Writer Views Claims is a Reading question type in the IELTS exam where you identify whether statements agree with the writer’s opinions, beliefs, or claims in the passage.
You must decide if each statement matches what the writer says or thinks.
This task often appears as:
- Yes / No / Not Given
- Sometimes linked to opinions or arguments rather than simple facts
Where It Appears
The Writer Views Claims task appears in:
- Reading test
It is common in:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training (less frequently in advanced passages)
What It Tests
This task checks your ability to:
- Understand writer opinions
- Recognize claims and arguments
- Distinguish fact from opinion
- Identify agreement or contradiction
- Notice implied meaning
- Avoid assumptions not in the text
Typical Answer Options
YES
The statement agrees with the writer’s view or claim.
NO
The statement contradicts the writer’s view or claim.
NOT GIVEN
The writer does not clearly state this view.
Example
Statement:
The writer believes remote work increases productivity.
Passage:
In many industries, employees working from home complete tasks more efficiently and report fewer distractions.
Correct Answer:
YES
Statement:
The writer believes remote work should be banned.
Passage:
The writer discusses advantages and disadvantages but never suggests banning it.
Correct Answer:
NOT GIVEN
Statement:
The writer believes remote work always reduces efficiency.
Passage:
The writer says many workers become more efficient.
Correct Answer:
NO
Why It Matters
This task is difficult because candidates must understand views, not only facts.
It rewards candidates who can:
- Read arguments carefully
- Detect tone and stance
- Compare statements precisely
- Avoid guessing from personal opinion
Writer Views vs True False Not Given
Writer Views Claims
Focuses on:
- Opinions
- Beliefs
- Claims
- Arguments
Answers:
- Yes / No / Not Given
True False Not Given
Focuses on:
- Facts
- Objective information
Answers:
- True / False / Not Given
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Using Personal Knowledge
Only the passage matters.
Confusing NO with NOT GIVEN
- NO = opposite of writer’s claim
- NOT GIVEN = no clear information
Looking for Exact Words
IELTS often paraphrases ideas.
Missing Qualifiers
Words like:
- some
- often
- may
- rarely
- always
These can completely change meaning.
High-Scoring Strategies
Find the Relevant Section
Locate the paragraph discussing the statement topic.
Identify Writer Stance
Ask:
- Does the writer support it?
- Reject it?
- Never mention it clearly?
Watch Extreme Words
Words like always, never, all, best are often traps.
Match Meaning, Not Vocabulary
Different wording may express the same claim.
Decide Carefully
Use:
- YES = agrees
- NO = contradicts
- NOT GIVEN = unclear / absent
Example Trap
Statement:
The writer says all students benefit from online learning.
Passage:
Many students benefit from online learning.
Correct Answer:
NO
Because many is not all.
Why Candidates Find It Difficult
Because it requires:
- Reading between the lines
- Understanding argument logic
- Distinguishing contradiction from absence of evidence
Quick Tips
- Think like the writer, not yourself.
- Read qualifiers carefully.
- Do not guess beyond the text.
- Separate NO from NOT GIVEN clearly.
