Verbal Reasoning: True, False & Cannot Say Explained
Many verbal reasoning tests give you a passage and a statement, and ask whether it is True, False, or Cannot Say based only on the passage. The trap is using outside knowledge. This format rewards reading strictly and literally.
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
- Read only what the passage states — treat it as the only source of truth.
- Ignore your own knowledge and assumptions.
- Watch qualifiers (“all”, “some”, “only”, “may”) — they often decide the answer.
- 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.”
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.
- Trust the method and keep moving — these passages are quick once it clicks.
Frequently asked questions
Why is “Cannot Say” so hard?
Real-world plausibility tempts you to answer True, but the format only cares what the passage actually supports.
Should I use general knowledge?
No — answer strictly from the passage, even if you know more about the topic.
How many questions share one passage?
Often several statements share a single passage, so reading it carefully pays off across questions.
Do I need a strong vocabulary?
Rarely — the format tests comprehension and logic more than vocabulary.
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