IELTS Tips: T/F/NG Questions

One of the most challenging question types in the IELTS Reading section is True/False/Not Given (TFNG). These questions test your ability to understand factual information and distinguish between what is explicitly stated, what is contradicted, and what is simply not mentioned. Today’s blog will shine some light on these tricky questions.

What Are TFNG Questions?

In TFNG questions, you are given a series of statements and must decide whether each one is:

  • True – The statement agrees with the information in the passage.

  • False – The statement contradicts the information in the passage.

  • Not Given – The information is not mentioned in the passage at all.

Understanding the subtle differences between these options is key to answering correctly.

The Differences Explained

✅ True

The statement matches the information in the passage. It may be paraphrased, but the meaning is the same.

Example:

Statement: The Thames Tunnel was the first tunnel ever built under a river.
Passage: “It was the first subaqueous tunnel ever built…”
Answer: True

❌ False

The statement contradicts the information in the passage. It may sound plausible, but the passage says the opposite.

Example:

Statement: The Great Pyramid was built using slave labour.
Passage: “While popular belief is that the Great Pyramid was built using slave labour, this theory has since been debunked.”
Answer: False

❓ Not Given

The passage does not provide enough information to determine whether the statement is true or false. Even if the topic is mentioned, the specific claim is not addressed.

Example:

Statement: Ants can build large cities more quickly than humans do.
Passage: Describes a large ant colony and compares its complexity to human cities, but does not mention speed of construction.
Answer: Not Given

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming based on general knowledge: Only use the passage to answer. If it’s not in the text, it’s Not Given.

  • Confusing False and Not Given: False means the passage says the opposite. Not Given means the passage doesn’t say anything about it.

  • Matching words instead of meaning: Look for paraphrased ideas, not exact word matches.

Tips for Success

  1. Read the statement carefully – Understand exactly what it’s claiming.

  2. Scan for keywords – Use them to locate the relevant part of the passage.

  3. Read that section in detail – Don’t skim; subtle differences matter.

  4. Watch for modifiers – Words like “always,” “only,” or “never” can change the meaning.

  5. Don’t overthink – If the information isn’t clearly there, choose Not Given.

Practice with Real IELTS Examples

Here are a few more examples from actual IELTS-style passages

1: Source from IELTS Liz
2: Source from IELTS Buddy
3: Source from IELTS Material


Passage: Pyramid Building

Statement: The Romans learned the techniques of moving huge stones from the Ancient Egyptians.
Passage: “Interestingly, two thousand years after the pyramid building era… the Romans moved stones using similar techniques…”
Answer: Not Given – It says they used similar techniques, but doesn’t say they learned them from Egyptians.

Passage: Beethoven

Statement: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 premiered just before Napoleon became Emperor.
Passage: “However, when later that year Napoleon proclaimed himself Emperor, Beethoven was so disappointed…”
Answer: False – The symphony was renamed after Napoleon became Emperor.

Final Thoughts

TFNG questions are tricky, but with practice and a clear understanding of the logic behind each answer type, you can master them. Focus on meaning, not assumptions, and always base your answers strictly on the passage.

Zach J