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Unit 02
Reading: True / False / Not Given
and Yes / No / Not Given — the most feared question type
What the Three Answers Mean
True/False/Not Given questions check facts in the text; Yes/No/Not Given questions check the writer's opinions. The logic is the same.
| Answer | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TRUE / YES | The text says the same thing, usually in different words. |
| FALSE / NO | The text says the opposite, or something that makes the statement impossible. |
| NOT GIVEN | The text does not contain enough information to say whether the statement is true or false. |
Six Rules for This Question Type
- The questions follow the order of the text, so the answer to question 3 is after the answer to question 2.
- Underline the keywords in the statement, especially names, numbers and dates — they are rarely paraphrased and help you find the right place.
- Expect synonyms: rose = increased, most = the majority.
- Watch small qualifying words: all / some, always / often, only, never. One word can turn TRUE into FALSE.
- Never use your own knowledge. If the text does not say it, the answer is NOT GIVEN — even if it is true in real life.
- FALSE needs a contradiction. If you cannot point to words that contradict the statement, the answer is probably NOT GIVEN.