In this guide
What you will be able to do
- Identify the required decision
- Distinguish contradiction from absence
- Check meaning beyond repeated words
Identify the required decision
A heading question asks for a main idea; information matching asks where a detail appears. Using the same search habit for both can mislead you.
Distinguish contradiction from absence
False needs incompatible information. Not Given means the passage does not establish the statement; missing evidence is not automatically contradiction.
Check meaning beyond repeated words
An option can repeat passage vocabulary while changing its claim. Compare who, what, when and how strongly the statement is expressed.
Respect completion instructions
Word limits and grammatical fit matter. Find the evidence and then check that the chosen answer satisfies the specific instruction.
Work through an original example
Original passage: “The centre opens on Saturday. Its weekday hours were not discussed.” Statement A: “It is closed on Saturday.” Statement B: “It opens at nine on Monday.”
A contradicts the passage; B is not established. Neither decision requires guessing ordinary opening hours.
Practice commentary
Why this version works
Answer: The exercise isolates evidence logic without pretending to be an official test item.
Practise, check and try a changed task
Write one supported statement, one contradiction and one unsupported statement about the original passage.
Explain the evidence for each decision. Then practise an official sample question of the same type.
- Check the meaning against the original task, rather than rewarding impressive wording alone.
- Keep one concrete observation and one next action; avoid treating a single attempt as a complete assessment.
Continue with focused practice
Use the exercise to identify the kind of feedback you need. The IELTS Preparation programme page describes the current learning format and practice. Compare its syllabus with your own task, starting level and available time before choosing training. Course participation alone does not establish professional competence or guarantee an outcome.
Guided communication practice
Would focused feedback help your next attempt?
Compare the current syllabus and learning format with the communication task you want to improve.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Does outside knowledge help?
Base the answer on the passage and task.
Is Not Given the same as false?
No. Absence and contradiction differ.
Do all answers follow passage order?
Do not assume this across all question types.
What if words repeat in an option?
Check the meaning and qualifiers, not just vocabulary matches.
Sources, scope and accuracy
Original IELTS preparation activities, not official test questions or examiner-marked answers. No exercise here establishes a band score. Check current test and receiving-organisation requirements. Written by the Cambridge Veritas editorial team. No independent clinical, legal or examination review is claimed. Cambridge Veritas provides the linked programme or product.
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