Yes / No / Not Given is a question format used in the IELTS Academic Reading test. Candidates are presented with a list of statements and must decide whether each one agrees with the views or claims of the writer (Yes), disagrees with them (No), or if there is not enough information in the passage to decide (Not Given). This task type assesses a candidate’s ability to understand opinions or attitudes expressed by the writer, rather than just factual information.
Importance for IELTS Reading Band
- Tests comprehension of writer’s views: Candidates must distinguish between what is explicitly stated, what is implied, and what is not mentioned at all.
- Requires careful reading: Misinterpreting the writer’s opinion or overlooking subtle wording can lead to incorrect answers and affect the overall band score.
- Not the same as True / False / Not Given: Yes / No / Not Given focuses on opinions or claims, while True / False / Not Given deals with factual information.
Example: If the passage states, “Some researchers believe that exercise can improve mental health,” and the statement is “All researchers agree that exercise benefits mental health,” the correct answer is No, because the passage only mentions some researchers, not all. If the statement is “Exercise reduces stress in teenagers,” and this is not mentioned in the passage, the answer is Not Given.
