Yes No Not Given is a common question type in the Reading section of the IELTS exam.
Candidates read statements and decide whether they match the writer’s views, claims, or opinions in the passage.
The three possible answers are:
- Yes – the writer agrees with the statement
- No – the writer disagrees with the statement
- Not Given – the writer’s opinion is not clearly stated
This question type focuses on opinions rather than simple facts.
Where It Appears
Yes No Not Given questions may appear in:
- IELTS Academic Reading
- IELTS General Training Reading
They are especially common in opinion-based or argumentative passages.
What It Tests
This task checks your ability to:
- Recognize writer opinions
- Understand attitude and stance
- Identify paraphrasing
- Distinguish disagreement from missing opinion
- Read carefully for implied meaning
Meaning of Each Answer
Yes
The writer agrees with the statement.
Example
Passage: Online learning can be highly effective when well designed.
Statement: The writer believes online learning can work well.
Answer: Yes
No
The writer disagrees with the statement.
Example
Passage: Advertising rarely changes long-term consumer habits.
Statement: The writer thinks advertising strongly changes long-term habits.
Answer: No
Not Given
The writer does not clearly express that opinion.
Example
Passage: Public transport use has increased this year.
Statement: The writer believes public transport should be free.
Answer: Not Given
(No clear opinion about making it free.)
Difference from True False Not Given
True / False / Not Given
Usually about facts or information.
Yes / No / Not Given
Usually about opinions or views.
Why It Is Difficult
Many candidates mistake facts in the passage for the writer’s opinion.
You must ask:
Does the writer actually agree or disagree?
High-Scoring Strategy
Identify Opinion Language
Look for phrases such as:
- I believe
- it is clear that
- should
- must
- seems likely
- in my view
Find Relevant Section
Locate where the idea is discussed.
Compare Meaning
Use meaning, not matching words.
If No Clear Opinion
Choose Not Given.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Treating Facts as Opinions
Statistics alone may not show writer belief.
Confusing No and Not Given
No = opposite opinion stated.
Not Given = no clear view stated.
Using Personal Logic
Only the passage matters.
Missing Paraphrases
Different wording may express same opinion.
Example Mini Practice
Passage
The author argues that children should spend more time outdoors because physical activity improves concentration.
Statement 1
The writer believes outdoor time benefits children.
Answer: Yes
Statement 2
The writer thinks children should spend less time exercising.
Answer: No
Statement 3
The writer believes schools should shorten lunch breaks.
Answer: Not Given
Useful Language Signals
Watch for:
- should / should not
- beneficial / harmful
- necessary / unnecessary
- effective / ineffective
- preferable / undesirable
Quick Tips
- Yes = writer agrees
- No = writer disagrees
- Not Given = no clear opinion
- Focus on writer stance, not facts alone
Why Strong Candidates Perform Well
Top scorers separate facts from opinions and look carefully for the writer’s real position.
