IELTS with Fahim Sir : One of the Best IELTS Teachers in Bangladesh
👋 Hello, Learners!
True / False / Not Given (TFNG) is one of the trickiest IELTS Reading question types — but you can master it. I’m Fahim Sir, and this guide gives a clear, step-by-step strategy you can use in practice and in the test.
🧠 Quick Definitions
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TRUE | The statement matches the information in the passage. |
| FALSE | The statement contradicts the passage. |
| NOT GIVEN | If the reading passage doesn’t clearly mention something, then the answer is Not Given. There isn’t enough information in the text to decide. |
Important: If the reading passage doesn’t clearly mention something, mark Not Given — don’t add your own ideas or outside knowledge.
Fahim Sir’s 7-Step System
- Understand the statement.
Read it slowly. Turn it into a simple yes/no question in your head. - Form a question.
Example: “Henry Moore studied sculpture in Paris.” → Did Henry Moore study sculpture in Paris? - Pick keywords.
Underline main nouns/verbs/places. Ignore small words (the, a, an). - Find those words in the passage (or synonyms).
Scan quickly for the words or paraphrases — IELTS loves paraphrasing. - Read the full sentence (full stop to full stop).
Don’t stop at the keyword. Read the whole sentence to catch the real meaning. - Read one sentence before & after (if needed).
Sometimes the fact is split across sentences. - Decide: TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
Match meaning exactly. If unsure because the passage is silent, choose Not Given.
📘 Examples (Statements : from a typical passage)
A: Moore discovered African sculpture in Paris.
- Passage: He discovered African sculpture while visiting the British Museum in London.
→ FALSE
B: Moore’s interest in ancient art increased while studying in London.
- Passage: He visited the British Museum during his Royal College years in London.
→ TRUE
C: Moore worked with Mexican artists.
- Passage: Mentions Mayan sculpture, but no cooperation with artists.
→ NOT GIVEN
🌟 Pro Tips (from Fahim Sir)
- Don’t guess. Only use information written in the passage.
- Watch for synonyms. Start = begin; learners = students.
- Follow question order. TFNG answers usually appear in text order.
- Underline as you read. It helps you find facts fast.
- Calm mind = better reading. If stuck, move on and return.
🧾 Quick Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read statement carefully |
| 2 | Make a question |
| 3 | Choose keywords |
| 4 | Find keywords / synonyms |
| 5 | Read full sentence |
| 6 | Read around context |
| 7 | Decide answer logically |
✅ Short Practice Worksheet (3 quick TFNG)
Use the Henry Moore passage (or any short passage). For each statement choose TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
- Henry Moore studied sculpture at the Royal College of Art in London.
- He became famous because he always worked on small sculptures only.
- Moore’s sketches of miners were made in his hometown.
(Answers: 1 TRUE; 2 FALSE — he worked on large-scale sculptures later; 3 TRUE)
❓ FAQs (student-friendly)
Q: How do I know it’s Not Given and not False?
A: If the passage neither supports nor contradicts the statement — it’s Not Given. Ask: Does the text clearly say this? If not, Not Given.
Q: What if keywords aren’t exactly the same?
A: Look for paraphrases and synonyms — IELTS often changes wording.
Q: How much time should I spend on each TFNG?
A: No fixed rule, but use the 7-step method fast. If it’s unclear after reading around, mark Not Given and move on — return later if time allows.
IELTS Reading Practice with British Council
