True / False / Not Given — How to Tell the Difference
Explain the distinction between a False answer and a Not Given answer in an IELTS Academic Reading True/False/Not Given task. Give one example of each.
False means the passage explicitly contradicts the statement. The text says something that directly opposes what the statement claims.
Example: Passage says "The study included only adult participants." Statement: "Children were included in the study." → False (directly contradicted).
Not Given means the passage neither confirms nor contradicts the statement. The topic may be mentioned, but the specific claim in the statement is not addressed.
Example: Passage says "Solar energy production has increased in many countries." Statement: "Solar energy is the leading source of electricity worldwide." → Not Given (the passage mentions an increase but says nothing about it being the leading source).
Key rule: If you find yourself inferring or using outside knowledge, the answer is almost certainly Not Given. The passage — and only the passage — is your source.