→ NO: Continue to Step 3
Step 3: Does the passage information contradict the statement?
→ YES: Answer is FALSE
→ NO: Answer is NOT GIVEN
🎯 Advanced Strategies for Each Type:
For TRUE answers:
- Look for synonyms and paraphrasing
- Check that all parts of the statement are supported
- Ensure the meaning is identical, not just similar
For FALSE answers:
- Find clear contradictory evidence
- Pay attention to opposite meanings
- Look for different numbers, dates, or quantities
For NOT GIVEN answers:
- Confirm the topic is mentioned but details are missing
- Avoid logical assumptions not stated in text
- When unsure between FALSE and NOT GIVEN, choose NOT GIVEN
📝 Essential Vocabulary for TFNG Questions:
Synonyms to recognize:
• increase/rise/grow/expand • decrease/fall/decline/drop
• important/significant/crucial/vital • difficult/challenging/hard
• fast/rapid/quick/swift • slow/gradual/steady
Qualifier words that change meaning:
• Absolutes: all, every, always, never, only, completely
• Partials: some, many, most, often, usually, generally
• Uncertainty: might, could, may, possibly, probably
⏰ Time Management for TFNG Questions:
Recommended timing per question: 90 seconds
• 30 seconds: Locate relevant section
• 45 seconds: Compare information carefully
• 15 seconds: Make final decision
If struggling with a question:
• Don't spend more than 2 minutes
• Make an educated guess
• Mark it for review if time permits
• Move on to maintain overall timing
🔄 Practice Exercises for Improvement:
Daily practice routine:
- Read one paragraph and create your own TFNG questions
- Practice identifying synonyms in academic texts
- Focus on qualifying words in newspaper articles
- Time yourself on 6-question sets
Common topics to practice:
• Scientific research and studies
• Historical events and developments
• Environmental and social issues
• Technology and innovation
• Business and economics
📈 Scoring Tips:
Accuracy targets:
• Band 6.0: 4-5 correct out of 6
• Band 7.0: 5 correct out of 6
• Band 8.0: 6 correct out of 6
Improvement strategies:
• Analyze every wrong answer to understand the mistake
• Keep a vocabulary log of synonyms you miss
• Practice with authentic IELTS materials
• Focus on your weakest question type (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)