Reading
True, False or Not Given? A reliable step-by-step method
The most feared Reading question type becomes manageable once you know exactly what each answer means – and what it doesn’t.
True/False/Not Given questions test whether a statement matches the information in the passage – not whether it is true in real life.
What each answer really means
- TRUE – the passage says the same thing, usually in different words.
- FALSE – the passage says the opposite or something that makes the statement impossible.
- NOT GIVEN – the passage doesn’t say enough to decide. The topic may be mentioned, but this specific claim is not.
The difference between FALSE and NOT GIVEN is the key: FALSE needs a contradiction. If you can’t point to words that contradict the statement, the answer is probably NOT GIVEN.
The method
- Underline the key idea and any qualifiers in the statement: all, some, only, always, first, more than.
- Scan for names, numbers and dates to locate the right part of the passage. Questions follow the order of the text.
- Read that part carefully – two or three sentences either side.
- Compare meaning, not words. Watch for paraphrase: “was paid more” = “received a higher salary”.
- Check the qualifiers. “Most scientists agree” in the passage does not support “All scientists agree” in the statement – that’s FALSE.
- Don’t use outside knowledge. If the passage doesn’t say it, it’s NOT GIVEN – even if you know it’s true.
Practise it
Try the Farming on the Rooftops passage in the practice library, then read the explanation for every answer on your results page – especially the ones you got wrong.
Put it into practice
Try a reading test and see your band in minutes.
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