By Kru Ponn
Among all IELTS Reading question types, perhaps this is the one that most people get wrong: the dreaded T/F/NG & Y/N/NG task. On the surface, it looks as though it is impossible to solve. Sure, True and Yes answers are straightforward, but what about False and Not Given? What is the difference between them? If you understand the simple techniques I’m going to be discussing here, you will learn to like – or at least tolerate – these questions more.
Mastering the Core Concept: How Each Answer Type Actually Works
Now, I should begin by clarifying one of the most common misconceptions about reading questions: “Not Given” does not just mean that the text never mentions this piece of information, but rather, it is not possible to prove whether it is true or not.
So, “True/Yes” means that the information in the passages directly agrees with the statement. “False/No” means that the information in the passages directly contradicts the statement. And “Not Given” is when it is impossible to prove if the statement is true or not.
To summarize,
- True or Yes [T / Y] = The statement directly agrees with information.
- False or No [ F / N] = The statement directly contradicts the information.
- Not Given [NG] = The statement cannot be proven true or false.
** Do note that you can just write T/F/NG or Y/N/NG, but make sure you are using the right one. i.e., do not write T/F in a Y/N question.
Furthermore, the IELTS reading question types of T/F/NG and Y/N/NG are essentially the same thing. They follow the same logic described above. The difference is that T/F/NG is for factual information, but Y/N/NG is about opinions (does the statement fit the opinion of the author? etc.)
And the best part? They are in order. For example, if you have found the answer to question 1 on line 30 in the passage, the answer to question 2, 3, 4 will never come before line 30, only after.
My recommended approach to solve these questions:
- Make sure you understand the statement
- Highlight the main subject and the action (verb.)
- Find the relevant information using the keywords (specific nouns, numbers, figures, etc.)
Example of IELTS reading question types
The Rise of Urban Gardening
In recent years, urban gardening has seen a surge in popularity as more city dwellers seek sustainable ways to grow their own food. Rooftop gardens, balcony planters, and even vertical farming systems are becoming common sights in many metropolitan areas. Advocates argue that urban gardening reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances.
In addition to its environmental benefits, proponents claim that growing food in cities promotes healthier lifestyles, offering fresh produce and encouraging physical activity. However, some critics question whether urban gardens can produce food at a scale significant enough to meet growing demand. Despite this, many local governments have begun supporting urban agriculture initiatives through grants, workshops, and zoning changes.
IELTS Reading Question types: T/F/NG
1. Urban gardening has become more popular among people living in cities.
a. ANSWER
2. Vertical farming systems are less common than rooftop gardens.
a. ANSWER
3. One claimed benefit of urban gardening is a reduction in food transportation emissions.
a. ANSWER
4. Critics argue that urban gardens are not large enough to feed entire cities.
a. ANSWER
5. All local governments are providing financial support for urban gardening.
a. ANSWER
How to Analyze IELTS Reading Questions
The Rise of Urban Gardening
In recent years, urban gardening has seen a surge in popularity as more city dwellers seek sustainable ways to grow their own food (1). Rooftop gardens, balcony planters, and even vertical farming systems are becoming common sights in many metropolitan areas (2). Advocates argue that urban gardening reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances (3).
In addition to its environmental benefits, proponents claim that growing food in cities promotes healthier lifestyles, offering fresh produce and encouraging physical activity. However, some critics question whether urban gardens can produce food at a scale significant enough to meet growing demand (4). Despite this, many local governments have begun supporting urban agriculture initiatives through grants, workshops, and zoning changes (5).
IELTS Reading Question types: T/F/NG
1. Urban gardening has become more popular among people living in cities.
a. True
2. Vertical farming systems are less common than rooftop gardens.
a. Not Given (We cannot prove if it is less common or not. We simply know that it is a type of urban gardening.)
3. One claimed benefit of urban gardening is a reduction in food transportation emissions.
a. True
4. Critics argue that urban gardens are not large enough to feed entire cities.
a. Not Given (The text only mentions “meet growing demands”, not “entire cities.”
5. All local governments are providing financial support for urban gardening.
a. False
Master IELTS Reading’s Toughest Test at House of Griffin
T/F/NG and Y/N/NG questions don’t have to be your IELTS reading question types nightmare. The secret is simple: “Not Given” means “cannot be proven,” True/Yes means direct agreement, and False/No means direct contradiction. With a systematic approach and understanding these core differences, you can conquer this challenging question type. Still struggling with the concepts? House of Griffin provides expert coaching to help you master these tricky questions with confidence.