IELTS Academic Reading True False Not Given: Questions, Answers & Tips

 

IELTS Academic Reading True False Not Given: Complete Guide with Practice Questions

If you are preparing for the IELTS Academic Reading test in Canada, one question type you cannot afford to ignore is True, False, Not Given. Many IELTS candidates find this question type confusing because the statements often use different words from the passage. The real challenge is not simply understanding English; it is learning how to identify whether the passage agrees with a statement, contradicts it, or does not provide enough information.

For students searching for IELTS Academic Reading practice in Canada, IELTS Reading True False Not Given questions with answers, or the best IELTS Academic Reading book in Canada, regular practice with full-length tests is one of the most effective ways to improve. This guide explains the difference between True, False and Not Given and provides six practice questions with detailed explanations.

What Does True, False, Not Given Mean in IELTS Reading?

In a True, False, Not Given question, you are given a statement based on information in the reading passage. Your task is to decide whether the statement is supported by the passage, contradicted by the passage, or simply not mentioned.

TRUE means the information in the statement agrees with the information in the passage. The words may be different, but the meaning must be the same.

FALSE means the passage clearly gives information that contradicts the statement. There must be evidence showing that the statement is incorrect.

NOT GIVEN means the passage does not provide enough information to say whether the statement is true or false. This is where many IELTS candidates lose marks because they make assumptions based on their general knowledge.

A useful rule is simple: Do not answer from your own knowledge. Answer only from the information provided in the passage.

How to Solve True False Not Given Questions

First, identify the important keywords in the statement. These could include names, dates, places, numbers, nouns or unusual terms. Then look for those ideas in the passage. Remember that IELTS frequently uses synonyms and paraphrasing. For example, the statement might say “a considerable increase”, while the passage says “a significant rise”. The vocabulary is different, but the meaning may be identical.

Once you find the relevant part of the passage, compare the meaning carefully. Do not stop after finding one matching word. The complete meaning of the statement must agree with the passage.

If the passage says the opposite, choose False. If the passage simply does not tell you the information required to decide, choose Not Given.

Time management is also important. You can improve your speed by learning how to skim a passage before scanning for specific information. For a detailed guide, read IELTS Reading Skimming Techniques: How to Finish Passages Faster.

IELTS Academic Reading True False Not Given Practice

Practice Passage

Urban gardens have become increasingly popular in many cities around the world. These gardens can be created on unused land, rooftops, balconies and even inside certain buildings. Researchers have found that urban gardening can provide residents with fresh vegetables while also creating opportunities for people to spend time outdoors. In some communities, local residents work together to maintain shared gardens, which can strengthen relationships between neighbours. However, urban gardening is not always easy. Some projects face difficulties because of limited water supplies, poor soil quality and a lack of suitable land. The success of an urban garden can also depend on the amount of sunlight available. Gardens located between tall buildings may receive considerably less sunlight than gardens established in open areas.

Some city authorities have started supporting urban gardening projects by providing unused public spaces to community groups. In certain areas, governments have also offered small grants to help residents purchase gardening equipment. Nevertheless, not every city has introduced such programmes, and the level of official support varies considerably from one location to another. Experts believe that urban gardens can contribute to healthier communities, but they also point out that gardening alone cannot solve wider problems such as food insecurity or urban poverty.

Questions 1–6

1. Urban gardens can be established on rooftops.

Answer: TRUE

The passage states that urban gardens can be created on “unused land, rooftops, balconies and even inside certain buildings.” Therefore, the statement agrees directly with the passage. The answer is True.

2. All urban gardening projects receive financial support from governments.

Answer: FALSE

The passage says that some city authorities provide unused public spaces and that governments in certain areas have offered small grants. However, it clearly states that not every city has introduced such programmes. Therefore, saying that all projects receive government financial support contradicts the passage. The answer is False.

3. Urban gardening always improves relationships between neighbours.

Answer: NOT GIVEN

The passage says that shared gardens “can strengthen relationships between neighbours.” The word “can” is important. The passage does not say that urban gardening always improves relationships. It also does not directly state that relationships never improve. Because the statement makes a stronger claim than the passage provides, the answer is Not Given.

4. Gardens between tall buildings may receive less sunlight than gardens in open areas.

Answer: TRUE

The passage clearly states that gardens located between tall buildings may receive considerably less sunlight than gardens established in open areas. This is almost a direct match, so the answer is True.

5. Urban gardening can completely eliminate food insecurity in cities.

Answer: FALSE

The passage says experts believe urban gardens can contribute to healthier communities, but gardening alone cannot solve wider problems such as food insecurity or urban poverty. Therefore, the statement contradicts the passage. The answer is False.

6. Most Canadian cities provide free gardening equipment to residents.

Answer: NOT GIVEN

The passage mentions that governments in certain areas have offered small grants to help residents purchase gardening equipment. It does not say that most Canadian cities provide free equipment. In fact, Canada is not specifically mentioned in the passage. Therefore, there is not enough information to confirm the statement. The answer is Not Given.

Common Mistakes in True False Not Given

One of the biggest mistakes IELTS candidates make is treating Not Given as False. These answers are not the same. If the passage does not provide information, you cannot automatically assume that the statement is wrong.

Another common mistake is relying on general knowledge. For example, if you know that something is true in real life but the passage does not mention it, you must choose Not Given. IELTS Reading tests your ability to understand the passage, not your general knowledge.

Candidates also lose marks by focusing on individual words instead of meaning. IELTS often changes the wording through synonyms and paraphrasing. Therefore, search for ideas rather than identical vocabulary.

Finally, be especially careful with words such as all, always, never, only, mainly, most, often and sometimes. These small words can completely change the meaning of a statement.

Best IELTS Academic Reading Books for Candidates in Canada

If you are looking for an IELTS Academic Reading book in Canada or searching for IELTS books on Amazon.ca, choose a resource that gives you enough practice tests as well as explanations and strategies.

1. IELTS Academic Reading: 20 Latest Practice Tests – 2026 Edition

This is a useful choice for candidates who want extensive exam-style practice. The 2026 edition contains 20 Academic Reading tests with answers and includes tips covering the major IELTS Academic Reading question types.

It can be particularly useful for students who want to practise True, False, Not Given, Matching Headings, Multiple Choice, Summary Completion and other common question formats.

Buy the IELTS Academic Reading 2026 book on Amazon.ca

2. IELTS Academic Reading: 15 Tests with Answers and Vocabulary

Another useful option is a book containing 15 IELTS Academic Reading tests with answers together with vocabulary support. Vocabulary is important because IELTS passages frequently paraphrase information, and a strong vocabulary makes it easier to recognise synonyms and understand complex academic passages quickly.

Buy the IELTS Academic Reading practice book on Amazon.ca

3. IELTS Academic Writing Book: 50 Essays and 50 Task 1 Answers

Reading should not be prepared in isolation. If you are taking IELTS Academic for university admission, professional registration or other purposes in Canada, you should prepare for Writing alongside Reading.

A dedicated IELTS Academic Writing book containing 50 solved essays and 50 solved Task 1 answers can help you understand how high-quality responses are organised.

The book also includes useful IELTS vocabulary, phrases, writing tips and guidance for different essay and Task 1 question types. This makes it useful for candidates who want to improve both their ideas and language while practising under exam conditions.

For additional vocabulary practice, you can also read this detailed IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary List with Meanings. Learning vocabulary in context is generally more useful than memorising long lists of unrelated words.

How to Prepare for IELTS Academic Reading in Canada

A good preparation routine should combine strategy, vocabulary and timed practice. Start by learning how each IELTS Reading question type works. Then practise individual question types before moving to complete tests. Once you become comfortable, complete full 40-question Reading tests under the real 60-minute time limit.

Keep an error notebook and record why you selected the wrong answer. If you repeatedly confuse False and Not Given, spend additional time analysing the evidence in the passage. If you struggle with speed, work on skimming and scanning. If you struggle with paraphrasing, focus on vocabulary and synonyms.

For Canadian IELTS candidates, particularly those preparing for university admission, immigration-related requirements or professional purposes, practising with current and well-organised IELTS materials can make preparation more systematic.

How to Improve Your IELTS Reading Score

Improving your IELTS Academic Reading score is not only about reading more passages. You need to understand why you are getting questions wrong.

If you frequently choose False when the correct answer is Not Given, practise identifying whether the passage actually provides evidence. If you lose marks because you cannot find information quickly, practise scanning for names, dates, numbers and key concepts.

Vocabulary is another major part of IELTS Reading preparation. You do not need to understand every single word in a passage, but you should be able to recognise common academic vocabulary and understand synonyms.

Most importantly, practise regularly. Completing one reading test and checking your answers is less useful than completing several tests, analysing your mistakes and repeating the process.

Final Tips for True False Not Given

1. Read the statement carefully before searching the passage.

2. Identify the key words and important ideas.

3. Look for synonyms and paraphrased information.

4. TRUE means the passage agrees with the statement.

5. FALSE means the passage contradicts the statement.

6. NOT GIVEN means the passage does not provide enough information.

7. Never use your personal knowledge to answer.

8. Pay close attention to words such as all, always, only, most and some.

9. Practise under timed conditions.

10. Review every incorrect answer and understand exactly why you made the mistake.

True, False, Not Given questions become much easier once you stop guessing and start looking for precise evidence. With regular practice, strong vocabulary, efficient skimming and careful comparison of meaning, you can improve both your accuracy and your IELTS Academic Reading score.

If your goal is a higher IELTS band score in Canada, combine strategy with plenty of realistic practice tests. A structured IELTS Academic Reading book can give you the repeated practice needed to recognise question patterns, manage your time and become more confident with difficult passages.

For students searching for the best IELTS Academic Reading books in Canada, the 2026 edition with 20 practice tests, the 15-test book with vocabulary, and a comprehensive IELTS Academic Writing book can form a useful preparation collection for both Reading and Writing.