IELTS Reading Practice: True/False/Not Given

Master IELTS reading true false not given with strategies, examples, and a full practice passage with answers to improve your score.

Introduction to IELTS Reading Practice

In the IELTS Reading test, one of the most common and confusing tasks is the True/False/Not Given (TFNG) question type. Many learners lose marks because they confuse “False” with “Not Given” or waste time trying to match every word in the text to the statements.

This guide explains how to approach IELTS reading true false not given questions. You will learn the rules, see examples, and try a practice passage with answers. With the right strategy, this task becomes much more manageable.

What Are True/False/Not Given Questions?

In this question type, you will read a passage and then decide whether a statement is:

  • True → The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
  • False → The statement contradicts the information in the passage.
  • Not Given → The information is not mentioned in the passage.

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Why Are TFNG Questions Difficult?

  1. Paraphrasing: IELTS rarely repeats exact wording. Instead, it uses synonyms.
  2. Traps: Many statements include partial truths that mislead test-takers.
  3. Time pressure: You have just 60 minutes for three reading passages.
  4. Confusion between False and Not Given: Candidates often mix them up.

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Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Read the Statement Carefully

Underline key nouns and verbs. For example:

  • Statement: The Eiffel Tower was built in the 20th century.
  • Keywords: Eiffel Tower, built, 20th century.

Step 2: Scan the Passage for Keywords

Look for synonyms: constructed instead of built, nineteenth century instead of 20th century.

Step 3: Compare Meaning, Not Just Words

Ask: Does the text agree, disagree, or remain silent about the statement?

Step 4: Decide Quickly

  • Matches the text = True
  • Opposite idea = False
  • No information = Not Given

Step 5: Move On

Don’t get stuck. Every answer has equal marks, so time management is vital.

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Example Statements

Passage extract:
“The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and has since become a global symbol of Paris. It attracts millions of visitors every year.”

  • Statement: The Eiffel Tower was finished in the 1800s. → True
  • Statement: The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Europe. → Not Given
  • Statement: The Eiffel Tower was built after 1900. → False

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Looking for exact words: IELTS prefers paraphrases.
  • Confusing opinions with facts: TFNG tests factual agreement, not opinions.
  • Overthinking Not Given: If the text does not answer the statement, mark “Not Given” and move on.

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Practice IELTS Reading Passage

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

Passage: The Rise of Electric Cars

Over the past decade, electric vehicles (EVs) have shifted from being a niche product to a mainstream choice for many drivers. Governments around the world have introduced subsidies and incentives to encourage consumers to purchase EVs, aiming to reduce carbon emissions.
One of the main advantages of EVs is their lower running cost. Compared with petrol cars, electric vehicles require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. However, critics argue that the initial purchase price of EVs is still too high for many people.
Another challenge is infrastructure. While the number of charging stations has increased rapidly in cities, rural areas often lack convenient access. This uneven development has created concerns about whether EVs can truly replace petrol cars in all regions.
Despite these issues, most car manufacturers have announced plans to stop producing petrol and diesel vehicles within the next twenty years. Analysts predict that EV sales will continue to rise sharply as technology improves and battery prices fall.

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Questions (True/False/Not Given)

  1. Governments have provided financial support to increase the number of electric cars.
  2. Electric vehicles cost more to run than petrol cars.
  3. The passage states that all rural areas have no charging stations.
  4. Most car companies plan to continue making petrol cars for the next fifty years.
  5. Experts believe electric car sales will keep growing in the future.

Answers

  1. True — subsidies and incentives are mentioned.
  2. False — EVs have lower running costs.
  3. Not Given — text says rural areas often lack, not all.
  4. False — they plan to stop within twenty years, not fifty.
  5. True — analysts predict sales will rise.

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Quick Tips for IELTS Reading TFNG

  • Always base your answer on the passage, not your own knowledge.
  • Focus on meaning, not words.
  • Practise with authentic IELTS-style texts to improve speed and accuracy.

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Conclusion

True/False/Not Given questions may appear confusing, but with the right approach you can master them. Remember: True = agrees, False = contradicts, Not Given = no information. Practise regularly, and you will build the confidence needed to score higher in the IELTS Reading test.

👉 Explore more in our IELTS Reading guides.

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Glossary

  • Contradict (verb): to say the opposite of something.
  • Incentive (noun): something that encourages action.
  • Subsidy (noun): financial support given by the government.
  • Analyst (noun): person who studies trends and data.
  • Infrastructure (noun): basic systems like transport, energy, and communication.

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Comprehension Practice

Questions

  1. What does “Not Given” mean in IELTS Reading?
  2. True/False: The statement must use exactly the same words as the passage.
  3. Fill in the blank: EVs have ______ running costs compared to petrol cars.
  4. Which section of the IELTS test includes TFNG?
  5. What is one strategy for avoiding confusion between False and Not Given?

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Answers

  1. The passage does not mention the information.
  2. False — paraphrasing is common.
  3. Lower.
  4. Reading section.
  5. Focus on meaning and check if the passage directly disagrees.