False or Not Given? A Clear Way to Decide

Level: B2–C1 · 5-minute read

In True / False / Not Given questions, most learners can spot True. The real problem is the difference between False and Not Given. Here is a method that removes the guessing.

What each answer really means

• True — the text says the same thing as the statement.

• False — the text says the opposite. The statement and the text cannot both be correct.

• Not Given — the text doesn't tell you. The statement might be true or false in real life, but you can't know from the text.

The one question to ask

After you find the right part of the text, ask:

"Does the text contradict this statement?"

• If yes → False.

• If the text simply doesn't mention it → Not Given.

An example

Text: The library opened in 1998. It was paid for by the city council and now holds more than 40,000 books.

1. The library opened in the 1990s. → True (1998 is in the 1990s.)

2. The library was paid for by a private company. → False (The text says the city council — a contradiction.)

3. The library is the largest in the region. → Not Given (The text gives a number, but says nothing about other libraries.)

Three traps to avoid

1. Using your own knowledge. If you know something is true, but the text doesn't say it, the answer is Not Given.

2. Small words that change everything. Always, only, all, some, never, most — a statement with all is False if the text says most.

3. Same topic, different fact. If the text talks about the same subject but not the specific point, it's Not Given — not False.

Practise

Text: Most students in the study preferred online lessons, although several said they missed meeting classmates.

1. All the students preferred online lessons.

2. Some students missed meeting classmates.

3. The study took place in 2024.

Answers: 1 False (most, not all) · 2 True · 3 Not Given

Train with real practice

The True / False / Not Given Trainer has six texts with 60 statements and an answer key that explains the logic of every answer. Find it in the Exam Quick-Packs bundle.

Practise this: True / False / Not Given Trainer — focused practice with a full answer key.