Yes/No/Not Given questions share similarities with True/False/Not Given questions. The strategies for both types align closely, though their distinction lies in the nature of IELTS reading passages. True/False/Not Given texts are grounded in factual information, requiring test-takers to verify the accuracy of objective claims. In contrast, Yes/No/Not Given passages focus on opinion-based content, where candidates must determine whether statements precisely reflect the author’s expressed views.
Follow Instructions Carefully
Always confirm whether responses should use abbreviations (Y/N/NG) or full words (Yes/No/Not Given). Errors often arise when students overlook instructions and answer blindly, such as mistakenly writing True/False instead of Yes/No. Double-check the required format to avoid preventable mistakes.
Pinpoint Author Perspectives
A critical tip for Yes/No/Not Given questions involves detecting underlying perspectives within passages. Authors’ opinions may not be explicitly stated but inferred through careful analysis. Begin by marking keywords in each question, then scan the passage to locate relevant paragraphs. Once identified, scrutinize the section to extract the author’s stance. Keyword matching aids in narrowing down text portions, but accurate answers depend on interpreting contextual meaning and discerning agreement or disagreement with the statement.
Monitor Qualifying Terms
Pay attention to modifiers in statements, such as always, never, some, ever, or a few, which can drastically alter meaning. These terms often signal potential “No” answers, though exceptions exist. Analyze sentences containing such words meticulously to avoid misinterpretations.
