Verbal Reasoning: True, False & Cannot Say Explained

In the format explained here, you judge a statement using only the given passage: True, False or Cannot Say. The original example below shows why missing information matters. This guide does not establish which format your employer uses; check the task and answer rules in your actual invitation.

What each answer means

  • True — the statement logically follows from the passage alone.
  • False — the statement contradicts the passage.
  • Cannot Say — the passage doesn't give enough information to judge either way, even if the statement seems likely in the real world.

The method

  1. Read only what the passage states — treat it as the only source of truth.
  2. Ignore your own knowledge and assumptions.
  3. Watch qualifiers (“all”, “some”, “only”, “may”) — they often decide the answer.
  4. If the passage doesn't address the statement, the answer is Cannot Say, not True.

Worked example

Passage: “The report was published in March. It was praised by two reviewers.” Statement: “The report was praised by most reviewers.” The answer is Cannot Say — “two” tells you nothing about the total number of reviewers, so you can't conclude “most.”
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Tips

  • Beware statements that are “probably true” in reality — that's the Cannot Say trap.
  • Underline qualifiers before you decide.
  • For False, the statement must contradict the passage, not merely differ from it.
  • For an undecided item, identify the exact information needed to support or contradict the statement.

Frequently asked questions

Why is “Cannot Say” so hard?

A statement can seem plausible without being supported by the passage. In this format, choose Cannot Say when the passage does not establish either truth or contradiction.

Should I use general knowledge?

For the format explained here, answer from the passage alone. Follow your actual task instructions if they describe a different rule.

How many questions share one passage?

Read the displayed task and question count. This guide does not establish how an employer groups passages or statements.

Do I need a strong vocabulary?

You need to understand the wording and qualifiers in the passage. The example does not establish a vocabulary level or an employer selection requirement.

Related guides

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