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When preparing for the IELTS Reading test, one of the question types that confuses test-takers the most is Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong>. At first glance, it may look similar to True\/False\/Not Given<\/strong>, but there are subtle yet important differences. Many candidates lose points here because they do not fully understand what the question is asking or because they read too quickly and jump to conclusions.<\/p>\n In this guide, we will explain in detail what Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong> questions are, how they differ from other question types, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to answer them correctly. By the end, you will feel much more confident when you see these questions on test day.<\/p>\n In the IELTS Reading test<\/strong>, you will sometimes be asked to answer whether a statement agrees with the writer\u2019s opinion<\/strong> or the claim of the writer<\/strong>. This is where Yes\/No\/Not Given questions come in.<\/p>\n YES<\/strong> \u2013 The statement agrees with the views, opinions, or claims made by the writer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n NO<\/strong> \u2013 The statement contradicts or is opposite to the views, opinions, or claims made by the writer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n NOT GIVEN<\/strong> \u2013 There is no information in the text that confirms or denies the statement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The key difference between Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong> and True\/False\/Not Given<\/strong> is that:<\/p>\n True\/False\/Not Given<\/strong> is based on facts<\/strong> in the passage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong> is based on the writer\u2019s opinions, beliefs, or claims<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Let\u2019s say you have a passage about climate change written by a scientist.<\/p>\n Passage excerpt:<\/strong> Question:<\/strong> Answer: NO<\/strong> (because the passage clearly states the opposite).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Another Question:<\/strong> Answer: NOT GIVEN<\/strong> (because the passage does not mention renewable energy).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Another Question:<\/strong> Answer: YES<\/strong> (because this matches the opinion in the passage).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Many IELTS candidates confuse NO<\/strong> and NOT GIVEN<\/strong>. The difference is subtle:<\/p>\n NO<\/strong> means the passage expresses the opposite view.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n NOT GIVEN<\/strong> means the passage says nothing about that point.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Another source of confusion is when candidates do not distinguish between facts<\/strong> and opinions<\/strong>. For example, if the passage states \u201cMany scientists believe\u2026\u201d<\/em>, this is an opinion, not a factual statement.<\/p>\n Check if the instruction says Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong> or True\/False\/Not Given<\/strong>. Many students misread the instructions and lose marks.<\/p>\n Remember that Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong> asks about what the author thinks or claims<\/strong>, not what is objectively true.<\/p>\n Pick out keywords in the question (names, dates, verbs, adjectives) and scan the passage to find the relevant section.<\/p>\n Do not rely only on \u201cword matching.\u201d The IELTS exam uses synonyms and paraphrases. Focus on whether the meaning<\/strong> agrees, disagrees, or is absent.<\/p>\n If the author\u2019s view is the opposite \u2192 NO<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n If there is no mention at all \u2192 NOT GIVEN<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Many candidates bring outside knowledge into the test. Remember: your answers must be based only on the passage, not on what you know from real life.<\/p>\n Words like \u201calways, never, only, all, some, most, many\u201d<\/em> change the meaning. A small detail can make an answer NO instead of YES.<\/p>\n Yes\/No\/Not Given requires careful reading. If you read too quickly, you may miss the subtle difference between agreement and absence of information.<\/p>\n Remember: this type deals with opinions<\/strong>, not factual statements.<\/p>\n Passage excerpt:<\/strong> Questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Lee believes exercise alone is enough for long-term health.<\/p>\n NO<\/strong> (the opposite is stated).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Dr. Lee suggests combining diet and exercise for health.<\/p>\n YES<\/strong> (this matches her opinion).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Dr. Lee recommends daily meditation for health.<\/p>\n NOT GIVEN<\/strong> (not mentioned).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Underline opinion words<\/strong> \u2013 like believes, suggests, argues, claims, recommends<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Be cautious with extreme statements<\/strong> \u2013 \u201calways\u201d and \u201cnever\u201d often indicate NO if the passage allows exceptions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use elimination<\/strong> \u2013 if it\u2019s not YES and not NO, then it must be NOT GIVEN.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Remember the test makers\u2019 tricks<\/strong> \u2013 they often test your ability to see what is missing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Practice regularly<\/strong> \u2013 doing many samples will train your eye to spot opinions quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Read opinion-based texts<\/strong> \u2013 Editorials, opinion columns, and essays are good practice.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Summarize views<\/strong> \u2013 After reading a passage, try to state the author\u2019s opinion in one sentence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Time yourself<\/strong> \u2013 Practice under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Review mistakes<\/strong> \u2013 After each practice, check not just the correct answer but also why the others were wrong.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n NO<\/strong>: There is a clear statement in the text that directly contradicts<\/strong> the question statement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n NOT GIVEN<\/strong>: The text does not mention the issue at all, or does not provide enough information to decide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Example:<\/strong> Question: The author supports funding space programs.<\/p>\n Answer: NO<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Question: The author thinks space exploration will improve education.<\/p>\n Answer: NOT GIVEN<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The IELTS examiners design Yes\/No\/Not Given questions to check if you can carefully distinguish between agreement, contradiction, and missing information. Many candidates fail here because they assume too much, misinterpret, or confuse the question type.<\/p>\n The best approach is:<\/p>\n Read carefully.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Look for the writer\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Don\u2019t bring outside knowledge.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Decide between YES, NO, or NOT GIVEN strictly from the passage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If you practice with these strategies, you will find these questions much less intimidating, and you\u2019ll be able to pick up points more confidently.<\/p>\n \u201cYes\/No\/Not Given\u201d (Y\/ N\/ NG) questions assess whether a statement agrees with<\/em>, contradicts<\/em>, or is not addressed by<\/em> the author\u2019s opinions or claims<\/strong> in the passage. Choose Yes<\/strong> if the statement aligns with the writer\u2019s view, No<\/strong> if it conflicts with the writer\u2019s view, and Not Given<\/strong> if the passage does not provide enough information to confirm or deny the statement. Unlike factual verification, this task is about interpreting stance, attitude, and argument.<\/p>\n Both tasks look similar but target different evidence types. True\/False\/Not Given<\/strong> asks about facts<\/em> in the text, while Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/strong> asks about the writer\u2019s opinions<\/em>. If the question stem mentions phrases like \u201cthe writer believes\/claims\/suggests,\u201d expect Y\/N\/NG. A factual mismatch (dates, numbers) is more relevant to T\/F\/NG, whereas attitude markers (supports, opposes, doubts) signal Y\/N\/NG.<\/p>\n Underline high-information keywords in the statement: names, technical terms, and strong verbs or adjectives. Then skim the passage to find the segment with the same topic focus. Because IELTS typically orders questions in sequence, start from where you answered the previous item. Once you find the likely paragraph, read from one sentence before to one after the candidate line to capture the full idea and avoid quote-mining out of context.<\/p>\n Ask yourself: \u201cDoes the author explicitly express the opposite<\/em> view?\u201d If yes, choose No<\/strong>. If the author is silent, vague, or discusses a related but different point, choose Not Given<\/strong>. Remember: \u201cNo\u201d requires a clear contradiction<\/em>, not merely a lack of support. If you cannot find a direct counter-claim or opposing stance, resist the urge to infer and select \u201cNot Given.\u201d<\/p>\n Look for verbs that frame stance: argues, claims, believes, suggests, recommends, criticizes, questions, supports, opposes<\/em>. Also note hedges and boosters that color certainty: likely, unlikely, may, might, must, certainly, clearly, undoubtedly<\/em>. Modality (e.g., should, must<\/em>) often reveals policy preferences. Adverbs and adjectives like essential, inadequate, promising, misguided<\/em> also mark opinion.<\/p>\n Absolute terms such as always, never, all, none, only<\/em> raise the bar for a match. If the author\u2019s view allows exceptions (e.g., \u201cin most cases,\u201d \u201cgenerally\u201d), a statement that says \u201calways\u201d will likely be No<\/strong>. Conversely, if the statement is cautious but the text is absolute, it may also misalign. Pay close attention to quantifiers (few, some, many, most<\/em>) and temporal scope (now, historically, in the long term<\/em>).<\/p>\n No. Y\/N\/NG strictly rewards textual evidence. Even if a statement seems \u201cobviously true in real life,\u201d choose Not Given<\/strong> when the passage does not address it. Similarly, if your general knowledge clashes with the passage, follow the passage. The test measures reading precision, not subject-matter expertise.<\/p>\n Text:<\/strong> \u201cThe researcher argues<\/em> that voluntary guidelines are insufficient<\/em> and that binding regulation<\/em> is needed to reduce industry emissions.\u201d<\/p>\n Text:<\/strong> \u201cMost participants appeared<\/em> satisfied; however, the author cautions<\/em> that the sample was small.\u201d<\/p>\n Set a micro-budget (e.g., ~60\u201375 seconds per item). If an item becomes sticky, mark your best choice and continue\u2014later items often clarify earlier context. Use the natural sequence order to reduce rescanning. Keep notes of paragraph anchors (e.g., \u201cPara 3 = policy stance\u201d) so you can return instantly.<\/p>\n Treat this as a signal to re-check the exact wording. Ask: \u201cDo I have a clear<\/em> sentence proving support or contradiction?\u201d If yes, pick
\nWhat Are Yes\/No\/Not Given Questions?<\/h2>\n
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\nExample<\/h2>\n
The scientist believes that government policies are not strong enough to reduce carbon emissions, and more aggressive action is required.<\/em><\/p>\n
The scientist supports current government measures on carbon emissions.<\/p>\n\n
The scientist thinks renewable energy will solve all climate problems.<\/p>\n\n
The scientist argues that stricter laws are necessary to reduce emissions.<\/p>\n\n
\nWhy Are They Tricky?<\/h2>\n
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\nStep-by-Step Strategy for Answering<\/h2>\n
1. Identify the Nature of the Question<\/h3>\n
2. Focus on the Writer\u2019s Opinion<\/h3>\n
3. Scan for Keywords<\/h3>\n
4. Compare Meaning, Not Just Words<\/h3>\n
5. Decide Carefully Between NO and NOT GIVEN<\/h3>\n
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\nCommon Mistakes<\/h2>\n
Mistake 1: Assuming Knowledge<\/h3>\n
Mistake 2: Misreading Qualifiers<\/h3>\n
Mistake 3: Rushing<\/h3>\n
Mistake 4: Confusing YES\/NO with True\/False<\/h3>\n
\nPractice Example<\/h2>\n
According to Dr. Lee, while exercise is important for health, it cannot replace a balanced diet. She argues that both are essential for long-term well-being.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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\nTips to Master Yes\/No\/Not Given<\/h2>\n
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\nHow to Improve Your Score<\/h2>\n
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\nDifference Between NO and NOT GIVEN in Detail<\/h2>\n
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The author insists that space exploration is a waste of money.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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\nFinal Advice<\/h2>\n
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\nFAQ:IELTS Reading: Yes\/No\/Not Given Explained<\/h2>\n
What does \u201cYes\/No\/Not Given\u201d test in IELTS Reading?<\/h2>\n
How is it different from \u201cTrue\/False\/Not Given\u201d?<\/h2>\n
How do I quickly locate the relevant part of the passage?<\/h2>\n
What is the most reliable way to distinguish \u201cNo\u201d from \u201cNot Given\u201d?<\/h2>\n
What words signal the writer\u2019s opinion or attitude?<\/h2>\n
Why do extreme qualifiers matter so much?<\/h2>\n
Should I use background knowledge or logic to fill gaps?<\/h2>\n
What step-by-step process works under time pressure?<\/h2>\n
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What are common traps and how do I avoid them?<\/h2>\n
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Can you provide quick practice examples with reasoning?<\/h2>\n
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How can I manage time for a passage heavy with Y\/N\/NG items?<\/h2>\n
What if two answers seem plausible?<\/h2>\n