
Cracking the IELTS Reading section is a key step toward achieving your dream score, especially when it comes to mastering Yes/No/Not Given questions. These questions often test not just your comprehension skills but also your ability to interpret the writer’s opinion. While they might appear simple, they can be tricky without the right strategies. This guide is here to help you navigate through the challenges, providing tips, strategies, and sample questions to enhance your preparation.
Let’s explore effective approaches to tackling Yes/No/Not Given questions, common mistakes to avoid, and practical examples.
Understanding IELTS Reading Yes/No/Not Given Questions
Yes/No/Not Given questions focus on identifying the writer’s opinions or claims within the passage. Here’s how you should interpret the options:
OptionMeaningYes | The writer’s opinion matches the statement exactly. |
No | The writer’s opinion contradicts the statement. |
Not Given | The writer’s opinion or stance is not mentioned in the text. |
Unlike True/False/Not Given questions, these require a deeper understanding of the writer’s perspective rather than factual details. It’s essential to distinguish between the two formats to answer correctly.
Types of Yes/No/Not Given Questions in IELTS Reading
Yes/No/Not Given questions may appear in different contexts within the IELTS Academic and General Reading tests, such as:
- Statement-based: You evaluate if the statement aligns with the writer’s view.
- Opinion inference: These require interpreting the writer’s viewpoint, often indicated by specific language or tone.
The challenge is in identifying the subtle nuances that distinguish “Yes” from “No” or “Not Given,” making a thorough understanding of context crucial.
Strategy for Answering IELTS Yes/No/Not Given Questions
Follow these steps to handle Yes/No/Not Given questions effectively:
- Understand the question: Read each question statement carefully to identify what’s being asked.
- Scan for keywords: Highlight key terms and look for paraphrased versions or synonyms in the passage.
- Analyze the writer’s tone: Pay attention to words like “believes,” “suggests,” or “claims” to deduce opinions.
- Focus on specific details: Be mindful of qualifiers like “always,” “sometimes,” or “never” as they can alter meanings.
- Don’t assume: Stick to the text. If the information isn’t explicitly mentioned, the answer is “Not Given.”
- Practice time management: Avoid spending too long on a single question. Move on and revisit later if needed.
Practice IELTS Yes/No/Not Given Questions with Answers
Let’s practice with a sample reading passage and questions to see these strategies in action.
Sample Reading Passage
Questions:
- Personalized nutrition is more effective than generic diet plans.
- All experts agree that a high-protein diet is the best option.
- A plant-based diet can help prevent chronic diseases.
Answers :
- Personalized nutrition is more effective than generic diet plans. – Not Given
- All experts agree that a high-protein diet is the best option. – No
- A plant-based diet can help prevent chronic diseases. – Yes
Explanation for the Answers:
- Q1: The passage mentions personalized plans but does not explicitly compare their effectiveness. The answer is Not Given.
- Q2: The passage states differing opinions among experts, so the answer is No.
- Q3: The passage explicitly mentions plant-based diets promoting wellness, making the answer Yes.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Practicing Yes/No/Not Given Questions
- Misinterpreting the writer’s opinion by not reading carefully.
- Overlooking keywords or failing to recognize paraphrased ideas.
- Assuming answers based on prior knowledge instead of the text.
- Spending excessive time on one question, which can reduce overall efficiency.
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