IELTS Reading > 03. Identifying writer's views/claims (Yes/No/Not given)

One of the more challenging question types in the IELTS Reading section is the Yes/No/Not Given task, where test-takers must identify whether certain statements agree with the views or claims made by the writer in the text. This type of question requires critical thinking, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the difference between No and Not Given responses. Misinterpreting these can lead to incorrect answers, but with the right strategies and insights, you can improve your performance significantly.

In this blog post, we'll break down the Yes/No/Not Given question type, explain the differences between each response, and share practical tips to help you answer these questions with confidence.

What Are Yes/No/Not Given Questions in IELTS Reading?

In this type of question, you are given a set of statements and asked whether they agree with the writer's views or claims in the passage. Your task is to write one of the following responses:

Yes: The statement agrees with the writer's view or claim.

No: The statement contradicts the writer's view or claim.

Not Given: There is no information in the passage to confirm or contradict the statement.

These questions assess your ability to recognize the writer's opinions and differentiate between what is stated, what is contradicted, and what is simply not mentioned.

Understanding the Difference Between ‘No' and ‘Not Given'

One of the biggest challenges in this question type is distinguishing between No and Not Given. Let's clarify the difference:

No: The statement directly contradicts what the writer says in the passage.

Not Given: The statement is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the passage. There is no information in the text to support or refute the statement.

For example:

Passage: "The company's profits have been steadily declining for the past three years."

Statement 1: "The company's profits have increased over the past three years." → No (This contradicts the passage.)

Statement 2: "The company plans to expand its operations next year." → Not Given (There is no information about future plans in the passage.)

Understanding this distinction is crucial for answering these questions accurately.

What Skills Are Tested in Yes/No/Not Given Questions?

This question type tests several key skills, including:

1. Understanding the Writer's Views: You need to identify the author's opinions or claims, which may be subtly expressed rather than explicitly stated.

2. Recognizing Paraphrasing: The statements given in the questions are often paraphrased versions of what is written in the text. Recognizing these paraphrases is essential.

3. Critical Thinking: You must evaluate whether a statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not addressed by the writer.

These skills are vital for success in the IELTS Reading section, especially for more complex texts that include opinions and arguments.

Common Challenges in Yes/No/Not Given Questions

Many test-takers struggle with this question type due to the following reasons:

1. Misunderstanding the Writer's Views: Sometimes, the writer's views may be implied rather than explicitly stated, making it harder to identify them.

2. Confusing ‘No' with ‘Not Given': As mentioned earlier, distinguishing between a contradiction and missing information can be tricky.

3. Overthinking: Some candidates tend to overanalyze the statements, leading to confusion and incorrect answers.

Practicing these questions regularly on platforms like ieltspro.uk can help you overcome these challenges and improve your performance.

Tips for Answering Yes/No/Not Given Questions

Here are some practical tips to help you handle Yes/No/Not Given questions effectively:

✅ 1. Read the Instructions Carefully

Make sure you understand whether the question is asking about the writer's views or factual information. For Yes/No/Not Given questions, the focus is on opinions and claims, not facts.

✅ 2. Identify Keywords in the Statement

Highlight keywords in the statement that you can use to locate the relevant part of the text. Pay attention to names, dates, and specific terms.

✅ 3. Recognize Paraphrasing

The statements may not use the exact words from the text. Instead, they may be paraphrased. For example:

Text: "The government is considering new regulations to reduce pollution."

Statement: "The government has introduced new laws to reduce pollution."

In this case, the statement is No, because the government is only considering new regulations, not introducing them.

✅ 4. Be Careful with Prior Knowledge

Your answers should be based only on the text, not on what you already know about the topic. Do not assume anything that isn't stated in the passage.

✅ 5. Look for Contradictions

When deciding between No and Not Given, look for clear contradictions in the text. If the statement says something that directly opposes the writer's view, it's No. If there is no relevant information, it's Not Given.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Information: Don't assume that the text includes details that aren't explicitly mentioned. Stick to what is written in the passage.

2. Choosing ‘Yes' Too Quickly: Make sure the statement fully matches the writer's view before selecting Yes.

3. Ignoring Paraphrasing: Pay close attention to paraphrased expressions in the statements and the text.

By avoiding these mistakes, you'll improve your accuracy in Yes/No/Not Given questions.

Practice Makes Perfect

To excel in Yes/No/Not Given questions, practice is essential. Use realistic practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question type and develop your ability to recognize the writer's views and claims.

Platforms like ieltspro.uk offer a wide range of practice materials, expert tips, and detailed explanations to help you tackle this question type with confidence. Regular practice will help you improve your speed, accuracy, and overall performance in the IELTS Reading section.

The Yes/No/Not Given question type in the IELTS Reading test requires a deep understanding of the writer's views and claims. By mastering the difference between No and Not Given, recognizing paraphrasing, and avoiding assumptions, you can significantly improve your accuracy.

With the right strategies and consistent practice, you can achieve your desired score in the IELTS Reading section. For more tips and personalized guidance, visit ieltspro.uk. Remember, success in IELTS is all about preparation and practice. You've got this!