Decoding IELTS General Training Reading: The Complete Guide to True, False, and Not Given Questions

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Mastering IELTS General Training Reading: The Complete Guide to True, False, and Not Given Questions

If you are preparing for the IELTS General Training test, you already know how important the Reading section is. It tests not only your comprehension but also your ability to identify information, understand opinions, and interpret logical meaning in a short amount of time.

And when it comes to tricky question types, True/False/Not Given questions top the list. Many test-takers lose marks here—not because their English is weak, but because they misunderstand what the question is really asking.

But don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS GT Reading—along with proven tips, solved examples, and a special book recommendation that has helped thousands of Indian students achieve Band 8 or higher.

📚 The Best Book Combo for IELTS GT Preparation

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s talk about the most recommended IELTS General Training book combo, now available on Amazon India.

👉 Buy the complete IELTS General Training Book Combo here

This exclusive combo includes:

  • IELTS GT Reading Book – with 15 full-length, exam-like practice tests

  • IELTS GT Writing Book – with model letters and essays

  • IELTS GT Speaking Book – with 50 solved cue cards and 100 common questions

All three books are curated by IELTS experts and best-selling authors, designed especially for Indian students who want Band 7+ results in one attempt. These are among the best-selling IELTS preparation books worldwide for General Training candidates.

Now, let’s master one of the trickiest parts of the reading test—True/False/Not Given.

🔍 Understanding True, False, and Not Given

In this question type, you’ll be given a few statements. You must decide whether each statement agrees with the information in the passage.

Here’s what each term means:

  • TRUE – The statement exactly matches the information in the passage.

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

  • NOT GIVEN – The passage does not mention the information at all.

Sounds simple? Not always! The challenge is that IELTS often paraphrases the text. So, instead of repeating the same words, they use synonyms, opposites, or logical traps to confuse you.

🧠 Step-by-Step Strategy to Solve True/False/Not Given

Step 1: Read the Question First

Always read the statements before the passage. This gives you an idea of what kind of information to look for.

Step 2: Identify Keywords

Underline or highlight important words—names, dates, numbers, places, and specific adjectives.
Example:
Statement: “The company was established more than 50 years ago.”
Keywords: company, established, more than 50 years ago.

Step 3: Skim the Passage for Keywords or Synonyms

Don’t look for the exact same words; IELTS will use paraphrasing. For instance:

  • “More than 50 years ago” → “Over half a century ago”

  • “Company” → “Organization” or “Firm”

Step 4: Match Meaning, Not Words

Focus on the meaning. If the statement’s meaning matches the text → TRUE.
If it says the opposite → FALSE.
If there’s no related information → NOT GIVEN.

Step 5: Don’t Overthink

Many students try to assume missing details or use logic. Don’t! If it’s not written, the answer is always NOT GIVEN.

✍️ Sample Passage and Solved Example

Passage:
Many people believe that reading printed books is becoming less popular as digital media grows. However, recent surveys show that the number of people visiting public libraries has increased in the last five years. Interestingly, young adults between 18 and 30 are the most frequent visitors.

Questions:

  1. Printed books are no longer popular.

  2. The number of people using libraries has risen recently.

  3. Older adults visit libraries more often than younger people.

Answers:

  1. False – The passage says “Many people believe that reading printed books is becoming less popular”, but it doesn’t confirm that they are less popular—it’s just a belief.

  2. True – It clearly says “the number of people visiting public libraries has increased in the last five years.”

  3. False – The passage says “young adults between 18 and 30 are the most frequent visitors”, not older adults.

💡 Top Tips for True/False/Not Given

  1. ✅ Order is your friend – The answers usually appear in the same order as the text.

  2. ⚡ Don’t assume facts – Only use what’s written in the passage.

  3. 🧩 Synonyms are everywhere – Practice recognizing them (e.g., increase → rise, begin → start).

  4. ⏰ Time management matters – Don’t spend more than 20 minutes on a single passage.

  5. 📖 Practice daily – The more you practice with real exam-like passages, the faster you’ll get.

📘 Why You Should Buy This IELTS GT Combo

Preparing for IELTS General Training requires consistent practice and reliable material.
This Amazon best-selling combo gives you all three modules—Reading, Writing, and Speaking—in one powerful set.

👉 Get your IELTS GT Combo here on Amazon.in

Here’s why it’s worth it:

  • 🏆 15 full-length Reading practice tests that mirror real IELTS exams.

  • ✍️ Model letters and essays for Writing Task 1 and Task 2.

  • 🎤 50 cue cards + 100 Q&A for Speaking preparation.

  • 🇮🇳 Designed specifically for Indian students by top IELTS experts.

  • 📈 Best-selling combo trusted by thousands of learners worldwide.

If you’re serious about achieving your IELTS Band 7.5+, this set is a must-have.

🚀 Final Thoughts

The IELTS General Training Reading section may seem tough, but with the right approach and regular practice, it becomes manageable—and even enjoyable.

Master the True/False/Not Given questions using the techniques above, and practice from the 15 full-length tests in this expert-designed combo.

Don’t rely on random online PDFs or outdated tests. Instead, use authentic, exam-level materials that truly build your skills.


👉 Click here to buy the IELTS GT Reading, Writing & Speaking Combo on Amazon.in

Start your preparation today—and move one step closer to your dream band score and dream life abroad. 🌍

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