Guide
True / False / Not Given
The question type students fear most — and the simple test that makes it easy.
What you have to do
You read a statement and decide if the passage agrees with it (True), says the opposite (False), or doesn't say (Not Given).
The one question to ask
Before choosing, ask: "Can I point to the exact words in the passage?"
| Answer | What you can point to |
|---|---|
| True | Words that mean the same as the statement |
| False | Words that mean the opposite |
| Not Given | Nothing — the topic may appear, but not this fact |
Step by step
- Underline the key words in the statement — especially names, dates and numbers, which are easy to scan for.
- Find that part of the passage. The questions follow the order of the passage.
- Read the sentence before and after carefully.
- Compare the details: all / some, always / usually, increase / decrease.
Common traps
- Using your own knowledge. If the passage doesn't say it, it's Not Given — even if it's true in real life.
- Small words that change meaning: only, all, never, most, first.
- False vs Not Given. False needs a clear contradiction. If you're only guessing, it's probably Not Given.
Try one — show answer
Passage: "The museum opened in 1998 and now receives around two million visitors a year."
Statement: The museum is the most popular in the country.
Answer: Not Given. The passage gives a visitor number but never compares it with other museums.