Question Focus: Synonym match - 'reasonable expectations' in the passage = 'not overly high expectations' in the statement
Correct Answer: TRUE
Passage Reference: A Finnish study looking at burnout in students found it was linked to high expectations of school demands, feeling cynical about school work and feeling inadequate as a student. But being prepared, studying well and having reasonable expectations about results could help avoid burnout.
Why this is correct: The passage clearly says that studying well and having reasonable expectations about results can help avoid burnout. The statement uses slightly different words, but the meaning is the same.
Common Mistake: Some students think this is NOT GIVEN because the sentence is paraphrased. This is a Synonym match trap - different words, same idea.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'studying well' and 'reasonable expectations about results' = Statement: 'studying well' and 'reasonable, but not overly high, expectations of results'
Tips: Always look for paraphrases. IELTS often changes wording but keeps the same meaning.
Key Vocabulary:
- reasonable = not too high
- avoid = prevent
Question Focus: Contradiction - the passage says study environment is important
Correct Answer: FALSE
Passage Reference: The first was to set up a good study environment. While some students could study while talking to someone and with the TV blaring, others needed perfect silence.
Why this is correct: The statement says the study environment has no effect, but the passage says students should set up a good study environment. This directly contradicts the statement.
Common Mistake: Students may choose NOT GIVEN because different environments are mentioned. But the passage clearly shows environment does matter. This is a Contradiction trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'set up a good study environment' = Statement: 'study environment has no effect'
Tips: If the passage gives advice about something, it means it matters. Watch for direct contradictions.
Key Vocabulary:
- environment = place and conditions
- blaring = very loud
Question Focus: Not Given - comparison with other groups is missing
Correct Answer: NOT GIVEN
Passage Reference: Burnout doesn't just affect people in the workforce-high school students who feel bored, overwhelmed and overworked can also be at risk. Parents can help prevent burnout by keeping an eye on their children and how much study they are doing. If a Year 12 student is becoming cynical about their work or they look like they are studying to the point of exhaustion, then she suggests chatting to them or offering to take them to the movies and away from the study environment.
Why this is correct: The passage mentions Year 12 students, but it does not compare them with other groups or say they experience more burnout than anyone else. The passage does not discuss whether final-year students have the highest burnout.
Common Mistake: Students often choose FALSE because they think the idea is wrong. But there is no comparison at all, so this is a Not Given trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'Year 12 student is becoming cynical' = Statement: 'Final-year high school students experience more burnout'
Tips: For NOT GIVEN, ask yourself what extra idea the statement adds. If that idea is not discussed, choose NOT GIVEN.
Key Vocabulary:
- final-year = Year 12
- experience = have
Question Focus: Synonym match - 'assess your learning' = checking if you understand
Correct Answer: TRUE
Passage Reference: 'Say do I understand this? Could I tell my mother or a stranger or my friends what I have been doing? If there is nobody to explain it to, do it out loud and, if you don't understand it, go over it again. 'If you can explain what you've learnt, then you have understood.'
Why this is correct: The passage clearly says that if you can explain what you have learnt, it shows you have understood it. That is exactly assessing your learning.
Common Mistake: Some students miss this because it is written as spoken advice. This is a Synonym match trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'you can explain what you've learnt' = Statement: 'try to explain what you have learnt to someone else'
Tips: Pay attention to examples and quotes. IELTS often hides answers inside advice or speech.
Key Vocabulary:
- assess = check
- understood = learned well
Question Focus: Contradiction - successful students do other activities
Correct Answer: FALSE
Passage Reference: 'I asked kids about burnout and they said some people do feel burnt out and, when they get to that point, they stop working and go do some exercise or have a snack, listen to some music or talk to their friends,' she said. 'The kids who do really well are the ones who do a lot of other things.'
Why this is correct: The statement says successful students give up other activities, but the passage says successful students do a lot of other things. This is the opposite meaning.
Common Mistake: Students may think focusing only on study sounds logical. But IELTS tests the passage, not your opinion. This is a Contradiction trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'do a lot of other things' = Statement: 'give up other social and sports activities'
Tips: Always check the final opinion sentences. Writers often put key answers at the end.
Key Vocabulary:
- burnt out = extremely tired
- a lot of = many
Question Focus: Synonym match - 'away from the study environment' is directly stated
Correct Answer: TRUE
Passage Reference: Parents can help prevent burnout by keeping an eye on their children and how much study they are doing. If a Year 12 student is becoming cynical about their work or they look like they are studying to the point of exhaustion, then she suggests chatting to them or offering to take them to the movies and away from the study environment.
Why this is correct: The passage clearly advises parents to take students away from the study environment if they are studying too much. The statement matches this exactly.
Common Mistake: Some students overthink and choose NOT GIVEN. But the advice is stated very clearly. This is a Direct match.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'offering to take them to the movies and away from the study environment' = Statement: 'offer to take him/her out, away from the study environment'
Tips: When the wording is very similar, trust what you see and do not overanalyse.
Key Vocabulary:
- exhaustion = extreme tiredness
- advise = suggest
Question Focus: Not Given - socialising and exams are not linked in the study
Correct Answer: NOT GIVEN
Passage Reference: A Finnish study looking at burnout in students found it was linked to high expectations of school demands, feeling cynical about school work and feeling inadequate as a student. But being prepared, studying well and having reasonable expectations about results could help avoid burnout.
Why this is correct: The Finnish study lists specific causes of burnout, but it does not mention socialising with friends or stopping social activities before exams. The passage does not discuss whether this increases burnout.
Common Mistake: Students mix this up with later advice about friends and exercise. That information is not part of the Finnish study. This is a Context shift trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'high expectations' and 'feeling cynical' = Statement: 'stopped socialising with friends'
Tips: Check who is speaking or being reported. Do not mix a study with later opinions or advice.
Key Vocabulary:
- linked to = connected with
- inadequate = not good enough
General Tips:
- TFNG statements follow passage order - use the previous answer's location to find the next one.
- If you cannot decide between FALSE and NOT GIVEN, ask: does the passage clearly say the opposite? If not, choose NOT GIVEN.
- Watch for paraphrasing. IELTS often tests the same idea using different words.
- Do not use your own opinions or experience. Only judge what is written in the passage.
