True/False/Not Given vs Yes/No/Not Given in IELTS Reading

 

Introduction

Among all the IELTS Reading question types, True/False/Not Given (TFNG) and Yes/No/Not Given (YNNG) are the most confusing. Even students who are good at English often make mistakes here because they misinterpret the instructions.

At first glance, these two question types look identical. Both require candidates to compare information in the passage with statements given in the question. However, there is a subtle but important difference that can change your answer completely.

In this detailed guide, we will explore:

  • The exact difference between TFNG and YNNG.
  • Why students get confused.
  • Step-by-step strategies for solving them.
  • Common traps IELTS examiners use.
  • Practice examples with explanations.

By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently handle these question types and improve your IELTS Reading band score.

What Are True/False/Not Given Questions?

In TFNG questions, you are asked to check whether the statement in the question matches the facts in the passage.

  • True (T): The statement agrees with the facts in the text.
  • False (F): The statement contradicts the facts in the text.
  • Not Given (NG): The text does not provide enough information to decide.

👉 TFNG = checking facts in the passage.

Example:
Passage: “The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889.”
Question: “The Eiffel Tower was built in 1890.”
Answer: False (contradiction).

What Are Yes/No/Not Given Questions?

In YNNG questions, you are asked to check whether the statement in the question matches the writer’s opinions or claims in the passage.

  • Yes (Y): The writer’s opinion agrees with the statement.
  • No (N): The writer’s opinion disagrees with the statement.
  • Not Given (NG): The passage does not mention the writer’s opinion about it.

👉 YNNG = checking opinions, beliefs, or attitudes of the author.

Example:
Passage: “Some scientists believe global warming is the most serious threat to polar bears.”
Question: “The writer thinks global warming will not affect polar bears.”
Answer: No (opposite opinion).

The Key Difference Between TFNG and YNNG

  • TFNG → Deals with facts (dates, numbers, events, places, etc.).
  • YNNG → Deals with opinions (beliefs, attitudes, views, claims, etc.).

👉 Simple formula:

  • Fact-based = TFNG.
  • Opinion-based = YNNG.

Why Students Get Confused

  1. Both Look Similar – Both have three options and require comparison with the text.
  2. Synonyms and Paraphrasing – IELTS never repeats exact words, so students struggle to recognize meaning.
  3. Overthinking Not Given – Many students think every question must have an answer, but “Not Given” is often correct.
  4. Mixing Facts with Opinions – Sometimes a statement looks like a fact but is actually the writer’s belief.
  5. Time Pressure – In a hurry, candidates misread small differences.

Step-by-Step Strategy for TFNG

  1. Read the Question Carefully – Identify what fact is being tested.
  2. Underline Keywords – Dates, numbers, names, or actions.
  3. Scan the Passage – Locate the relevant part.
  4. Compare Information – Check if the fact is the same, opposite, or missing.
  5. Decide:
    • Same = True.
    • Opposite = False.
    • Not mentioned = Not Given.

Tip: Be strict. If the information is not 100% mentioned, the answer is Not Given.

Step-by-Step Strategy for YNNG

  1. Read the Question Statement – Look for words like “the writer believes,” “the author suggests,” “scientists argue.”
  2. Skim the Passage – Find where the writer expresses an opinion.
  3. Look for Attitude Words – such as claims, suggests, believes, argues, according to, in the view of.
  4. Match the Attitude – Is it agreeing, disagreeing, or silent?
  5. Decide:
    • Agree = Yes.
    • Disagree = No.
    • No opinion = Not Given.

Examples with Explanations

Example 1: TFNG

Passage:
“The Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers and was built to protect Chinese states from invasions.”

Question 1: The Great Wall of China is more than 20,000 kilometers long.

  • Answer: True (matches fact).

Question 2: The Great Wall was built in order to promote trade.

  • Answer: False (contradiction).

Question 3: The Great Wall is the longest wall in the world.

  • Answer: Not Given (not mentioned in passage).

Example 2: YNNG

Passage:
“Many historians argue that Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military leaders in history. However, some critics believe he caused unnecessary wars.”

Question 1: The author thinks Napoleon was a poor military leader.

  • Answer: No (opposite of “greatest military leaders”).

Question 2: Some critics believe Napoleon’s wars were not justified.

  • Answer: Yes (agrees with text).

Question 3: Napoleon’s military strategies are taught in every university.

  • Answer: Not Given (not mentioned).

Common Traps in TFNG and YNNG

  1. Synonym Trap – IELTS uses synonyms to confuse you.

    • “Increase” = “Rise”
    • “Decline” = “Fall”
    • “Scientists argue” = “Researchers claim”

  2. Extreme Words – If the statement uses words like always, never, all, completely, check carefully.

    • Passage: “Most children enjoy sports.”
    • Question: “All children enjoy sports.”
    • Answer: False.

  3. Not Given Trap – Students force an answer even when info is missing.

    • If you cannot find evidence → Not Given is safest.

  4. Fact vs Opinion Confusion –

    • Fact: “The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.” → TFNG.
    • Opinion: “The Eiffel Tower is the most beautiful structure in Europe.” → YNNG.

Practice Tips

  1. Train Your Brain to Recognize Fact vs Opinion

    • Read news articles. Facts = numbers, events. Opinions = editorials.

  2. Highlight Keywords in Questions

    • Makes scanning faster.

  3. Practice with Time Limits

    • Spend max 1–1.5 minutes per question.

  4. Don’t Translate Every Word

    • Focus on meaning, not word-by-word translation.

  5. Keep a Synonym List

    • IELTS rephrases every statement.

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Assuming Knowledge – Don’t answer based on your general knowledge. Stick to the passage only.
  2. Overcomplicating Not Given – If info is missing, it’s Not Given. Don’t overthink.
  3. Mixing TFNG with YNNG – Always check whether the question deals with facts or opinions.
  4. Rushing Without Checking Synonyms – Many wrong answers come from ignoring rephrased words.

Advanced Tips to Score Band 8+

  1. Predict Before Reading – Guess whether the statement is fact or opinion before searching.
  2. Underline Attitude Words in the Passage – Helps quickly spot opinions.
  3. Use Process of Elimination – If it’s not exactly True or False, consider Not Given.
  4. Balance Speed and Accuracy – Don’t scan too fast and miss key words.
  5. Do TFNG/YNNG Last (If Needed) – If time is short, leave these for the end since they are tricky.

FAQs

Q1: Are TFNG and YNNG the same?
👉 No. TFNG deals with facts, YNNG deals with opinions.

Q2: Why is Not Given so common?
👉 IELTS uses it to test whether you read carefully. Many students assume information must be there.

Q3: How many TFNG/YNNG questions appear in IELTS?
👉 Usually 3–6 per passage.

Q4: Can I improve this skill quickly?
👉 Yes. With daily practice of 15–20 questions for two weeks, you’ll see big improvement.

Conclusion

TFNG and YNNG are two of the trickiest IELTS Reading question types because they require careful comparison and logical reasoning under time pressure.

Remember the golden rule:

  • TFNG = facts (dates, numbers, events).
  • YNNG = opinions (beliefs, claims, attitudes).

By practicing skimming and scanning, learning to identify synonyms, and not overthinking “Not Given,” you can improve both speed and accuracy. With consistent practice, these questions will no longer be a nightmare but an opportunity to score easy marks.

So the next time you face these questions, take a deep breath, apply the strategies, and you’ll move one step closer to your target band score.


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