True False Cannot Say Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare
True False Cannot Say questions are a core format in verbal reasoning tests. You read a passage, then evaluate whether statements are true, false or cannot be determined based solely on the text. The format is deceptively simple but has subtle traps. Many candidates struggle with when to choose "Cannot Say." This article explains the rules, common mistakes and how to prepare. Use our aptitude test practice alongside abstract reasoning, numerical reasoning and Watson Glaser.
What Are True False Cannot Say Questions?
Definition – True False Cannot Say (also called True/False/Cannot Determine or Statement Evaluation) presents a passage and a series of statements. For each statement, you decide: True (the passage supports it), False (the passage contradicts it), or Cannot Say (the passage does not provide enough information to determine).
Format – Typically one passage (100–300 words) followed by 3–6 statements. Each statement has three options: True, False, Cannot Say. Time pressure is common: you may have 30–60 seconds per statement.
Where they appear – Verbal reasoning tests, SHL, Korn Ferry, graduate recruitment, consulting, law firms. Often combined with reading comprehension and inference questions.
The Rules
True – The statement is supported by the passage. The passage states it explicitly or it follows logically from what is stated. You do not need to bring in outside knowledge.
False – The passage contradicts the statement. The passage says the opposite or something that cannot be true if the statement is true.
Cannot Say – The passage does not provide enough information to determine whether the statement is true or false. The passage may be silent on the point, or you would need to assume something not stated. When in doubt between True/False and Cannot Say, choose Cannot Say if the passage does not clearly support or contradict.
The Golden Rule: Stick to the Passage
Only the passage matters – You must base your answer solely on the passage. Do not use outside knowledge. If the passage does not mention something, you cannot assume it. "Company X increased sales" does not tell you about profits, market share or competitors. If a statement claims "Company X was the market leader," the answer is Cannot Say—the passage does not mention market position.
Do not over-interpret – "Sales increased" does not imply "profits increased." "The policy was implemented" does not imply "the policy was successful." Stick to what is stated or clearly implied. If you need to make an assumption to connect the passage to the statement, the answer is usually Cannot Say.
Paraphrasing is fine – The statement may paraphrase the passage. "Sales grew" and "revenue increased" may be equivalent if the passage uses them interchangeably. But watch for subtle shifts. "Sales grew" is not the same as "sales grew faster than competitors."
Common Traps
Trap 1: Choosing True or False when the answer is Cannot Say – The most common error. Candidates tend to under-use Cannot Say. If the passage is silent on a point, or if you would need to assume something not stated, the answer is Cannot Say.
Trap 2: Using outside knowledge – You may know that a statement is true or false in reality. Ignore that. Only the passage matters. If the passage does not say, the answer is Cannot Say.
Trap 3: Over-interpreting – "The study found a correlation" does not mean "the study proved causation." "Most employees supported the change" does not mean "all employees supported the change." Do not infer more than the passage supports.
Trap 4: Confusing "not said" with "false" – If the passage does not mention something, that does not make it false. Silence = Cannot Say. False means the passage explicitly contradicts the statement.
Trap 5: Reversing logic – "All A are B" does not mean "all B are A." "Some X are Y" does not mean "all X are Y." Pay attention to logical direction.
How to Approach True False Cannot Say Questions
Read the passage carefully – Understand the main points and key details. Note what is stated and what is not.
For each statement – Locate the relevant part of the passage. Does the passage say this? (True) Does the passage say the opposite? (False) Does the passage say nothing relevant? (Cannot Say)
Ask: "Does the passage support, contradict or say nothing?" – Support = True. Contradict = False. Nothing = Cannot Say.
When unsure – If you cannot find clear support or contradiction, choose Cannot Say. It is better to choose Cannot Say when the answer might be True or False than to guess wrong.
Manage your time – Do not spend too long on one statement. If stuck, choose Cannot Say (often the safest when unsure) and move on.
Preparation Tips
Practise extensively – True False Cannot Say is a skill. The rules are simple but application takes practice. Use our aptitude test practice for verbal reasoning.
Focus on Cannot Say – Many candidates under-use Cannot Say. Practise identifying when the passage is silent or when you would need to assume. Build comfort with choosing Cannot Say.
Review your mistakes – After each practice session, understand why you got questions wrong. Did you over-interpret? Use outside knowledge? Confuse "not said" with "false"? Address the cause.
Read the passage first – Some candidates read the statement first and then scan the passage. Both approaches work, but ensure you understand the passage before evaluating statements.
Practise with provider-specific materials – SHL, Korn Ferry and others have distinct styles. Match your practice to your target test.
Work under timed conditions – True False Cannot Say tests are time-pressured. Practise with a timer.
Examples
Passage: "Company X increased sales by 15% in 2023. The growth was driven by expansion into new markets."
Statement 1: "Company X's sales increased in 2023." Answer: True. The passage states this explicitly.
Statement 2: "Company X was the market leader in 2023." Answer: Cannot Say. The passage does not mention market position.
Statement 3: "Company X's sales decreased in 2022." Answer: Cannot Say. The passage says nothing about 2022.
Statement 4: "Company X did not expand into new markets in 2023." Answer: False. The passage says expansion into new markets drove growth.
Statement 5: "Company X's profits increased in 2023." Answer: Cannot Say. Sales and profits are different. The passage does not mention profits.
Practice with True False Cannot Say questions and our aptitude test practice for abstract reasoning, numerical reasoning and Watson Glaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose Cannot Say?
Choose Cannot Say when: (1) the passage does not mention the point, (2) you would need to assume something not stated to connect the passage to the statement, (3) the passage provides partial information but not enough to determine true or false. When in doubt, Cannot Say is often the safest choice.
What is the most common mistake in True False Cannot Say?
Choosing True or False when the answer is Cannot Say. Candidates tend to under-use Cannot Say. If the passage is silent on a point, the answer is Cannot Say—not True or False.
Can I use outside knowledge?
No. Only the passage matters. If you know something from outside the passage, ignore it. Base your answer solely on what the passage states or clearly implies.