In this question type, you’re given a set of factual statements. Your task is to check whether each statement:
It’s all about comparing information. But here’s the challenge: you must not use your own knowledge or assumptions — only what’s in the text.
They want to see whether you can:
Paragraph:
Researchers studying sleep patterns in young adults found that those who slept less than six hours a night performed poorly on memory tests. However, the same group showed no decrease in coordination or reaction time, suggesting that not all cognitive functions are equally affected by lack of sleep.
Statement 1:
Answer: FALSE
Why?
The text says some functions (like memory) were affected, but others (like coordination) were not. This contradicts the statement.
Statement 2:
Answer: TRUE
Why?
The paragraph clearly says they were tested on memory. This matches exactly.
Statement 3:
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Why?
The text mentions “less than six hours,” but doesn’t specify five hours or less. There’s no way to confirm this detail.
Band 5 Learner | Band 8 Learner |
Matches keywords only | Understands full meaning |
Thinks “similar = True” | Looks for exact match or contradiction |
Assumes from outside knowledge | Sticks to the passage only |
Gets “False” and “Not Given” confused | Understands subtle difference |
Trap | Example | Why It’s Wrong |
Keyword Match | Sees “six hours” → marks True | Doesn’t realise detail is different |
Guessing False | Statement is partially wrong | If text doesn’t contradict it → Not Given |
Assuming the passage “must mean” something | No proof = Not Given | Don’t guess meaning |
Do | Don’t |
Read every word in the statement | Guess based on similar words |
Double-check numbers, dates, names | Use outside knowledge |
Understand “Not Given” = No proof | Assume things that aren’t said |
Match meaning, not just vocabulary | Think “sort of” = True |
Paragraph:
In a recent study, students who had access to natural light in their classrooms showed improved concentration and fewer signs of fatigue. Teachers also reported a more positive mood in the classroom environment.
Statement 1:
Answer: FALSE
(Only teachers observed positive mood; students’ energy wasn’t confirmed directly.)
Statement 2:
Answer: TRUE
Statement 3:
NOT GIVEN
(Nothing about the time of day is mentioned.)
Get 20+ practice sets that look and feel like real IELTS tests — each with:
The key to True / False / Not Given is precision.
You don’t need to be fast — you need to be accurate.
Never assume. Always ask: “Do I have clear proof this is true or false? If not… it’s Not Given.”
Master this question type, and your score will climb — because it teaches you to think like the examiner.
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