IELTS reading: True, false and not given tips and strategies

Bhargavee Sisodia

29 Jun 2024

Tensed with the “True, False, or Not Given” (True, False, or Not Given) questions of the IELTS reading test? They should not change the way you bring your academic dreams! It contains the best and most comprehensive methods with alerts that constitute the earthquake preparedness kit to help you overcome these hurdles. Yes, yet our service will turn you from a True, False, or Not Given newbie into a real expert helping you define the key information, orient in the text and see the main senses missing the potential misstatements. By the end of the course, you will be able to competently use True, False, or Not Given strategies to become a champion in reading tests and maximise your time ability. Well folks, strap your imaginary hard hats on and let’s begin the journey towards proficient reading!

Understanding True, False, and Not Given Questions

Yes/No/Not G-given questions are common kinds of questions, and they are practised throughout the three passages of the IELTS reading test. These questions test your knowledge of whether or not the statements given match the text as well as your understanding of comprehension information needed to answer the questions.

There are three possible answers for each True, False, or Not-given question:

• True: The statement accurately reflects the information presented in the text.
• False: The statement contradicts the information presented in the text or presents an opposing viewpoint.
• Not Given: The information required to determine whether the statement is true or false is not provided in the text.

Unveiling the Power of Keywords: Identifying the Core Information

The way to approach answering True, False, or Not-given questions begins with the following process: a true, False or Not-given Concept Mapping Significant Keywords. These are the words that inform the main hall or part of the information that is said in the statement. As such, these are the keywords that will help you narrow your search to specific parts of the reading passage.

For example, consider the following statement:

     Statement: Penicillin was one of the first antibiotics that provided the cure for bacterial infection.

Here, we see that the keywords include ‘penicillin,’ ‘treatment,’ and ‘bacterial infections’. When you read, ensure that you check these keywords are well discussed in the parts of the reading passage you are scanning through.

Skimming and Scanning: Effective Techniques for Locating Answers

Now that you have identified the keywords, it's time to locate the relevant information within the reading passage. Here's where the art of skimming and scanning comes in:

• Skimming: This involves merely going through the passage to try and make out what the passage is all about and whether any parts of the passage might contain the required information. Look at the titles or subtitles, the first sentence of the section or the section title for hints.
• Scanning: After excluding large areas of a website as irrelevant through skimming, scanning can be used for finding specific keywords in the area of interest. It involves rapidly swinging your eyes over the lines of typescript to locate the particular words or phrases of equivalent meaning.

Paraphrasing Prowess: Recognizing Synonymous Expressions

The text might not always employ the very same words as the specific statement. When an author needs to repeat a concept, he or she will use a different word or phrase to do so in a work. This is where your paraphrasing skills are going to come in handy. Watch out for synonyms of the keywords in the statement.

Like, instead of using ‘revolutionised’ one could use ‘in the process of altering’ or ‘brought a new paradigm shift to.’ Likewise, the meaning of “bacterial infections” could be explained as “infections resulting from bacteria.”

Beyond Keywords: Understanding the Nuances of Text

Keywords are important but they should not be relied upon. Sometimes it is useful to gain a general understanding of its content and its degree of formality. Be careful with adverbs such as ‘always,’ ‘never,’ ‘frequently’, ‘rarely,’ ‘often,’ ‘sometimes,’ etc., for they can change the truth of the statement with equal ease.

Common Traps to Avoid: Watch Out for These Pitfalls

The IELTS reading test loves to throw curveballs. Here are some common traps to watch out for:

• Partial Truth: A statement could be partly correct, but not completely correct. Don't be fooled! When a fact is omitted or denied in the passage, the answer is most probably “False.”
• Opposite Extremes: It could be an exaggeration of an idea mentioned in the text, it might be an opinion the speaker has about the topic but it will surely relate to the text. Some important points worth bearing in mind: It is safe – if the passage stated a trend but did not make definite statements, the answer could be “Not Given.”
• Logical Fallacies: The statement might include a misunderstanding of information given in the text and an attempt at reaching illogical conclusions. Don't fall prey to these! If the reasoning looks illogical, then the answer would be “False.”

Time Management: Optimizing Your Approach During the Test 

Time management is key during the IELTS reading test. Here's how to optimize your approach when tackling True, False, or Not-given questions:

• Don't waste time on a single question: If you can’t find the answer within, say, twenty minutes, then you should leave the question aside. If you have the remaining time, you can always come back to it.
• Prioritize skimming and scanning: Do not spend time reading the whole passage letter per letter or even word per word. Quickly preview for sections of interest and quickly look for keywords.
• Practice under timed conditions: When you are IELTS reading, try to do it under a given time because this will make it more of a simulation of the IELTS test. This is a treasured quality because it gives you a rhythm, and also trains you on how to pace your work time.

Top Tips for IELTS Reading Practice: Sharpen Your Skills

• Regular Practice: Consistency is key! Ensure that you devise the habit of doing practice tests and reading passages at least once in a while.
• Variety is Key: You have to remember that you should not only practise from one source. Read on various subjects to gain broader perspectives and improve your capacity to process new knowledge.
• Develop Active Reading Strategies: Highlight the keywords of the statement and passage and restate them in your own words to familiarise yourself with the context.
• Review Mistakes: Learn from your errors. When you are through with a practice test take time to evaluate the True, False, or Not Given questions you have attempted incorrectly. It is useful to be able to determine why the wrong answer was selected and how to avoid it in the future.
• Utilize Online Resources: Use free IELTS reading practice tests, tutorials and advice available online provided for True, False or Not Given questions, free and paid.

Practice Makes Perfect: Sample IELTS Reading Test and Questions

Passage:

With the beginning of solar energy utilisation tracing its history for centuries. In early society, they only utilised sunlight for such simple tasks as drying of foods and warming of water. But they are an old form of energy, whereas the modern technology of solar power is relatively new. The storey changed in the 19th century due to the invention of the photovoltaic cell. This technology paved the way for direct conversion of the sun’s energy into electricity. Since then, there has been a lot of progress in solar panel technology in terms of the efficiency and cost of installation thus contributing to the general use of solar energy all over the world.

Sample True, False, or Not Given Questions:

1. True, False, or Not Given: Solar energy has only been used in recent times.
2. True, False, or Not Given: Photovoltaic cells generate electricity by harnessing heat from the sun.
3. True, False, or Not Given: Modern solar panels are less efficient than those developed in the 19th century.

Answers:

1. False: The passage mentions early civilizations using sunlight for drying food and heating water.
2. False: The passage clarifies that photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, not heat.
3. Not Given: The passage discusses advancements in efficiency but doesn't provide a direct comparison between modern and 19th-century solar panels.

Conclusion 

True, False, and Not Given (True, False, or Not Given) questions might seem like a formidable hurdle in your IELTS reading test journey. But, do not worry, dear admirers of tests any more! Using this guide will empower you with the necessary tools and techniques to turn them into opportunities on your way to success. Do not forget that the secret lies in using keywords.” Practise recognising them in the statement and the reading passage. This is whereby, rather than reading the text thoroughly a reader learns how to move through the content quickly, with speed and accuracy.

You should always correct your mistakes and keep on probably the best approach that you have found. The guide concludes, but the process of achieving mastery in the IELTS reading test is unique to you. Take advantage of the numerous resources that are available online. Make use of free and paid practice tests, tutorials, and tips for True, False Not-given questions designed uniquely for this type of question.