So, you’re sitting in the exam hall (or at your desk practising), staring at the Reading paper, and your heart sinks a little. Is it a True/False/Not Given question? Or is it Yes/No/Not Given?

Does it even matter? Can’t you just treat them the same?

Spoiler alert: Yes, it does matter. And no, they aren’t exactly the same.

I’ve seen countless students lose easy marks simply because they didn’t spot the subtle difference between these two question types. It’s frustrating because your English might be perfect, but if you misunderstand the task, the examiner can’t give you the mark.

But don’t worry. In this guide, I’m going to break it down simply so you never get confused again. Let’s clear this up once and for all.

The Core Difference: Facts vs Opinions

Here’s the thing: both question types look similar. You have a list of statements, and you need to decide if they match the text. But the focus of the matching is different.

1. True / False / Not Given (TFNG)

These questions are all about factual information. You are checking facts.

• TRUE: The statement agrees with the information in the text.
• FALSE: The statement contradicts the information in the text.
• NOT GIVEN: There is no information on this.

Imagine the text says: “The sun rises in the east.”
If the statement says “The sun comes up in the east,” it’s TRUE because it’s a matching fact.

2. Yes / No / Not Given (YNNG)

These questions focus on the writer’s views or claims. You are checking opinions.

• YES: The statement agrees with the views/claims of the writer.
• NO: The statement contradicts the views of the writer.
• NOT GIVEN: It is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.

Imagine the text says: “I believe the sunrise is the most beautiful part of the day.”
If the statement says “The writer thinks sunrises are ugly,” it’s NO because it contradicts their opinion.

Key Takeaway: TFNG = Facts. YNNG = Opinions.

Why Students Mix Them Up (And Lose Marks)

Here’s a common trap. You’re in a rush. You see a statement that looks correct based on the text. You write TRUE on your answer sheet.

But wait—the instructions asked for YES.

If you write “True” instead of “Yes”, will you get the mark? Officially, IELTS.org says you must follow instructions. In practice, some markers might be lenient, but computer-marked tests (CD-IELTS) likely won’t be. Why risk it?

Sound familiar? I’ve had students who knew the answer was correct but wrote the wrong word out of habit. Always, always circle the instructions before you start.

The “Not Given” Dilemma

This is where it gets tricky for everyone. Whether it’s TFNG or YNNG, Not Given means the same thing: the information just isn’t there.

With TFNG, it means the fact isn’t mentioned.
With YNNG, it means we don’t know the writer’s opinion on it.

For example, if the writer discusses “the benefits of coffee,” but the question asks if “the writer prefers tea,” it’s NOT GIVEN. The writer might hate tea, love it, or never drink it. We just don’t know.

A good rule of thumb I tell my students: If you have to guess or assume something to make it True/Yes or False/No, it’s probably Not Given.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Ace Both Types

Here’s a simple strategy you can use for both, with a slight tweak for the type.

1. Read the Instructions First

Don’t roll your eyes! Check if it’s Fact (TFNG) or Opinion (YNNG). Write “F” or “O” big on your paper if it helps.

2. Scan for Keywords

Look for names, dates, and nouns in the statement. Find the matching paragraph in the text. Remember, the answers usually come in order.

3. Analyse the Meaning

Don’t just match words (that’s a trap!). Match the meaning.

• For TFNG, ask: Does this fact match the text?
• For YNNG, ask: Is this what the writer thinks?

4. Beware of Distractors

Watch out for words like all, only, most, never, sometimes. These “qualifiers” often change the meaning completely.

For more proven reading strategies, check out our guide on IELTS Reading Tips.

Real-Life Example: Fact vs View

Let’s look at a hypothetical example to make this crystal clear.

Text: “Recent studies show that 60% of students prefer studying online. However, many educators argue that face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable for language learning.”

Question 1 (TFNG): More than half of students like online study.
Answer: TRUE. (Fact: 60% is more than half).

Question 2 (YNNG): The writer believes online study is better.
Answer: NOT GIVEN. (The writer cites studies and educators, but doesn’t give their own opinion).

See the difference? In the second one, we know what educators think, but not the writer.

Final Thoughts

It’s easier than you think once you get the hang of it. The key is to switch your brain mode: are you a Fact Checker or a Mind Reader?

If you’re a Fact Checker, you’re doing True/False.
If you’re a Mind Reader (checking the writer’s view), you’re doing Yes/No.

You’ve got this! Just take a deep breath, read the instructions, and don’t overthink the Not Givens.

Want to see where you stand? Try our Reading Score Calculator or read about how to achieve Band 6.5.

Good luck with your preparation!