IELTS Reading Practice: True False Not Given & Yes No Not Given Questions

The IELTS Reading module can be challenging, especially when candidates struggle to differentiate between True/False/Not Given (T/F/NG) and Yes/No/Not Given (Y/N/NG) questions. Although these question types appear straightforward, they often cause unnecessary band score loss due to confusion, assumptions, and misinterpretation.

In this blog, we’ll break down what these question types really test, the key differences between them, and the most effective step-by-step strategies to answer them accurately in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

What Are True/False/Not Given & Yes/No/Not Given Questions?

Both question types assess your ability to understand meaning, not just locate words in the passage.

You are given a list of statements and asked to decide whether they:

• Agree with the information or views in the passage

• Contradict the passage

• Are not mentioned at all

Key Difference Between T/F/NG and Y/N/NG

Understanding this distinction is crucial for scoring well.

1. True / False / Not Given

• Used when the passage presents facts, data, or objective information

• Common in scientific, historical, or descriptive texts

Example: The Earth revolves around the Sun.

• Fact-based – True/False/Not Given

2. Yes / No / Not Given

• Used when the passage expresses the author’s views, opinions, or arguments

• Common in opinion-based or analytical passages

Example: The author believes technology improves education.

• Opinion-based – Yes/No/Not Given

Tip: If the question asks what the writer thinks, it’s Yes/No/Not Given.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Answer These Questions

Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully

Before answering, confirm whether the task is: True/False/Not Given, or Yes/No/Not Given.

Mixing these up is a common mistake that leads to incorrect answers.

Step 2: Read the Statement Carefully

Do not skim the statement. Instead: Understand the exact meaning, identify what is being claimed, and watch for qualifying words (e.g., all, most, only, rarely).

Underline or mentally note the key idea, not just individual words.

Step 3: Identify Keywords & Paraphrases

Now pick out keywords from the statement, and look for synonyms or paraphrased ideas in the passage.

IELTS rarely repeats the same words. Meaning matters more than vocabulary matching.

Step 4: Read the Relevant Paragraph in Detail

Once you locate the relevant section, read it slowly and accurately. Compare the meaning of the statement with the text. Then decide:

• True / Yes – Meaning matches exactly

• False / No – Meaning contradicts the passage

• Not Given – Information is missing or incomplete

How to Identify “Not Given” Correctly

“Not Given” is the most confusing option for many students. Choose Not Given when:

• The topic is mentioned, but the specific detail is missing.
• The passage is silent on the claim
• You need to assume or guess to answer.

If you need outside knowledge, it’s Not Given.

Important Rules to Remember

1. Do NOT Use Your Own Knowledge:

IELTS tests reading comprehension, not general awareness. Rely only on the passage, even if you know the topic well.

2. Exact Meaning Match Is Required

A statement is True/Yes only when:

• The meaning is 100% the same
• Partial agreement is not enough.

3. Watch Out for Distractors

Even a small change can turn a statement from True to False. Be cautious with words like:

• all, every, most, some, few

• always, never, only, occasionally

4. Look for Uncertainty Words

These often indicate opinions or a lack of certainty, which can change the correct answer. Words such as:

• suggest, claim, appear, believe, likely, probably

5. Don’t Waste Too Much Time

If you cannot find relevant information and have checked the paragraph carefully, move on. The answer is likely Not Given.

Do Skimming and Scanning Work Here?

Not entirely. These question types demand precision, not speed alone. While skimming helps locate paragraphs, accurate reading is essential for:

• Identifying contradictions
• Understanding subtle differences in meaning.

Practice Tip for Band 7+

Consistent practice with proper strategy can significantly improve accuracy.

• Practice identifying paraphrases

• Compare statement meaning vs passage meaning

• Review mistakes to see why an answer was False or Not Given

Crack T/F/NG & Y/N/NG Questions with Expert IELTS Coaching

Finding these IELTS Reading question types confusing or time-consuming? You’re not alone.

At Abroad Gateway, our expert IELTS trainers:

• Teach proven strategies for every question type

• Help you avoid common traps and assumptions

• Focus on accuracy, speed, and confidence

• Guide you toward 7+ band scores

Join the IELTS coaching classes at Abroad Gateway today and take the first step toward IELTS success and your study-abroad dream!