IELTS Reading: True, False, Not Given (TFNG) Strategies & Tips, 2026
If you are studying for the IELTS exam, you already know the monster hiding in the Reading section: the True / False / Not Given (TFNG) question type. It is universally considered the most difficult and frustrating part of the reading test.
Why? Because while finding “True” or “False” is logical, the “Not Given” option forces your brain to search for something that isn’t there. This guide breaks down the exact logic, strategies, and traps of TFNG so you can tackle these questions with absolute confidence.
The Golden Definitions
To beat this question type, you must completely rewire how you understand the words True, False, and Not Given in the context of IELTS.
- TRUE: The statement matches the information in the text exactly. If the text says “The sky is blue” and the statement says “The color of the sky is blue,” it is True.
- FALSE: The statement contradicts the information in the text. It says the exact opposite. If the text says “The sky is blue” and the statement says “The sky is red,” it is False.
- NOT GIVEN: There is not enough information to say if it is True or False. The text might mention the topic, but it does not give the specific detail in the statement.
The “Not Given” Trap (And How to Avoid It)
The biggest mistake students make is using their own background knowledge. You must act like an alien who only knows what is written on the paper in front of you.
Let’s look at a classic example:
- The Text: “Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, which revolutionized modern medicine.”
- The Statement: “Alexander Fleming was a brilliant scientist who worked very hard to discover penicillin.”
Your brain wants to say TRUE. Of course he was brilliant! Of course he worked hard!
But what does the text actually say? It only tells us what he did and when he did it. It says absolutely nothing about his intelligence or his work ethic. Therefore, the answer is strictly NOT GIVEN.
Crucial Rule: Do not assume. Do not guess. If the words in the text do not explicitly prove the statement, it is Not Given.
The 4-Step Strategy for TFNG
Do not just read the text and hope for the best. Use this mechanical, step-by-step approach to find the answer efficiently.
Step 1: Read the Statement First
Never read the passage first. Read the first TFNG statement carefully and make sure you understand the exact meaning of the whole sentence.
Step 2: Underline Keywords
Identify the words that are easy to find in the text. Look for:
- Names of people or places
- Numbers, dates, or percentages
- Unique technical nouns
Step 3: Scan for Synonyms
Scan the text for your keywords, but be prepared for synonyms. If the statement says “city,” scan for “metropolis” or “urban area.” Once you find the area in the text where the topic is discussed, slow down.
Step 4: Compare the Meaning, Not the Words
Read the relevant sentence in the text very carefully. Ask yourself:
- Does this say exactly what the statement says? (True)
- Does it say the exact opposite? (False)
- Is it talking about the topic, but missing the specific detail? (Not Given)
Top 3 Exam-Day Hacks for TFNG
Hack 1: Beware of Absolute Words
In the English language, “absolute” words leave no room for exceptions. If you see these words in a statement, be highly suspicious; the answer is very often False or Not Given.
- Absolute words: All, every, never, always, completely, only.
- Example Statement: “The Romans always built straight roads.” (If the text says they mostly built straight roads, the answer is False).
Hack 2: The Answers Are in Order
This is a massive time-saver. TFNG questions follow the chronological order of the text. The answer to question 2 will always be located after the answer to question 1, and before the answer to question 3. If you find the answer to 1 and 3, you know exactly where to look for 2!
Hack 3: Don’t Over-Read for “Not Given”
If you have scanned the logical section of the text (between the previous and next answer) and you simply cannot find the information, stop looking. You are wasting time searching for a ghost. Mark it Not Given and move on to the next question.
Ready to put this strategy to the test?
Understanding the theory is the first step, but practicing with tricky texts is where you actually improve your band score.