Hey there, IELTS aspirant! So, you've entered the IELTS maze and are stuck in the Reading Section? iKounselor has some IELTS Reading exam tips to lead your way through. Whether you’re aiming for university admission, migration, or just to show off your English skills, you'll inevitably encounter IELTS True/False/Not Given questions. And don’t worry—you're not alone. Everyone goes through the same struggle. Here’s what you need: learn how to master True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test.
IELTS Reading Test Strategies
The IELTS Reading section has three major challenges: Time Management, True/False/Not Given Questions, and Match the Headings. We are revealing some top tips and strategies to help you ace the test and back a Band 8.
Tackle Time Management in the IELTS Reading Section
Running out of time is the biggest problem that troubles each test-taker. This is because finishing all tasks in just 60 minutes is a struggle. Here's how you can stay on track:
- Go straight to the First Question: Don't waste time reading the entire passage or the first sentence of each paragraph, and don't read any other questions.
- Save 'paragraph' Questions for Last: Questions that ask you to match headings or statements with paragraphs are much easier if you are already familiar with the passage.
- Don’t get stuck on one Question: As soon as you realize that you're having difficulty with a question, leave it and move to the next one. You can always return to difficult questions later if you have time.
- Follow the Order: Remember that the answers to most question sections are in order in the passage. You don't need to go back to the beginning of the passage to search for each answer.
- Skim for Key Details: Only skim or scan for numbers and names. Otherwise, read at normal speed.
- Work with an Alarm: Although you can't do this in an exam, at home, set an alarm on your phone for 2 minutes and try to answer each question within this time.
Pro Tip: When practicing at home, focus first on accuracy. Speed comes later. If it takes 3 hours to finish a practice test initially, that's okay—perfection is the priority.
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IELTS True/False/Not Given Strategies
Many candidates find these questions challenging because they require a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of how the information is presented in the text. But don't worry—by mastering a few key strategies; you can confidently tackle True/False/Not Given questions and improve your IELTS Reading test preparation.
Note:
True (T) – The information in the statement agrees with what is stated in the passage.
False (F) – The information in the statement contradicts what is stated in the passage.
Not Given (NG) – The information in the statement is not mentioned in the passage at all.
The best strategy for True/False/Not Given in IELTS Reading is the 5-finger strategy. With this strategy, you'll confidently handle even the trickiest statements:
- Finger-1: Begin by identifying keywords in the question statement.
- Finger-2: Scan for matches and spot similar words in the passage.
- Finger-3: Carefully match the keywords from the question with those in the passage.
- Finger-4: Evaluate and decide if the passage confirms, contradicts, or omits the information given in the question.
- Finger-5: Pick your answer and mark it as True, False, or Not Given.

IELTS True/False/Not Given Tips:
- Don't drown in a dilemma—trust your analysis and be confident in your answer.
- The statements follow a chronological order, so analyze them accordingly.
- Watch out for words that can slightly change the meaning of the sentence, such as many, some, never, few, all, always, etc.
- Don’t waste too much time on one question. If you can't find one, mark it Not Given.
Method of Matching the Heading
Matching Headings in IELTS Reading can be tricky, but you’ll soon find it easier with a little practice. The key is not to get lost in the details but to focus on the big picture of each paragraph. Once you understand the central theme, you can quickly compare it with the headings and pick the best fit. Let's slide into the simplest method that will help you approach this task with ease:
- Read the Paragraph: Start by reading the paragraph (usually Paragraph A) to figure out what it’s about.
- Try to Extract the Crux of the Paragraph: Focus on grasping the main points, not on locating every detail.
- Match the Heading: After reading the paragraph and understanding the theme, go to the list of headings and compare them. While reading each heading, ask yourself if this matches the paragraph's central idea.
Decode Matching Information Questions
Matching information to specific sections of the passage? Use these steps to simplify the process:
- Read the Question Statements First: Understand what you're looking for.
- Rephrase Key Terms: Think of synonyms or paraphrased phrases.
- Scan the Paragraphs: Look for sections that align with the question statements.
- Remember, Order Doesn't Matter: Answers won't always follow the sequence of the questions.
Extra Insight: Matching information questions require patience. Stay calm and keep your focus on the passage.
IELTS Reading Tips for Higher Scores
- Consistency is Key: Confidence grows with consistent training. Daily practice familiarizes you with the test's layout and the style of questions. Dedicate a portion of each day to IELTS reading comprehension strategies and timed practice tests.
- Learn Synonyms: The IELTS test loves rewording. Expanding your vocabulary allows you to spot various ways of expressing ideas in both the material and the questions. This simplifies the act of decoding passages and gives you a clearer path to a correct answer.
- Stay Calm: Stress can lead to mistakes. Practice mindfulness or deep breathing to stay relaxed during the test. If you get stuck on a question, move on and return to it later—don't let anxiety slow you down.
- Skim and Scan: Mastering skimming (reading quickly for main ideas) and scanning (looking for specific details) will help you manage time and find answers faster. Focus on headings, topic sentences, and keywords.
- Understand Question Types: Each question type requires a different strategy. For example, with multiple-choice questions, eliminate incorrect options; with True/False/Not Given, pay close attention to the wording. Practice different question formats so you know how to approach each.
Way Forward
Now that you know how to master True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test, follow these IELTS test strategies for success to improve your skills. You can ace the IELTS Reading section with the right strategy and regular practice.Ready to boost your IELTS score? Prepare for IELTS with iKounselor! We offer online and offline classes to help you develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Book a Free Virtual Meet and avail Demo Classes.