IELTS GT Reading: 9 Band Tips for True False Not Given

IELTS GT Reading: 9 Band Tips for True False Not Given Questions

True, False, Not Given questions are among the most confusing question types in the IELTS General Training Reading test. Many candidates lose marks because they rely on their own knowledge, confuse False with Not Given, or assume that similar words automatically mean the statement is True.

If you are preparing for IELTS GT Reading in Canada for immigration, work, permanent residence, or other purposes, mastering this question type can make a significant difference to your reading score.

In this guide, you will learn nine practical strategies for answering IELTS Reading True False Not Given questions, followed by a difficult practice passage containing seven questions with detailed answers and explanations. At the end, you will also find recommended IELTS GT Reading books in Canada available through Amazon.ca.

What Do True, False and Not Given Mean?

Before learning strategies, make sure you understand the three answers.

TRUE: The statement agrees with the information in the passage.

FALSE: The statement contradicts the information in the passage.

NOT GIVEN: The passage does not contain enough information to decide whether the statement is true or false.

The most important rule is this:

Do not use your personal knowledge. Answer only according to the information provided in the passage.

For example, if the passage says:

“Most employees prefer flexible working arrangements.”

And the question says:

“Every employee prefers working from home.”

The answer is FALSE, because “most employees” does not mean “every employee,” and the statement changes the meaning.

However, if the passage simply says:

“Many companies have introduced flexible working arrangements.”

And the question says:

“Most employees prefer working from home.”

The answer is NOT GIVEN, because the passage does not tell us what most employees prefer.

9 IELTS GT Reading True False Not Given Tips for a Band 9

1. Read the Statement Carefully

Do not rush through the question. Pay particular attention to words that change meaning, such as:

• all

• every

• some

• most

• only

• always

• never

• generally

• usually

• occasionally

• likely

• must

These small words can completely change whether a statement is True, False, or Not Given.

2. Find the Relevant Part of the Passage

IELTS Reading questions generally follow the order of information in the passage. Once you find the relevant paragraph, read it carefully.

Do not search randomly through the entire text. Use keywords from the question to locate the likely section.

3. Look for Synonyms and Paraphrasing

IELTS rarely gives you the exact same wording in the question and passage.

For example:

Question: “The company reduced its workforce.”

Passage: “The organization cut the number of employees.”

The wording is different, but the meaning is similar.

Build your vocabulary and learn common synonyms. This is particularly important for candidates aiming for a high IELTS Reading band score.

You can also study useful vocabulary through this IELTS GT Reading vocabulary guide.

4. Compare Meaning, Not Individual Words

A common mistake is finding the same word in the passage and immediately selecting True.

Instead, compare the complete meaning.

If the question says:

“The program was introduced in 2018.”

And the passage says:

“The program was discussed in 2018 but introduced in 2020.”

The answer is FALSE, even though “2018” appears in both.

5. Never Use Outside Knowledge

Imagine the passage discusses electric vehicles and says nothing about their cost.

The question states:

“Electric vehicles are cheaper than petrol vehicles.”

You may personally believe this is true or false, but that does not matter.

If the passage does not provide the required information, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

This is one of the most important rules for IELTS GT Reading.

6. Learn the Difference Between False and Not Given

Ask yourself one simple question:

Does the passage say the opposite?

If YES, the answer is FALSE.

If NO, ask:

Does the passage provide enough information to confirm the statement?

If NO, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

For example:

Passage: “The library closes at 6 p.m.”

Question: “The library closes at 8 p.m.”

This is FALSE because the passage gives a different closing time.

But:

Passage: “The library provides free internet access.”

Question: “The library has more than 50 computers.”

This is NOT GIVEN because the number of computers is not mentioned.

7. Be Careful With Extreme Statements

Words such as “all,” “never,” “completely,” and “always” should immediately make you cautious.

If the passage says:

“Some residents supported the proposal.”

A question saying:

“All residents supported the proposal.”

is FALSE.

The passage clearly indicates that support existed among some residents, but it does not mean everyone supported it.

8. Do Not Spend Too Long on One Question

If you cannot decide after carefully checking the relevant paragraph, move on and return later.

Spending several minutes on one True/False/Not Given question can reduce the time available for other questions.

Good IELTS GT Reading preparation should include timed practice. You can also improve your overall reading speed by learning effective IELTS Reading skimming techniques.

9. Prove Every Answer From the Text

For a high score, develop the habit of asking:

“Where is my evidence?”

If you can point to information that agrees with the statement, choose True.

If you can point to information that contradicts it, choose False.

If you cannot find sufficient information for either, choose Not Given.

This evidence-based approach is one of the most reliable ways to improve your IELTS GT Reading accuracy.

Difficult IELTS GT Reading True False Not Given Practice

Read the following passage carefully and answer Questions 1–7.

The Changing Role of Public Libraries

Public libraries have traditionally been associated with books, newspapers, and quiet spaces for individual study. However, their role has expanded considerably in many communities over the past two decades. Libraries now frequently provide access to computers, digital resources, educational programs, meeting rooms, and employment services. In some cities, they have even become venues for exhibitions, public discussions, and cultural events.

This transformation has not occurred at the same pace everywhere. Larger urban libraries have generally had greater access to funding and technology, allowing them to introduce new services relatively quickly. Smaller libraries, particularly those serving remote communities, have sometimes struggled to maintain traditional services while finding the resources necessary to develop new ones. Nevertheless, some small libraries have successfully responded by forming partnerships with schools, local businesses, and community organizations.

The introduction of digital resources has also changed how people use library buildings. Although online databases and electronic books allow users to access information without visiting a library, this has not necessarily reduced demand for physical library spaces. In several communities, libraries have reported increased use of their study areas and meeting rooms. Researchers have suggested that this may be partly because people increasingly value libraries as accessible public spaces rather than simply as places to borrow books.

Not everyone agrees that libraries should continue expanding their range of services. Some commentators argue that libraries risk losing their traditional identity when they become involved in employment training, technology education, or community events. They believe libraries should concentrate primarily on preserving and providing access to books and other published materials. Others, however, argue that adapting to changing community needs is essential if libraries are to remain relevant.

Interestingly, the expansion of library services has not always required substantial increases in government funding. In some cases, libraries have obtained additional resources through partnerships or grants. These arrangements can provide funding for specific projects, although they may not offer a permanent solution to broader financial challenges. As a result, library managers often have to balance long-term planning with the uncertainty associated with temporary sources of funding.

Questions 1–7

Decide whether the following statements are:

TRUE — if the statement agrees with the information.

FALSE — if the statement contradicts the information.

NOT GIVEN — if there is no information about the statement.

1. Public libraries now offer a wider variety of services than they traditionally did.

2. All small libraries have found it difficult to introduce new services.

3. The availability of digital resources has completely eliminated the need for people to visit libraries.

4. Some researchers believe that people value libraries as public spaces.

5. All commentators agree that libraries should expand their range of services.

6. Partnerships can provide libraries with funding for particular projects.

7. Government funding for libraries has increased significantly in every community.

Answers and Explanations

1. TRUE

The passage states that the role of public libraries has “expanded considerably” and lists computers, digital resources, educational programs, meeting rooms, employment services, exhibitions, discussions, and cultural events.

The statement agrees with this information because libraries now provide a wider range of services than their traditional role.

Answer: TRUE

2. FALSE

The passage says smaller libraries have “sometimes struggled” to develop new services. However, it also says that some small libraries have successfully responded by forming partnerships.

Therefore, it is incorrect to say that all small libraries have found it difficult.

The word “all” is the key trap.

Answer: FALSE

3. FALSE

The passage specifically states that digital resources have not necessarily reduced demand for physical library spaces. Some communities have actually reported increased use of study areas and meeting rooms.

Therefore, the statement that digital resources have “completely eliminated” the need to visit libraries directly contradicts the passage.

Answer: FALSE

4. TRUE

The passage says researchers have suggested that people increasingly value libraries as accessible public spaces rather than simply places to borrow books.

The question uses “believe,” while the passage uses “suggested,” but the meaning is consistent.

Answer: TRUE

5. FALSE

The passage clearly says that “not everyone agrees” that libraries should continue expanding their services. Some commentators believe libraries should focus primarily on books and published materials.

Therefore, the statement that all commentators agree is directly contradicted.

Answer: FALSE

6. TRUE

The final paragraph states that some libraries have obtained additional resources through partnerships or grants and that these arrangements can provide funding for specific projects.

The statement directly agrees with this information.

Answer: TRUE

7. NOT GIVEN

The passage says that the expansion of library services has not always required substantial increases in government funding. It also mentions partnerships and grants.

However, it does not say that government funding increased significantly in every community.

There is no information proving this claim and no direct contradiction saying that funding decreased everywhere.

Therefore, the correct answer is NOT GIVEN.

Answer: NOT GIVEN

Best IELTS GT Reading Books in Canada

If you are looking for an IELTS GT Reading book in Canada, particularly a book available through Amazon.ca, having multiple full-length practice tests can be extremely useful. Here are three recommended options for IELTS General Training Reading preparation.

1. IELTS GT Reading 2026 Edition: 15 Latest Tests, Answers and Tips

This latest 2026 edition contains 15 General Training Reading tests with answers and includes tips covering the major IELTS GT Reading question types. It can be useful for candidates who want updated practice material and strategies in one book.

View the IELTS GT Reading 2026 Edition on Amazon.ca

2. IELTS GT Reading: 15 Tests With Vocabulary and Answers

This book provides 15 General Training Reading tests along with vocabulary support and answers. It can be useful for students who want to combine reading-test practice with vocabulary development.

View the 15-Test IELTS GT Reading Book on Amazon.ca

3. IELTS GT Reading: 20 Tests, Tips and Vocabulary

For candidates who want more practice, this book contains 20 General Training Reading tests along with tips and vocabulary. Completing a larger number of timed tests can help candidates identify recurring weaknesses and improve their test-taking speed.

View the 20-Test IELTS GT Reading Book on Amazon.ca

Before purchasing any IELTS preparation book in Canada, check the current Amazon.ca listing, edition, price, availability, and customer reviews.

More IELTS GT Reading Practice

True, False, Not Given is only one part of IELTS General Training Reading. You should also practise multiple choice, matching headings, matching information, sentence completion, summary completion, and fill-in-the-blanks.

For additional practice, read this guide to IELTS GT Reading fill-in-the-blanks.

The key to improving your IELTS GT Reading score is consistent practice combined with careful analysis of mistakes. Do not simply complete practice tests and check your score. For every incorrect answer, determine whether the problem was vocabulary, scanning, paraphrasing, misunderstanding the question, or confusing False with Not Given.

Final Tips for a High IELTS GT Reading Score

If you are aiming for a Band 8 or Band 9, remember these rules:

• True means the passage agrees with the statement.

• False means the passage contradicts the statement.

• Not Given means there is insufficient information.

• Never use your personal knowledge.

• Watch carefully for words such as “all,” “only,” “always,” and “never.”

• Look for synonyms and paraphrasing.

• Always identify evidence before selecting an answer.

• Practise under a strict time limit.

• Analyze every mistake after completing a test.

• Build your vocabulary continuously.

With regular practice, strong vocabulary, effective skimming and scanning, and a clear understanding of True, False, and Not Given questions, you can improve your performance in the IELTS General Training Reading test. For candidates in Canada searching for IELTS GT Reading books, IELTS preparation books, or the best IELTS GT Reading books on Amazon.ca, the resources listed above can provide additional practice to support your preparation.