Is this the first time you’ve tried True, False, Not Given questions?
Most people find the TRUE questions ok (using synonyms), but struggle with the difference between NO and NOT GIVEN.
Here are my main tips.
Tip 1: Turn the statement into a question.
Look at Statement 1.
‘A husband can fill in an application form for his wife’.
Turn this into a question:
CAN a husband fill in an application form for his wife?
‘Your application form MUST be completed in YOUR OWN handwriting’.
So the answer is NO (FALSE). It is the opposite of the statement. The statement says ‘A husband CAN fill in an application for his wife’, but the text says the opposite.
Look at Statement 2:
2. Photocopies of documents are acceptable in some circumstances.
Turn this into a question:
Are photocopies of documents acceptable in some circumstances?
‘All documents MUST be originals‘.
Again the answer is NO (FALSE).
Common TFNG Questions
Tip 2: Can I just guess the answer?
I wouldn’t recommend guessing the answer but sometimes you can use your general knowledge and common sense before you search for the evidence in the text.
Look at Statement 3:
3. An incomplete application will affect processing time.
Will an incomplete application affect processing time?
Applicants should expect delays if the Passport Office receives a form with missing information.
You could probably guess that the answer is YES, but then find the evidence in the text:
YES (TRUE) – if there is missing information there will be delays.
But look at statement 4
4. The passport photos included with your application must be in colour.
Do the passport photos included with your application have to be in colour?
Please provide two identical passport photos of yourself. Both photos must be the same in all respects and must be less than 12 months old.
You might THINK passport photos should be in colour, but there is NO EVIDENCE in the text. So the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- Can I write ‘T’ ‘F’ ‘NG’ instead of ‘True’ ‘False’ ‘Not Given’?
Yes, you CAN.
- Can I write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ instead of ‘True’ or ‘False’?
YES, you CAN (and you can write ‘Y’ and ‘N’)
- Are there equal numbers of TFNG answers e.g. 2 x TRUE, 2 x FALSE and 2 x NG?
No, you cannot rely on this strategy. However, there tend to be fewer ‘Not Given’ answers
Tip 3: how to save time
The statements are in the same order as the information in the text, as you can see in the example above.
So don’t waste time looking for answers – just follow the order of the text.
Read more about how to read faster in the IELTS test.
Listen to the podcast here:
Passport Application
Do the following statements (Numbers 1-7, written below each paragraph) agree with the information given in the text above? Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
You will need to fill in an application for a passport in the following circumstances: if you are applying for a passport for the first time, if you wish to replace your current passport, if your passport has expired, or if it has been lost or stolen. Your application form must be completed in your own handwriting.
1. A husband can fill in an application form for his wife.
As proof of your citizenship and identity, you must enclose either your passport or your birth certificate. All documents must be originals; these will be returned with your passport.
2. Photocopies of documents are acceptable in some circumstances.
The standard time to process an application is up to 10 working days. The processing begins from when we have received the completed application form. Applicants should expect delays if the Passport Office receives a form with missing information. Extra time should be allowed for delivery to and from the Passport Office.
3. An incomplete application will affect processing time.
Please provide two identical passport photos of yourself. Both photos must be the same in all respects and must be less than 12 months old.
4. The passport photos included with your application must be in colour.
Ask someone who can identify you to fill in the ‘Proof of Identity’ information and identify one of your photos. This person will be called your witness and needs to meet the following requirements: a witness must be aged 16 years or over, be contactable by phone during normal office hours and be the holder of a valid passport.
5. A witness can be a relative of the applicant.
6. Anyone acting as a witness must have a passport.
A witness should fill in the ‘Proof of Identity’ page in their own handwriting. A witness must also write the full name of the person applying for the passport on the back of one of the photos, sign their own name and date the back of the same photo.
7. The passport applicant must sign their name on the back of both photos.
Photos with this identifying information written in the applicant’s own handwriting will not be accepted.
1. A husband can fill in an application form for his wife. FALSE
Your application form must be completed in your own handwriting.
2. Photocopies of documents are acceptable in some circumstances. FALSE
All documents must be originals;
3. An incomplete application will affect processing time. TRUE
Applicants should expect delays if the Passport Office receives a form with missing information.
4. The passport photos included with your application must be in colour. NOT GIVEN
5. A witness can be a relative of the applicant. NOT GIVEN
6. Anyone acting as a witness must have a passport. TRUE
A witness must be aged 16 years or over, be contactable by phone during normal office hours and be the holder of a valid passport.
7. The passport applicant must sign their name on the back of both photos. FALSE
A witness must also write the full name of the person applying for the passport on the back of one of the photos, sign their own name and date the back of the same photo.
Move on to Part 2 (Matching Headings):
Get more practice with GT True, False, Not Given
Hello,I started today reading and did all without a mistake despite of my baby screaming
Hi Nurgul
I’m so sorry I only just saw this (I don’t get many comments!!). Very well done on doing the reading and getting everything correct. How old is your little baby?