True / False / Not Given
Topic: The Sleep Cycle
Skill: Identifying specific information and understanding the writer's views.
Directions: Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
Passage:
The Sleep Cycle. While it is commonly believed that the brain rests during sleep, it is actually highly active. Sleep is divided into distinct stages, cycling between REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep consists of three stages, ranging from light dozing to deep, restorative sleep. It is during the deep stages of non-REM sleep that the body repairs tissues and strengthens the immune system. Conversely, REM sleep is where most dreaming occurs and is crucial for cognitive functions like memory consolidation and mood regulation. Most adults require 7–9 hours of sleep, though genetic factors can allow some individuals to function optimally on less.
Questions: Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
The brain is inactive while a person is sleeping.
Deep non-REM sleep is responsible for repairing the body.
People who get less than 6 hours of sleep are more likely to get sick.
Answer Key
False
Explanation: The text states: "While it is commonly believed that the brain rests during sleep, it is actually highly active." This contradicts the statement that the brain is inactive.
True
Explanation: The text states: "It is during the deep stages of non-REM sleep that the body repairs tissues..." This agrees with the statement.
Not Given
Explanation: The text mentions that deep sleep strengthens the immune system and that adults need 7–9 hours. However, it does not state that getting less than 6 hours specifically makes you "more likely to get sick." We cannot assume this link based only on the text provided.
Tips for True / False / Not Given
This is widely considered the most difficult section in IELTS Reading. The key is to follow the logic strictly.
TRUE: The text means exactly the same thing as the statement. Synonyms are likely used.
FALSE: The statement is the opposite of the text, or the text says the specific thing in the statement is incorrect.
NOT GIVEN: The information might be true or false, but the text does not say.
Pro Tip: Watch out for comparisons (e.g., "The problems were more serious in 1990"). If the text mentions the problems in 1990 but doesn't compare them to another time, the answer is Not Given.
