True/False/Not Given (TFNG) questions are one of the most common and challenging tasks in the IELTS Reading test. They test your ability to recognize whether information in the passage matches, contradicts, or is absent.
The Core Definitions:
- TRUE: The statement agrees with or matches the information in the text. It will be expressed using synonyms and paraphrasing.
- FALSE: The statement contradicts or is the opposite of the information in the text.
- NOT GIVEN: The information in the text is neither confirmed nor denied. The statement may be about a topic not mentioned, or it may require an assumption that isn’t directly supported.
7-Step Strategy for True, False, Not Given
Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully
Before you begin, you must confirm what type of question you are answering. Check if it is True/False/Not Given, which deals with factual information, or Yes/No/Not Given, which deals with the writer’s opinions or claims. Understanding this distinction from the start is crucial to avoid simple mistakes.
Step 2: Analyze the Statement for Keywords
Take the first statement and identify the most important words. These keywords are usually specific names, dates, places, nouns, and verbs. Pay special attention to absolute words like “all,” “only,” or “always,” as they often signal a potential point of contradiction in the text.
Step 3: Locate the Relevant Area in the Text
Using your keywords, quickly scan the passage to find the section that discusses the same topic. The information for the questions will always appear in the same order as the text, so the answer to question 2 will always come after the answer to question 1.
Step 4: Read the Text Intensively
Once you find the correct area, slow down and read the sentences very carefully. Your goal is to understand the precise meaning of what is written. Do not skim at this stage, as the difference between a correct and incorrect answer often lies in a single word or phrase.
Step 5: Compare the Meaning Precisely
Mentally compare the statement to the text you just read. Look for synonyms and paraphrasing, not just identical words. Decide if the statement agrees with the text (True), directly contradicts it (False), or if the specific information is simply not present (Not Given).
Step 6: Eliminate Tricky Choices
If you are stuck between two answers, especially False and Not Given, use this simple test: Ask yourself, “Is there direct evidence in the text that proves this statement is wrong?” If the answer is no, then the answer is Not Given. If there is clear evidence against it, it is False.
Step 7: Finalize Your Answer and Move On
Once you have made a decision, mark your answer clearly. Then, put it out of your mind and move decisively to the next statement. Do not spend too much time on a single question, as this can disrupt your timing and focus for the rest of the test.
IELTS Reading Practice: True, False, Not Given
| Passage: The History of the Bicycle Section A The invention of the bicycle, or ‘draisine’ as it was first known, is credited to the German Baron Karl von Drais in 1817. This early contraption was made entirely of wood and lacked pedals; the rider propelled themselves by pushing their feet against the ground. It was primarily a novelty for the wealthy. Despite its rudimentary design, the draisine introduced the crucial concept of a two-wheeled machine that could be steered, laying the foundation for all future development. Section B The next major innovation came in the 1860s with the French ‘velocipede’. French inventors added pedals directly to the front wheel. This design, however, was notoriously uncomfortable, earning it the nickname “boneshaker” due to its iron frame and wooden wheels wrapped in iron tires. The velocipede was the first machine to be called a “bicycle,” and it marked the beginning of cycling as a more widespread activity, though it remained a pastime for the daring. Section C In the 1870s, the desire for greater speed led to the “penny-farthing.” It featured an enormous front wheel, which allowed for more distance per pedal rotation, and a much smaller rear wheel. While this design was faster, it was also highly dangerous. The rider sat high up and was prone to “taking a header” – being thrown head-first over the handlebars. Safety was a significant and largely unaddressed issue with this design. Section D The modern bicycle, with its chain-driven rear wheel and equally sized wheels, emerged in the 1880s. Known as the “safety bicycle,” it was a revolutionary improvement. The new design was stable, easy to mount, and far safer than the penny-farthing. The subsequent invention of the pneumatic tire by John Boyd Dunlop provided a much smoother ride, finally ending the “boneshaker” era. This safety bicycle is the direct ancestor of all modern bicycles. |
Questions:
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- The first bicycle was invented as a practical form of transport for the general public.
- The velocipede was the first bicycle to be operated using pedals.
- The primary motivation for the development of the penny-farthing was to improve rider comfort.
- Penny-farthings were considered risky to use.
- The safety bicycle was developed after the pneumatic tire.
- Karl von Drais made his first prototype from metal.
Step-by-Step Demonstration Table
| Step | Action | What to Do | Demonstration with Question 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Read Instructions | ✅ Understand the Task | Confirm it is True/False/Not Given. Note the answer choices. | “Do the following statements agree with the information…?” Instructions clear: Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN. |
| 2. Read the First Statement. Identify Keywords. | 🔎 Isolate Key Words | Pick out the main nouns, verbs, and qualifying words (e.g., all, only, primarily). | Statement 1: “The first bicycle was invented as a practical form of transport for the general public.” Keywords: first bicycle, practical transport, general public |
| 3. Scan the Text to Locate the Relevant Area | 📄 Find the Section | Use your keywords to find the part of the text that discusses this topic. Information is in order. | Scanning Section A: It discusses the “first bicycle” (draisine). Let’s read it carefully. |
| 4. Read the Relevant Text Carefully | 👀 Focus on Meaning | Read the specific sentences, not just skim. Understand the exact claim the text is making. | Text (Section A): “…This early contraption… was primarily a novelty for the wealthy.” |
| 5. Compare the Statement with the Text Word-for-Word | ⚖️ Match Meaning | Look for synonyms and paraphrasing. Decide: Does it Match (T), Contradict (F), or is it Unmentioned (NG)? | Statement says: practical for the general public. Text says: a novelty for the wealthy. “Novelty for the wealthy” contradicts “practical for the general public.” Verdict: ❌ FALSE |
| 6. Deal with Tricky or Similar Statements | 🔍 Differentiate Meanings | If two statements seem similar, focus on the small differences in meaning. Write them out to compare. | (We will demonstrate this with Question 3 vs. the text.) |
| 7. Eliminate & Move On | ➡️ Maintain Flow | Once you decide on an answer, mark it and move to the next statement. Don’t overthink. | Question 1 is done. We move to Statement 2. |