One of the common question types in the IELTS Reading test is called Yes / No / Not Given. These questions test your ability to identify the writer’s opinion, attitude, or claim in the passage and compare it with a statement in the question.
What the Task Involves
You will be given a number of statements about the ideas or opinions in the passage. For each statement, you must decide whether it is:
- YES – if the statement agrees with the writer’s opinion or claim.
(The passage directly supports the statement.) - NO – if the statement contradicts the writer’s opinion or claim.
(The passage directly opposes or disagrees with the statement.) - NOT GIVEN – if the passage does not provide enough information to judge the writer’s view.
(The information may be partly related, but the passage does not clearly express an opinion.)
Important Rule: Your answer must be based only on the writer’s opinion in the passage, not on facts or your own ideas. Even if you personally agree or disagree, mark YES or NO only according to the passage.
Why This Question Type Is Difficult
Many students find Yes / No / Not Given challenging because:
- Paraphrasing: The writer rarely uses the same words as the question statement. You must recognize the meaning behind the words.
- Distinguishing opinion vs. fact: Unlike True / False / Not Given, these questions focus on the writer’s view, not general facts.
- Confusing NO and NOT GIVEN: Students often mistake NOT GIVEN for a statement they simply do not agree with. Remember:
- NO → the passage clearly disagrees with the statement.
- NOT GIVEN → the passage does not express an opinion about it at all.
Key Difference Between True / False / Not Given and Yes / No / Not Given
| Feature | True / False / Not Given | Yes / No / Not Given |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Facts stated in the passage | Writer’s opinion or claim |
| YES / TRUE | Agrees with passage | Agrees with writer’s view |
| NO / FALSE | Contradicts passage | Contradicts writer’s view |
| NOT GIVEN | Passage does not provide the information | Passage does not express an opinion |
Example
Statement: Renewable energy is always the cheapest option for governments.
Passage 1: “Although renewable energy can be cost-effective in the long term, initial investment costs are often higher than traditional fuels.”
- Answer: NO
(The writer suggests renewable energy is not always the cheapest.)
Passage 2: “Governments around the world are increasingly exploring renewable energy sources.”
- Answer: NOT GIVEN
(The passage does not indicate whether renewable energy is cheap or expensive.)
Passage 3: “Many experts agree that renewable energy can reduce long-term costs and is increasingly affordable.”
- Answer: YES
(The writer supports the statement that renewable energy is cost-effective.)