When reading a question on a true/false test, assume the statement is true, at least initially. After the first read-through, if there is anything that sticks out to you as false within that statement, then the answer is most likely false. Even if the sentence reads mostly true, if any part of the statement is false, then the answer is false.
An absolute statement is usually false. For example, if words like "always," "never," or "definitely" are used, the statement is probably false. Due to the "absolute" nature of these words, the statement is not allowing for any kind of flexibility or varied approach that could happen to change that absolute statement into a "sometimes" or "maybe." We know from everyday experience that there are rarely such things as absolutes. Since change is the only constant, this fact of life also applies to true/false tests.
Be mindful of double negatives and look for them when taking true/false tests. According to Providence College's Office of Academic Services, double negatives are sometimes used to confuse a true/false test-taker. Whenever you see "not" and "un" next to each other in sentence, you are reading a double negative. For example, saying "he was not unfaithful" is actually saying "he was faithful."
Gray areas on true/false tests are identified with the use of conditional words like "perhaps," "almost," and "usually." These words are an indication of a true statement. Gray areas are the opposite of absolutes. They allow for flexibility and change where absolutes do not. These "gray" statements almost always ring true, when absolute statements claim to always be true, no matter the circumstances.
According to the Emporia State University, most statements on a true/false test will be true. Additionally, since you have a 50 percent chance of getting the question right or wrong, they encourage you to guess, particularly if there is no penalty for guessing. If you do decide to guess, the best guess would be that the statement is true.