20 IELTS Tips For A Good Band Score
The IELTS reading section, especially the True False Not Given questions, can be particularly challenging.
These questions test your ability to understand the text and identify specific information.
Whether aiming for a high band score or to improve your reading skills, mastering these questions is crucial.
In this blog post, I will share 20 essential tips to help you excel in the True False Not Given section of the IELTS exam.
Achieving a high band score in the IELTS reading section requires more than a good grasp of the English language.
It demands strategic thinking, careful reading, and a clear understanding of the task at hand.
True, False and Not Given questions may be challenging as they not only test comprehension.
They also test your ability to differentiate between information that is explicitly stated, implicitly stated, or not mentioned at all.
When tackling these questions, many candidates struggle to distinguish between “False” and “Not Given,” which often leads to mistakes.
However, with the right strategies and plenty of practice, you can improve your performance significantly.
Here are 20 practical IELTS tips to help you navigate these questions confidently and boost your band score.
1. Understand the Question Types
True: The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
This means the information in the question can be directly found in the passage and aligns perfectly with the given statement.
The passage states, “Tigers are primarily nocturnal.” Statement: “Tigers are active during the day.” This is False.
The passage states, “The Amazon Rainforest is in South America.” Statement: “The Amazon Rainforest is in Africa.” This is False.
Not Given: The statement is not mentioned or cannot be inferred from the passage.
This means the passage lacks information directly supporting or contradicting the statement.
The passage discusses the diet of lions but does not mention the lifespan.
Statement: “Lions live for 25 years.” This is Not Given.
The passage describes the habitat of dolphins but does not mention their communication.
Statement: “Dolphins use whistles to communicate.” This is Not Given.
2. Read the Instructions Carefully
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Make sure you understand the instructions. Sometimes, minor details in the instructions can affect how you answer the questions.
Instructions may specify to write “T F NG” instead of “True/False/Not Given.”
For example, instructions might specify “True/False/Not Given” or “Yes No Not Given.”
These are similar but are used in different contexts.
If the instructions ask for “True False Not Given,” ensure you don’t confuse it with “Yes No Not Given.”
Also check out these 15 yes, no and not given IELTS tips you should know.
3. Scan the Passage First
Quickly scan the passage to get a general idea of the content. This will help you locate the information more efficiently when you answer the questions.
Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and any highlighted or italicized words.
This initial scan helps you build a mental map of where information is located within the text.
If the passage has the heading “Diet of Elephants,” you know where to look if the question relates to what elephants eat.
A subheading like “Migration Patterns” gives you a clue about where to find information regarding animal migration.
4. Identify Keywords
One of the most essential IELTS tips is to search for keywords in the statements.
These keywords will help you find the relevant part of the text quickly.
Underline or highlight these keywords in both the questions and the passage.
Keywords can include names, dates, places, and specific terms.
If the statement is about “climate change,” look for terms like “global warming,” “temperature rise,” or “environmental impact” in the passage.
For a statement mentioning “Einstein,” scan the passage for “Einstein,” “physicist,” or “relativity.”
5. Use Synonyms and Paraphrases
Be aware that the text may use synonyms or paraphrases of the words in the questions.
Recognizing these can help you match the statement to the correct part of the passage.
For example, “increase” might be paraphrased as “rise” or “grow.” This helps in locating the information even if the wording is different.
The passage says, “The city’s population grew rapidly,” while the statement says, “The city’s population increased quickly.” These mean the same.
If the passage mentions “elderly” and the statement says “senior citizens,” these are synonyms.
This is one of the 13 IELTS tips for true, false and not given tasks.
6. Pay Attention to Qualifiers
Words like “always,” “never,” “all,” “some,” “often,” and “rarely” can change the meaning of a statement.
Look out for these qualifiers in both the questions and the passage.
They can significantly alter the truth value of a statement. For instance, saying “All dogs bark” differs from saying “Some dogs bark.”
The passage states, “Most people enjoy ice cream.” Statement: “All people enjoy ice cream.” This is False due to the qualifier “All.”
The passage states, “The project was completed on time.” Statement: “The project was never completed on time.” This is False due to the qualifier “never.”
7. Distinguish Between Facts and Opinions
Understanding the difference between factual statements and opinions in the text is crucial when answering True, False, and Not Given questions.
A factual statement can be proven true or false based on the information in the passage, while an opinion reflects someone’s beliefs, feelings, or thoughts, and may not be directly supported by the text.
To correctly answer these questions, you need to focus on whether the statement in the question can be supported or refuted by the passage’s content.
If the passage provides evidence that directly supports or contradicts the statement, then the answer should be True or False.
However, if the statement is an opinion that cannot be confirmed or denied by the text, the answer is more likely to be Not Given.
For example, suppose the passage discusses the benefits of a healthy diet but does not mention exercise.
If the statement in the question is “Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle,” this would be, Not Given.
The passage talks about diet, not exercise, so you cannot infer whether the author agrees or disagrees with the statement.
The statement reflects an opinion about exercise, but since the passage doesn’t address this, the correct answer is Not Given.
Learning the difference between facts and opinions is an essential IELTS reading hint for getting a good band score.
8. Don’t Assume Information
Base your answers only on the information provided in the passage. Avoid bringing in outside knowledge or assumptions.
The IELTS test assesses your ability to interpret the text, not your general knowledge.
Stick strictly to what is stated or implied in the passage.
The passage does not mention the author’s birthplace. Statement: “The author was born in London.” This is Not Given, even if you know it to be true.
The passage talks about the benefits of a healthy diet but does not mention exercise.
Statement: “Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle.” This is Not Given.
9. Practice Skimming and Scanning
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Skimming gives you a general overview, while scanning helps you find specific details.
Practice these techniques regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.
Skimming involves reading quickly to get the gist, while scanning is about locating specific information without reading everything in detail.
Skim a paragraph to understand it talks about renewable energy, then scan for specific mentions of “solar power” or “wind energy.”
Skim to identify that a section is about historical events, then scan for a specific date or event mentioned in the questions.
10. Read Around the Keywords
Read a few sentences before and after the keyword to ensure you understand the context.
This will help you make a more accurate judgment.
Sometimes, the answer is not near the keyword but requires understanding the broader context.
Context is crucial to avoid misinterpretation.
If the keyword is “migration,” read the sentences before and after to understand whether it discusses reasons for migration, effects, or patterns.
For a keyword like “photosynthesis,” read surrounding sentences to see if the passage explains the process, its importance, or the factors affecting it.
Identifying and taking account of the keywords in the given passage is one of the IELTS general reading strategies you need to get a good band score.
11. Be Cautious with “Not Given”
“Not Given” can be the most challenging to identify.
If you cannot find any information related to the statement after careful reading, it is likely “Not Given.”
Do not infer or assume information; stick to what is explicitly mentioned. Practice helps in honing this judgment.
The passage discusses various climates but does not mention Antarctica. Statement: “Antarctica has a unique climate.” This is Not Given.
Passage talks about economic growth but does not discuss any specific policies.
Statement: “Government policies have a direct impact on economic growth.” This is Not Given.
12. Manage Your Time
Keep an eye on the time. Allocate a specific amount of time to each question and move on if you’re stuck, returning to it later if time permits.
Time management is crucial because it guarantees you can attempt all questions without rushing.
Divide your time appropriately among the questions, giving extra time to the more challenging sections.
Allocate 20 minutes to each of the three reading passages and reserve 10 minutes for review.
If a question takes too long, mark it and move on to the next one, then come back if you have time left.
Use a watch or timer to keep track of the time spent on each section, ensuring you stay on schedule.
13. Practice with Sample Tests
Regular practice with IELTS reading tests will familiarize you with the question types and improve your speed and accuracy.
Use official IELTS practice materials to get a realistic idea of what to expect. Simulate test conditions at home to build your stamina and time management skills.
Take timed practice tests using materials from the official IELTS website or other reputable sources to mimic realistic exam conditions.
You can also utilize these IELTS true, false, and not-given practice lessons to increase your confidence in passing the exams.
After completing the practice tests, review the answers and explanations for each question to understand and learn from your mistakes.
14. Review Your Mistakes
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Analyze your mistakes in practice tests to understand where you went wrong. This can help you avoid similar errors in the actual exam.
Pay attention to patterns in your mistakes, as this can highlight areas where you need more practice.
Review both correct and incorrect answers to understand your reasoning process.
If you frequently misinterpret “Not Given” questions, focus on understanding how to differentiate between “False” and “Not Given.”
Keep a journal of mistakes and the reasons behind them to track your progress and identify recurring issues.
15. Stay Calm and Focused
Staying calm during the test is one of the best IELTS tips to improve your overall band score.
Stress can cloud your thinking, so take deep breaths and focus on the task.
Confidence and a clear mind are key to performing well.
Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization, to maintain calm during the exam.
Before the test, practice mindfulness or meditation to help reduce anxiety and improve concentration.
During the test, if you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of the strategies you’ve practised.
16. Work on Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary helps in understanding the passage and identifying synonyms and paraphrases.
Enhance your vocabulary by reading diverse materials and noting down new words.
This will improve your comprehension skills and make it easier to understand complex texts.
Create a vocabulary list from reading practice passages and note difficult words and their meanings.
Use flashcards to memorize new words and the associated synonyms for easy recognition during the test.
Doing this is one of the sure ways to improve your IELTS reading score from 5 to 7.
17. Understand Sentence Structure
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Understanding complex sentence structures can help you interpret the passage accurately.
Practice breaking down long sentences into manageable parts to understand their meaning.
This skill is essential when identifying the main ideas and supporting details in the given text.
Break down a complex sentence into subject, verb, and object to better understand its meaning.
Practice parsing sentences with multiple clauses to see how they fit together to convey the overall message.
This is one of the crucial IELTS tips every candidate should be privy to.
18. Focus on Context Clues
Use context clues to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
The surrounding text can provide hints about the meaning, helping you comprehend the passage better.
This technique is useful when you encounter difficult vocabulary.
If you see an unfamiliar word, read the sentences before and after it to infer its meaning.
Look for examples or explanations in the text that can help clarify the meaning of a difficult word or concept.
19. Practice Speed Reading
Improve your speed reading skills to quickly read the passage without sacrificing comprehension.
This will help you manage your time better during the exam.
Practice reading faster while ensuring you still understand the main ideas and details.
Set a timer for 5 minutes and see how much of the passage you can read while maintaining comprehension.
Use speed reading techniques, like focusing on keywords and phrases rather than reading every word.
You can also utilize these 6 IELTS tips for True/False/Not-Given questions (plus resources) to enhance your reading abilities.
20. Stay Updated on Common Topics
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Familiarize yourself with common IELTS reading topics, like science, technology, history, and the environment. This will make it easier to understand passages on these subjects.
Engage with articles, journals, and books to develop your foundational knowledge.
Read scientific journals, and articles on climate change, technological advancements, or historical events.
Follow news sources that cover a wide range of topics frequently featured in IELTS reading passages.
Final Note
Mastering the True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS reading section is essential for achieving a high band score.
Understanding the different question types, refining your skimming and scanning skills, and practising regularly, can significantly improve your performance.
Remember to stay calm, manage your time effectively, and base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage.
With dedication, practice and appropriate application of these IELTS tips, you’ll be well-equipped to handle these questions confidently and boost your IELTS band score. Good luck!
See also: 10 tips to be a better version of yourself every day.
