What is True/False/Not Given Format?
True/False/Not Given is a core IELTS Reading question type where you evaluate whether statements are supported by the passage. It tests careful reading, inference skills, and the ability to distinguish between 'false' (contradicted) and 'not given' (absent).
True/False/Not Given format asks if statements match the text: True (supported), False (contradicted), or Not Given (not mentioned). Confusion between False and Not Given is common.
- 1↓Read the statementUnderstand the claim being made
- 2↓Scan the textLook for matching information
- 3↓Is info found?Check if the text mentions it
- 4↓Does it match?True if supported, False if contradicted
- 5Not found?Answer is 'Not Given'
Step-by-step worked examples
Statement: 'Climate change is primarily caused by industrial emissions.' Text: 'Industrial emissions are the largest contributor to CO₂. Natural cycles add 15% of warming.' True/False/Not Given?
Scan text for 'industrial emissions' and 'cause' Text supports industrial emissions as primary cause Answer: TRUE
Statement: 'The city council voted to ban single-use plastics.' Text: 'City officials discussed reducing plastic. A proposal was submitted.' True/False/Not Given?
Scan text for 'vote' or 'ban' Text does not mention a vote or decision Answer: NOT GIVEN (discussed ≠ voted)
Statement: 'Tesla manufactures vehicles exclusively in the USA.' Text: 'Tesla produces cars in Shanghai, Berlin, Austin, and Fremont.' True/False/Not Given?
Scan text for Tesla manufacturing locations Text lists multiple countries, contradicting 'exclusively USA' Answer: FALSE
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Statement: 'The author disagrees with renewable energy.' Text: 'Renewables have limitations. Wind requires suitable geography.' True/False/Not Given?
Q2.What distinguishes False from Not Given?
Q3.Statement: 'Dolphins are mammals.' Text: 'Dolphins possess lungs and nurse offspring.' True/False/Not Given?
Q4.When should you answer 'Not Given'?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What is True/False/Not Given Format?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Confusing False and Not Given — answering Not Given when the text contradicts the statement. — Correct: False: text contradicts. Not Given: text doesn't mention it. These are distinct.
Using general knowledge to answer (e.g., 'Dolphins are mammals, so True'), ignoring the text. — Correct: Base answers solely on the passage. If not in the text, answer Not Given.
Assuming that a 'reasonable' or 'likely' statement is True, even if not stated. — Correct: Stick to what the text explicitly says. Reasonable ≠ True in this format.
Skipping difficult statements instead of carefully re-reading. — Correct: Re-read the passage around key keywords. Not Given requires a thorough search.
FAQ
What is the True/False/Not Given format in IELTS?
It is a reading task where you evaluate statements. For each: True (supported by text), False (contradicted), or Not Given (not mentioned).
How is this different from Yes/No/Not Given?
True/False/Not Given is used for written statements about facts. Yes/No/Not Given is sometimes used for questions, but the logic is the same.
Why do candidates confuse False and Not Given?
False requires contradiction by the text; Not Given means absence. Both result in answering 'no,' but for different reasons — this causes confusion.
If the text doesn't mention it, is the answer always Not Given?
Yes. If the passage doesn't address the statement, answer Not Given, even if you think it's likely or obvious.