IELTS Reading - True/False/Not Given Responses

🎯 Learning 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

READING PASSAGE 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-12, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.

Urban Vertical Farming: The Future of Agriculture

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. Meanwhile, Japan has been experimenting with vertical farming since the 1990s and has developed some of the most sophisticated systems in the world.

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. Additionally, the technology is currently limited to certain types of crops, primarily leafy greens and herbs, while grain production remains economically unfeasible.

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. Recent innovations in renewable energy integration and automated harvesting systems are expected to address many current limitations. Furthermore, several universities are conducting research into expanding the range of crops that can be grown economically in vertical farms.

Instructions: Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

Write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

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.

7. TRUE - "Japan began developing vertical farming technology in the 1990s."

Supporting Evidence: "Japan has been experimenting with vertical farming since the 1990s"

Analysis: "Since the 1990s" indicates that Japan began this work in the 1990s, supporting the statement.

8. TRUE - "Grain production in vertical farms is currently not economically viable."

Supporting Evidence: "while grain production remains economically unfeasible"

Analysis: "Economically unfeasible" means the same as "not economically viable."

9. TRUE - "LED technology costs are expected to decrease in the future."

Supporting Evidence: "vertical farming will become increasingly viable as LED technology improves and costs decrease"

Analysis: The passage states that LED costs are expected to decrease, making the statement true.

10. TRUE - "Automated harvesting systems are being developed for vertical farms."

Supporting Evidence: "Recent innovations in renewable energy integration and automated harvesting systems"

Analysis: The passage mentions "innovations in... automated harvesting systems," indicating they are being developed.

11. NOT GIVEN - "The Netherlands has more vertical farms than any other country."

Missing Information: The passage states the Netherlands has "over 200 vertical farms" but doesn't compare this to other countries' numbers.

Analysis: While we know the Netherlands has 200+ farms, there's no comparison with other countries to determine if it has the most.

12. TRUE - "Universities are researching ways to grow more crop varieties in vertical farms."

Supporting Evidence: "several universities are conducting research into expanding the range of crops that can be grown economically in vertical farms"

Analysis: "Expanding the range of crops" means growing more crop varieties, making the statement true.

🏆 Complete Analysis Guide and Advanced Strategies

🔍 Advanced Key Word Analysis Techniques:

Question 2 Analysis (FALSE):

Key distinction: "exactly 390 times" vs "up to 390 times"

Strategy: Watch for qualifying words that change meaning completely

Question 5 Analysis (FALSE):

Key distinction: "will definitely reach" vs "could reach"

Strategy: Certainty indicators (definitely, certainly) vs possibility (could, might, may)

Question 6 Analysis (NOT GIVEN):

Missing comparison: Energy use mentioned but no comparison to traditional farming

Strategy: Avoid logical assumptions not stated in text

⚠️ Advanced Trap Analysis:

Percentage Trap (Question 3):

• Statement: "majority of vegetables" • Passage: "30% of leafy vegetables"

• Trap: 30% sounds significant, but majority = >50%

• Additional trap: "vegetables" vs "leafy vegetables" - be precise

Comparative Trap (Question 11):

• Statement: "more than any other country" • Passage: "over 200 vertical farms"

• Trap: Assuming 200 is the highest without comparison data

• Correct approach: No comparative information = NOT GIVEN

📊 Master Decision Tree for Complex Questions:

For statements with multiple parts:

1. Break down the statement into components

2. Check each component against the passage

3. ALL components must be supported for TRUE

4. ANY component contradicted = FALSE

5. Missing information on any component = NOT GIVEN

For statements with qualifiers:

• "All" vs "some" vs "most" - check exact scope

• "Always" vs "often" vs "sometimes" - check frequency

• "Definitely" vs "probably" vs "possibly" - check certainty

🎯 Question-Type Specific Strategies:

Numbers and Statistics (Questions 2, 3, 4):

Look for exact matches vs approximations
Pay attention to "up to," "more than," "approximately"
Check units and contexts (per square meter, percentage, etc.)
Distinguish between different categories (leafy vegetables vs all vegetables)

Future Predictions (Questions 5, 9):

Look for certainty indicators: will/shall vs could/might/may
Check for qualifying phrases: "experts predict," "projections suggest"
Distinguish between possibilities and certainties
Watch for conditional language

Comparative Statements (Questions 6, 11):

Ensure both elements of comparison are mentioned
Look for specific comparative language
Don't assume logical comparisons not stated
Check if comparison is direct or indirect

📝 Essential Vocabulary for Advanced TFNG Questions:

Certainty Levels (Critical for FALSE vs NOT GIVEN):

• High Certainty: definitely, certainly, undoubtedly, absolutely

• Medium Certainty: probably, likely, expected to, tends to

• Low Certainty: possibly, might, could, may, perhaps

Quantity Indicators:

• Absolute: all, every, none, never, always, only

• Majority: most, majority, primarily, mainly

• Partial: some, many, several, various, often

Comparison Signals:

• More/Less: exceed, surpass, below, under, over

• Same/Different: similar to, compared with, in contrast to

• Best/Worst: leading, top, lowest, highest

⏰ Advanced Time Management Strategy:

12-Question TFNG Section (18 minutes total):

• 3 minutes: First reading of passage (overview)

• 12 minutes: Questions (1 minute per question average)

• 3 minutes: Review difficult questions

Question Difficulty Assessment:

• Easy (45 seconds): Direct statements, clear matches

• Medium (75 seconds): Require paraphrasing or careful reading

• Hard (90 seconds): Complex comparisons, multiple elements

If stuck beyond time limit:

• Make educated guess based on available evidence

• When truly uncertain between FALSE and NOT GIVEN, choose NOT GIVEN

• Mark for review and continue

🔄 Daily Practice Routine for Mastery:

Week 1-2: Foundation Building

Focus on identifying key words and synonyms
Practice with shorter passages (2-3 paragraphs)
Create your own TFNG questions from news articles
Master the basic TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN distinctions

Week 3-4: Advanced Techniques

Work with full-length IELTS passages
Focus on tricky questions (qualifying words, comparisons)
Time yourself strictly (90 seconds per question)
Analyze every wrong answer to understand mistakes

Week 5+: Test Conditions

Complete full reading sections under exam conditions
Focus on maintaining accuracy under time pressure
Practice with various topics (science, history, society)
Develop strategies for handling unfamiliar vocabulary

📈 Performance Analysis and Improvement:

Score Analysis:

• 10-12 correct: Excellent (Band 8-9) - Focus on speed

• 8-9 correct: Very Good (Band 7-8) - Review specific error types

• 6-7 correct: Good (Band 6-7) - Strengthen foundation skills

• 4-5 correct: Need Improvement (Band 5-6) - Focus on basic strategies

Common Error Patterns to Track:

FALSE vs NOT GIVEN confusion - review decision criteria
Missing qualifying words - practice identifying qualifiers
Logical assumptions - stick to passage information only
Time pressure errors - improve reading speed and scanning

Improvement Strategies by Error Type:

• Vocabulary issues: Build academic word lists, practice synonyms

• Speed problems: Improve scanning and skimming techniques

• Comprehension errors: Practice paraphrasing exercises

• Strategy confusion: Review decision-making frameworks

📖 IELTS Reading Skills