True / False / Not Given Questions

True / False / Not Given (TFNG) questions are among the most common — and most challenging — question types in the IELTS Academic Reading test. Many candidates struggle with distinguishing between "False" and "Not Given." This lesson provides a clear framework, worked examples, and strategies for consistent accuracy.

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Understanding the Three Options

Each statement must be classified as:

• TRUE — The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
• FALSE — The statement contradicts the information in the passage.
• NOT GIVEN — There is no information in the passage about the statement, or the passage neither confirms nor denies it.

The Critical Distinction: False vs. Not Given

This is where most mistakes happen. Here is the key rule:

FALSE means the passage says the opposite of the statement. NOT GIVEN means the passage says nothing about the statement, or there is insufficient information to determine whether it is true or false.

Decision Framework
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Does the passage contain information about this topic?
  ├── NO  → NOT GIVEN
  └── YES → Does the passage agree or disagree?
              ├── AGREES      → TRUE
              └── CONTRADICTS  → FALSE

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Worked Examples

Example Passage (excerpt):

"The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 by French soldiers during Napoleon's campaign in Egypt. The stone contains a decree issued in Memphis in 196 BC, inscribed in three scripts: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek. It was the Greek text that provided scholars with the key to deciphering hieroglyphs. The stone is currently housed in the British Museum in London, where it has been on display since 1802."

Example Statements:

Statement 1: "The Rosetta Stone was found by British soldiers."

• The passage says it was found by French soldiers.
• The statement says British soldiers.
• This contradicts the passage.
• Answer: FALSE

Statement 2: "The Rosetta Stone contains text in three different scripts."

• The passage lists three scripts: hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek.
• The statement agrees with this information.
• Answer: TRUE

Statement 3: "Napoleon personally ordered the search for the Rosetta Stone."

• The passage mentions Napoleon's campaign but says nothing about Napoleon personally ordering a search.
• There is no information to confirm or deny this.
• Answer: NOT GIVEN

Statement 4: "The British Museum is the most visited museum in London."

• The passage mentions the British Museum but says nothing about visitor numbers or rankings.
• This information is simply absent from the passage.
• Answer: NOT GIVEN

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Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Trap 1: Using Outside Knowledge

You may know that the British Museum is indeed one of the most visited museums in London. But if the passage does not state this, the answer is Not Given. Always base your answer solely on the passage.

Trap 2: Confusing Partial Information with Contradiction

Passage: "Most scientists agree that climate change is accelerated by human activity." Statement: "All scientists agree that climate change is accelerated by human activity."

• The passage says most scientists; the statement says all scientists.
• "Most" does not mean "all" — this is a contradiction.
• Answer: FALSE

Trap 3: Over-interpreting the Passage

Passage: "The company reported a 15% increase in revenue." Statement: "The company's profits increased."

• Revenue and profit are different things. Revenue can increase while profits decrease (e.g., due to higher costs).
• The passage does not mention profits.
• Answer: NOT GIVEN

Trap 4: Qualifying Words

Pay close attention to words like: all, some, most, always, never, often, sometimes, usually, only, mainly.