IELTS reading: True, false and not given tips and strategies
Demystifying True, False, and Not Given Questions
True, False, or Not Given (True, False, or Not Given) questions are a staple of the IELTS reading test, appearing frequently across all three passages. These questions assess your ability to comprehend the information presented in the text and determine whether the statements provided directly correspond to its content.
There are three possible answers for each True, False, or Not-given question:
True: The statement accurately reflects the information presented in the text.
False: The statement contradicts the information presented in the text, or presents an opposing viewpoint.
Not Given: The information required to determine whether the statement is true or false is not provided in the text.
Unveiling the Power of Keywords: Identifying the Core Information
The first step to tackling True, False, or Not-given questions effectively lies in identifying the keywords in the statement. These are the words that convey the central idea or specific details mentioned in the statement. By pinpointing these keywords, you can focus your search on relevant sections of the reading passage.
For example, consider the following statement:
Statement: The discovery of penicillin revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections.
The keywords here are "penicillin," "treatment," and "bacterial infections." When you scan the reading passage, prioritize sections that discuss these keywords.
Skimming and Scanning: Effective Techniques for Locating Answers
Now that you have identified the keywords, it's time to locate the relevant information within the reading passage. Here's where the art of skimming and scanning comes in:
Skimming: This involves quickly reading through the passage to get a general understanding of the topic and identify potential sections that might contain the information you seek. Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and opening sentences of paragraphs for clues.
Scanning: Once you've narrowed down your search area through skimming, you can employ scanning to pinpoint specific keywords within the identified section. This involves quickly moving your eyes across the lines of text, searching for the exact keywords or their synonyms.
Paraphrasing Prowess: Recognizing Synonymous Expressions
The text might not always utilize the exact same words as the statement. Authors often use synonyms or paraphrase ideas to avoid repetition. This is where your paraphrasing prowess becomes crucial. Be on the lookout for words or phrases that convey the same meaning as the keywords in the statement.
For instance, "revolutionized" might be replaced with "significantly improved" or "marked a turning point in." Similarly, "bacterial infections" could be expressed as "infections caused by bacteria."
Beyond Keywords: Understanding the Nuances of Text
While keywords are vital, don't rely solely on them. It's essential to comprehend the overall context and tone of the passage. Look for qualifiers like "always," "never," "often," or "sometimes," as these can significantly impact whether a statement is true or false.
Common Traps to Avoid: Watch Out for These Pitfalls
The IELTS reading test loves to throw curveballs. Here are some common traps to watch out for:
Partial Truth: A statement might be partially true, but not entirely accurate. Don't be fooled! If a crucial detail is missing or contradicted in the passage, the answer is likely "False."
Opposite Extremes: The statement might present an extreme version of an idea mentioned in the text. Be cautious – if the passage suggests a trend but doesn't claim absolutes, the answer could be "Not Given."
Logical Fallacies: The statement might contain logical fallacies, drawing inaccurate conclusions from information presented in the text. Don't fall prey to these! If the reasoning seems flawed, the answer is likely "False."
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