IELTS reading: Yes, No and Not Given Questions Tips and strategies

Bhargavee Sisodia

05 Jul 2024

Hey there, language learners! Worrying about the IELTS test that will be held soon? You're not alone. But fear no more! This blog is your source for all things IELTS. Let’s break it down so you understand what you need to know and what you can do to succeed in each area that is tested: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

If you’re a novice or already a returning tutorial centre veteran you can be assured that we have got you covered. We will explain practical recommendations, clarify theory, and give you a vast amount of resources to practise. We shall also be able to respond to your frequently asked questions and help you stay encouraged during your preparation.

Thus, take your notebooks, take your pencils, and get yourself aboard for this marvellous ride! Stay focused and follow the proper approach, and the IELTS will be conquered, opening the floodgates of education and career alternatives. Let's get started!

What are Yes, No, Not Given (Y/N/NG) Questions in IELTS Reading?

Indeed, Yes, No, Not Given questions are a common type when it comes to multiple choice questions in the IELTS Academic Reading module. They evaluate your capacity to understand the position of the writer and find information that is either told directly or can be understood by being read between the lines. The Yes, No, Not Given questions are different from True/False/Not Given ones as the initial ones go beyond the simple focus on the facts and prompt the tester to analyse the author’s opinion.

Such questions are multiple-choice and usually are presented in groups of three to five questions related to some part of the reading passage. Each statement requires you to determine whether the passage:

• Supports the statement (Yes): The information given in the text corresponds to the given statement.
• Contradicts the statement (No): The passage does not support the statement It can also be said that the passage disagrees with or is inconsistent with the statement.
• Provides no information (Not Given): Therefore, based on the facts stated in the passage, it is impossible to conclude whether the statement is true or false.

Understanding the "Yes, No, Not Given" Options

Distinguishing between the three options is crucial for success. Here's a breakdown of each:

• Yes: The statement is true to the voice of the author in the passage in that it captures the sentiments of the author fully. It is possible to provide bibliographic references for it But most importantly you can find clear evidence to support it.
• No: The statement is negative about the text; it is against what the text says or it denies it.
• Not Given: From the passage, we cannot tell whether the statement is true or false or has been said in any form or not. It might not give details of that nature or if it provided the information, it might have been vague.

Effective Strategies for Mastering Yes, No, Not Given Questions

Now that you understand the format, let's explore strategies to conquer Yes, No, Not Given questions in your IELTS reading practice:

Pre-Reading Techniques: Sharpening Your Focus

• Skim the passage: At the onset, read the passage not for the statements, but to understand what it is about, and what major points it seeks to make.
• Predict the question type: Gaining awareness of Yes, No, Not Given questions being upcoming is useful for keeping an eye on the understanding of the writer’s stance about the passage being read.

Decoding the Statements: Identifying Keywords and Qualifying Words

• Underline key terms: Take extra special care with keywords and phrases in each statement. These are the elements that you have to find in the passage.
• Identify qualifying words: Decrease your use of words such as always, never, all, and some. These can rather alter the meaning of a statement.

Scanning the Text: Locating Relevant Information Efficiently

• Focus on relevant sections: Do not spend a lot of time trying to read the whole passage for every statement that needs to be made. Scan down for the keywords in the section representing the number of the question of the statement.
• Paraphrasing is key: The author might paraphrase part or the whole of the statement. Expand the search by such terms as related to the keywords and their variation.

Evaluating the Evidence: Matching or Contradicting Statements

• Compare and contrast: After identifying the information in the text, precisely analyse and compare it to the statement. Is it consequential for the statement, non-consequential and opposed to the statement or contain no evidence for or against the statement at all?
• Don't rely on assumptions: Please answer ONLY to the questions below and support your answer(s) with a citation(s) from the passage. It means you should not come with a vase with a particular assumption or knowledge that you will impose on the group.

Amplify Your Skills: IELTS Reading Practice Tests with Yes, No, Not Given Questions

Practice Test 1: Sharpening Your Foundation

Passage:

A recent study by Dr Green looked at this and investigated the effect of social media on the sleep of teenagers. In the same regard, the research found that there was significant evidence that show a positive association between social media engagement and interrupted sleep patterns. The youths who used social networking sites for more than two hours were more likely to report sleep onset insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia and sleep quality insomnia. The study claims that blue light that comes from electronic devices and provocative content on social networks is the reason for such sleep disorders.

Statements:

1. Social media use has no impact on teenagers' sleep. (No)
2. Teenagers who spend more than two hours on social media daily are more likely to experience sleep problems. (Yes)
3. Dr Green's study recommends banning social media use for teenagers altogether. (Not Given)

Practice Test 2: Level Up Your Skills with Advanced Passages

Passage:

Although there is a constant consideration of using sources such as solar and wind energy in the production of power, questions arise in terms of effectiveness and reliability. Photovoltaic systems involve heavy costs during installation and perform poorly under cloudy conditions. Wind power generators cause interference in bird migration and contribute to noise pollution. Nevertheless, with people putting focus and effort into innovations, assorted innovations in technology are making renewable energy resources more efficient and cheaper to implement in commercial production. According to the researchers it is stated that through constant improvement and continued effort, renewables can be a feasible solution to conventional fossil fuels.

Statements:

1. Renewable energy sources are currently the most efficient and cost-effective option for energy production. (No)
2. Solar panels pose a threat to bird populations. (Yes)
3. The passage advocates for abandoning fossil fuels completely in favour of renewables. (Not Given)

Conclusion 

The rationale of the advice for the IELTS reading test is quite simple – there is no ielts question type that you cannot beat if you approach the task in the right way and among them are the dreaded Y/N/NG questions. They are also the questions that this guide has prepared you to answer in a sophisticated yet confident manner. Please, always bear in mind the importance of the format of the Yes, No, Not Given questions and necessary strategies and regular practice in creating the IELTS reading practice tests. If you succeed in listening to the conversations, you’ll learn how to recognise the keywords and qualifying words in the statements and subsequently, easily skim through the passage. You will be able to decide based on your analysis of the evidence whether the passage supports, rejects or simply has no details to offer in the statement.

When studying use the power of the internet the most, do not be afraid to do it during preparation. There are hundreds of websites and forums providing reading practice tests which are aimed at letting you beat Yes, No, and given questions. Use these resources to increase your skills repertoire and develop a foundation for achievement.

When you are on your IELTS journey, you have to understand that knowing your answers to Yes and No, and Not Given questions is not enough. That being said, by conquering this particular challenge you will get a lot of insight on how to approach IELTS reading questions and strategies that can be used in other types of questions within the test. It means with passion, regular practice and the guidance you have gone through in this guide, you are sure to face the IELTS reading test with confidence and direction towards the target IELTS score you want. Therefore, relax, implement these tips and strategies and go out and level those Yes, No, Not Given questions!