True/False/Not Given vs Yes/No/Not Given: Master the Difference
True/False/Not Given vs. Yes/No/Not Given: Master the Difference and Conquer Your IELTS Reading (2026)
Alright, IELTS warriors! It’s your friendly neighbourhood IELTS instructor, back with another deep dive into one of the most commonly misunderstood (yet incredibly important) IELTS Reading question types:
True/False/Not Given and its close cousin Yes/No/Not Given.
If you’ve ever stared at a statement thinking, “It feels true… but is it in the text?” — you’re not alone. This confusion costs candidates marks every single day. The good news? Once you understand the core difference and use a consistent method, these questions become much easier (and much faster).
Let’s demystify TFNG and YNNG so you can tackle them with confidence.
The Core Difference (The One Rule That Changes Everything)
The difference is not about difficulty. It’s about what you’re checking:
✅ True/False/Not Given (TFNG) = Fact Check
You’re checking whether a factual statement matches the information in the passage.
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TRUE = the passage clearly supports the statement
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FALSE = the passage clearly contradicts the statement
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NOT GIVEN = the passage does not confirm or deny it
✅ Yes/No/Not Given (YNNG) = Opinion Check
You’re checking whether a statement matches an opinion/viewpoint expressed by the author or a person/group in the passage.
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YES = the passage supports that viewpoint
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NO = the passage contradicts that viewpoint
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NOT GIVEN = the passage does not reveal that viewpoint
Shortcut to remember:
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TFNG = “Is it a fact in the text?”
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YNNG = “Is it the author’s/person’s opinion in the text?”
Why This Distinction Matters (The Classic Trap)
Many students treat TFNG like opinion questions and YNNG like fact questions.
Trap example (common!)
Passage says:
“Some consumers remain sceptical about the higher cost of organic produce.”
YNNG statement: “The author believes organic food is too expensive.”
Even though cost is mentioned, the author’s opinion is not stated. That means:
✅ NOT GIVEN (the author is reporting others’ views, not endorsing them)
TFNG Strategy: A Simple 5-Step Method
Step 1: Identify the statement’s core claim
Ask: What exactly is it claiming? Is it about:
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a cause/effect?
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a comparison?
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a number/quantity?
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a characteristic?
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a time period?
Step 2: Scan for keywords + synonyms
IELTS rarely repeats the same wording. Expect paraphrase.
Step 3: Read the exact location
Don’t rely on a single sentence. Read 1–2 sentences before and after.
Step 4: Decide one of the three outcomes
TRUE
Every part of the statement matches the text.
FALSE
The text says the opposite, or clearly disagrees with the claim.
NOT GIVEN
The text does not answer the statement fully.
Step 5: Watch out for “absolute words”
Words like:
- •always, never, all, none, only, must, completely
These are often traps. If the text is more nuanced, the statement is usually FALSE or NOT GIVEN.
YNNG Strategy: How to Spot Opinions Fast
Step 1: Identify whose opinion is being tested
Is it:
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the author?
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a researcher?
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“some people” / “critics” / “supporters”?
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a named person?
Step 2: Scan for opinion language
Look for:
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believe, argue, suggest, claim, maintain, insist
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according to X
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X states that…
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evaluative adjectives: beneficial, problematic, crucial, unacceptable
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stance markers: clearly, undoubtedly, arguably
Step 3: Separate “reporting” from “endorsing”
This is huge for YNNG.
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Reporting: “Some experts argue that…” (author not committed)
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Endorsing: “This clearly demonstrates that…” (author stance is visible)
Step 4: Choose YES / NO / NOT GIVEN
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YES: the opinion matches
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NO: the opinion contradicts
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NOT GIVEN: no opinion is stated on that exact point
The “Not Given” Rule (So You Stop Second-Guessing)
It’s NOT GIVEN when:
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the topic is never mentioned, or
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the topic is mentioned but the statement adds something extra the text does not confirm
Example: Text: “Revenue increased significantly.” Statement: “Profits rose by 15%.” ✅ NOT GIVEN (revenue ≠ profits; no “15%” is stated)
It’s FALSE when:
The passage gives evidence that directly contradicts the statement.
Text: “Penguins are flightless.” Statement: “All birds can fly.” ✅ FALSE (counterexample exists)
Mini Practise (Quick and Clear)
Passage snippet:
“The advent of the internet has revolutionised communication, allowing for instant global connectivity. Concerns are growing about excessive screen time, particularly among adolescents. Dr Anya Sharma argues that constant social media notifications can hinder deep focus.”
Q1 (TFNG)
“The internet has made communication slower.” ✅ FALSE (text says “instant”)
Q2 (TFNG)
“Excessive screen time is a concern for adults.” ✅ NOT GIVEN (only adolescents mentioned)
Q3 (YNNG)
“Dr Sharma believes social media harms concentration.” ✅ YES (she says it hinders deep focus)
Q4 (YNNG)
“Dr Sharma thinks social media is beneficial for teenagers.” ✅ NO (opposite view implied)
Time-Saving Tips (So TFNG/YNNG Doesn’t Eat Your Minutes)
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Don’t “hunt the whole passage” — locate the relevant paragraph and decide quickly.
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Use the 90-second rule: if stuck too long, mark it, guess later.
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Don’t answer based on logic or world knowledge—only the text matters.
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If one word changes meaning (e.g., “some” vs “all”), treat it seriously.
Key Takeaways
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TFNG checks facts.
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YNNG checks opinions/viewpoints.
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False/No = contradiction.
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Not Given = missing information (even if it feels “probably true”).
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Always distinguish between reporting and endorsing.
Your Call to Action
Next time you practise Reading, do this for every TFNG/YNNG set:
- •Label each statement: FACT or OPINION
- •Underline the minimum words that must be proven
- •Find the exact line in the text
- •Decide: match / contradict / missing
Next best action
Move from strategy to score gains with a targeted practice step.