Yes/No/Not given IELTS tips are not so common.
Yet the Yes/No/Not Given questions on the IELTS exam can leave you feeling uncertain and second-guessing every answer.
Worry no more. You’re not alone.
Many IELTS test-takers struggle with this tricky section.
But don’t worry—help is here!
Yes, No, and Not Given questions test your ability to identify specific information in a text and distinguish between information that is explicitly stated, contradicted, or not mentioned at all.
Their importance lies in the fact that they assess not just your reading comprehension skills but also your ability to critically analyze and interpret information—skills that are crucial not only for the IELTS exam but also for academic and professional success.
In this blog post, you’ll find tips on how to identify keywords, manage your time effectively, and avoid common pitfalls.
Also sharing of techniques to help you stay calm and focused during the exam will be stated here.
Plus, engaging elements like questions and anecdotes to keep you interested and motivated.
If you’re ready to improve your performance on the IELTS exam, read on for 15 essential Yes/No/Not Given IELTS tips you should know before your next IELTS exam.
These tips will help boost your IELTS score!
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Tip 1: Understand the Question Format
The first step to mastering Yes, No, and Not Given questions is to thoroughly understand the format.
Take time to go over true/false/not given IELTS practice lessons as much as you can to get acquainted with the test format.
This is because in the IELTS Reading section, these questions require you to determine whether the information in the text agrees with a given statement (Yes), contradicts it (No), or is not mentioned at all (Not Given).
Here’s how you can break down this format:
– Yes: The statement agrees with the information in the passage.
– No: The statement contradicts the information in the passage.
– Not Given: The information is not provided in the passage.
Example:
Passage: “The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and is located in Paris. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.”
Statement: The Eiffel Tower was built in the 19th century.
– Yes: This statement is true based on the passage.
Statement: The Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in the world.
– No: This statement is false based on current knowledge and not mentioned in the passage.
Statement: The Eiffel Tower is located in France.
– Not Given: This statement is not explicitly mentioned in the passage (although inferred, the passage specifies “Paris” not “France”).
Many students mistakenly assume information based on their own knowledge rather than sticking strictly to the passage.
For instance, assuming “Paris” directly means “France” in all contexts could lead to mistakes.
Always rely on the text provided.
Think about how you verify information in everyday life.
If someone tells you a fact, you might look it up to see if it’s correct (Yes), incorrect (No), or not mentioned at all (Not Given).
This same critical thinking process should be applied when tackling these questions.
Tip 2: Pay Attention to Keywords
Keywords are the anchors that will help you navigate through the passage and locate the relevant information.
Identifying and understanding these keywords can significantly improve your accuracy in answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
Giving careful attention to the keywords in the question is one of the key IELTS reading strategies you need.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Keywords in the Question: Look for unique words or phrases in the question that are likely to be directly referenced or paraphrased in the passage. These can include dates, names, places, and specific terms.
2. Scan the Passage for Keywords: Use these keywords to quickly locate the relevant section of the passage.
3. Compare Information: Carefully compare the information in the passage with the statement in the question to determine if it’s Yes, No, or Not Given.
Example:
Question: “The conference in Tokyo in 2022 focused on climate change.”
Passage: “In 2022, an important conference was held in Tokyo to discuss various global issues, including climate change.”
– Keywords: conference, Tokyo, 2022, climate change.
– Analysis: The passage confirms the conference in Tokyo in 2022 discussed climate change.
Answer: Yes
A common mistake is to focus on irrelevant words or overlook synonyms and paraphrases.
For instance, the word “focus” might be paraphrased as “discuss” in the passage. Understanding these variations is crucial.
Imagine you’re searching for a specific topic in a book or online article.
You would likely use specific terms related to your topic as keywords to find the information quickly.
The same technique applies here—using keywords to locate information swiftly and accurately.
By understanding the question format and paying close attention to keywords, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Yes, No, and Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading section.
Stay tuned for more tips that will further enhance your test-taking strategies!
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Tip 3: Read the Passage Carefully
Understanding the passage is critical to accurately answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
This requires more than just skimming; you need to read carefully and comprehend the details.
Employ different tips and tricks to reading true/false/not given questions.
Steps to Follow:
1. Initial Skim: Quickly skim the passage to get a general idea of the topic and structure.
2. Detailed Reading: Read the passage again, this time paying close attention to details, especially around the keywords you identified in the question.
3. Take Notes: Jot down brief notes or underline key points that seem relevant to the questions.
Example:
Question: “The library hosts weekly community events.”
Passage: “The city’s new library, inaugurated in 2020, features state-of-the-art technology and offers both physical and digital borrowing options.”
– Skim: Identify the relevant section.
– Detailed Reading: No mention of weekly community events.
– Take Notes: Note the services offered do not include community events.
Answer: Not Given
Many students rush through the passage, missing critical details that are key to answering the questions correctly.
Taking the time to carefully read and understand the passage can prevent these errors.
Think about how you read important documents, like contracts or instructions.
You likely read them carefully to ensure you understand all the details before making decisions.
The same thoroughness is required for IELTS reading passages.
Tip 4: Distinguish Between Explicit and Implicit Information
Distinguishing between explicit (directly stated) and implicit (implied but not directly stated) information is crucial.
Yes, No, and Not Given questions often test your ability to identify these differences.
If you have practiced IELTS reading tips and tricks well enough, this won’t be a problem when you are faced with the test.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Explicit Information: Look for statements in the passage that directly support or contradict the question statement.
2. Identify Implicit Information: Look for information that is suggested but not directly stated. This might involve interpreting the meaning or context.
3. Cross-Check: Ensure the information is explicitly stated in the passage for Yes or No answers. If it’s only implied, the answer is likely Not Given.
Example:
Question: “The researcher concluded that the new drug is effective against all strains of the virus.”
Passage: “The researcher’s study indicated that the new drug is effective against most strains of the virus, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness against all strains.”
– Explicit Information: Effective against most strains, further research is needed.
– Implicit Information: Not confirmed for all strains.
Answer: No
Question: “The researcher found that the new drug has side effects.”
Passage: “The researcher’s study indicated that the new drug is effective against most strains of the virus, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness against all strains.”
– Explicit Information: No mention of side effects.
– Implicit Information: Possible that side effects exist, but not stated.
Answer: Not Given
Students often infer too much from the passage, leading to incorrect answers.
It’s important to distinguish what is directly stated from what is merely suggested or not mentioned.
Consider reading a news article.
Explicit information would be the reported facts, such as dates or direct quotes.
Implicit information might be the underlying tone or context that suggests but doesn’t state outright.
Applying this distinction helps in accurately answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
By carefully reading the passage and distinguishing between explicit and implicit information, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how to accurately respond to Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
These skills will enhance your overall reading comprehension and critical thinking abilities.
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Tip 5: Avoid Overthinking
Overthinking is a common pitfall when answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
It’s essential to stay focused on the text and avoid adding your own interpretations or assumptions.
While curiosity is important for success, that may not help you in this situation so, as much as possible, avoid overthinking.
Steps to Follow:
1. Stick to the Text: Base your answers strictly on the information provided in the passage.
2. Avoid Personal Knowledge: Do not let your outside knowledge or opinions influence your answer.
3. Simplify Your Approach: Trust the straightforward information presented in the passage without reading too much into it.
Example:
Question: “The company’s expansion includes international locations.”
Passage: “The company announced plans to open new stores domestically next year.”
– Stick to the Text: Only domestic expansion is mentioned.
– Avoid Personal Knowledge: Ignore any knowledge you might have about the company’s international ambitions.
– Simplify Your Approach: Focus on the information given in the passage.
Answer: No
Students often overthink by adding assumptions or trying to interpret what isn’t explicitly stated, leading to incorrect answers.
Remember, if the passage doesn’t provide the information, it’s Not Given.
Consider how you make decisions based on instructions.
If a recipe doesn’t specify using salt, you wouldn’t add it just because you think it might taste better.
Apply this same logic to avoid overthinking on the IELTS.
Tip 6: Practice Skimming and Scanning
Effective skimming and scanning techniques help you quickly locate relevant information in the passage, saving you valuable time during the test.
Steps to Follow:
1. Skimming: Quickly read through the passage to get a general idea of the content and structure.
2. Scanning: Look for specific information related to the keywords from the questions.
3. Focus on Relevant Sections: Once you find the relevant section, read it carefully to determine the answer.
Example:
Question 1: “The study found that exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.”
Passage: “Recent research indicates that regular exercise can lead to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and improved mental health.”
– Skimming: Identify the paragraph discussing the benefits of exercise.
– Scanning: Look for the specific mention of heart disease.
– Focus on Relevant Sections: Read the part about heart disease carefully.
Answer: Yes
Question 2: “Exercise has been proven to cure mental health issues.”
Passage: “Recent research indicates that regular exercise can lead to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and improved mental health.”
– Skimming: Identify the paragraph discussing the benefits of exercise.
– Scanning: Look for the specific mention of mental health.
– Focus on Relevant Sections: Read the part about mental health carefully.
Answer: No
Some students either spend too much time reading every detail or miss critical information by skimming too quickly.
Balancing skimming and scanning effectively can help locate the necessary information without wasting time.
Think about how you read a lengthy email.
You might skim through it to get the gist and then scan for specific details, like dates or tasks.
Apply the same techniques to quickly and effectively navigate IELTS reading passages.
By avoiding overthinking and mastering skimming and scanning, you’ll be able to answer Yes, No, and Not Given questions more efficiently and accurately.
These skills not only improve your test performance but also enhance your overall reading abilities.
See other ways you can improve your IELTS score.
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Tip 7: Look for Synonyms and Paraphrases
One of the challenges of Yes, No, and Not Given questions is that the wording in the questions often differs from the passage.
Understanding synonyms and paraphrasing can help you match the question to the relevant part of the text.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Synonyms: Look for words in the question that might be represented by synonyms in the passage.
2. Understand Paraphrasing: Recognize that the information might be rephrased in the passage. The meaning remains the same, but the wording is different.
3. Cross-check Carefully: Ensure that the synonym or paraphrased statement in the passage accurately matches the meaning of the question.
Example:
Question: “International students receive the highest number of scholarships.”
Passage: “The university provides a variety of financial aids, including several scholarships, specifically aimed at students from abroad.”
– Identify Synonyms: “International students” = “students from abroad.”
– Understand Paraphrasing: The passage does not specify the number or comparison.
– Cross-check Carefully: Verify that the specific claim about the highest number is not mentioned.
Answer: Not Given
Students often fail to recognize synonyms and paraphrases, leading to missed connections between the question and the passage.
Practice identifying different ways of expressing the same idea.
Think about how you understand conversations.
If someone says, “I’m feeling under the weather,” you understand they mean they’re not feeling well, even though they didn’t use the exact words.
This same skill applies to recognizing synonyms and paraphrases in the IELTS exam.
These are reading hints that can improve your band score.
Tip 8: Don’t Assume Information
It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming information based on your prior knowledge or logical inference.
For Yes, No, and Not Given questions, your answers should be strictly based on the text provided.
Steps to Follow:
1. Focus on the Passage: Base your answers solely on what is explicitly stated or implied in the passage.
2. Avoid Outside Knowledge: Do not let your personal knowledge or assumptions influence your answers.
3. Verify Every Detail: Cross-check every detail to ensure it is supported by the passage.
Example:
Question 1: “The city council will introduce new recycling bins in all public parks next month.”
Passage: “The city council announced plans to introduce new recycling bins in various public areas, including some parks, next month.”
– Focus on the Passage: The passage mentions various public areas and some parks, not all parks.
– Avoid Outside Knowledge: Don’t assume the plan includes all parks based on what you know about similar initiatives.
– Verify Every Detail: Ensure that “all public parks” is not supported by the passage.
Answer: No
Question 2: “New recycling bins will be placed in all public areas next month.”
Passage: “The city council announced plans to introduce new recycling bins in various public areas, including some parks, next month.”
– Focus on the Passage: The passage mentions various public areas but does not confirm all.
– Avoid Outside Knowledge: Do not infer beyond what is stated.
– Verify Every Detail: Check that the passage does not specify “all public areas.”
Answer: Not Given
Students often fill in gaps with their own knowledge or logical assumptions, which can lead to incorrect answers.
Stick strictly to the passage. Imagine reading a movie review.
The reviewer might say, “The film features stunning visuals and a gripping storyline.”
Without additional context, you wouldn’t assume it has great acting or a popular soundtrack.
Apply the same discipline when interpreting IELTS passages.
By looking for synonyms and paraphrases and avoiding assumptions, you can enhance your accuracy in answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
These strategies will help you focus on the exact information provided, leading to more precise answers and better test performance.
Tip 9: Manage Your Time Wisely
Time management is crucial when tackling the Reading section of the IELTS exam.
You need to ensure you have enough time to carefully read the passage, understand the questions, and review your answers.
Learn time management strategies as a student even before you are faced with the IELTS exam.
Steps to Follow:
1. Allocate Time per Question: Divide your time so you spend an appropriate amount on each question. Generally, aim for about 1-1.5 minutes per question.
2. Prioritize Easy Questions: Answer the questions you find easiest first. This boosts your confidence and ensures you secure those marks quickly.
3. Leave Time for Review: Try to leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers and ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Example:
Passage: “The company announced plans to relocate its headquarters in the coming year, but the specific date has not been set.”
– Allocate Time per Question: Spend 1-1.5 minutes reading the question, locating the relevant part of the passage, and answering.
– Prioritize Easy Questions: If this question seems straightforward, answer it quickly and move on.
– Leave Time for Review: Double-check your answer at the end of the section.
Answer: Yes
Many students spend too much time on difficult questions, leading to rushed answers at the end.
This can cause unnecessary errors and missed marks.
Consider how you manage tasks at work or school.
You prioritize easy tasks to ensure they’re completed quickly, leaving more time to focus on complex ones.
Apply the same strategy to manage your time effectively during the IELTS exam.
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Tip 10: Use Context Clues
Using context clues can help you understand the passage better and answer Yes, No, and Not Given questions more accurately.
Context clues are hints or additional information surrounding a word or phrase that help clarify its meaning.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Context Clues: Look for words or phrases around the keyword that provide additional information.
2. Understand the Context: Consider the overall context of the sentence or paragraph to determine the meaning.
3. Apply the Clues: Use these clues to interpret the passage accurately and answer the question.
Example:
Question 1: “The scientist conducted experiments over a period of ten years.”
Passage: “The scientist’s groundbreaking work involved conducting numerous experiments over a decade, leading to significant advancements in the field.”
– Identify Context Clues: “A decade” is a context clue for “ten years.”
– Understand the Context: The passage talks about experiments conducted over a long period.
– Apply the Clues: Recognize that “a decade” and “ten years” are equivalent.
Answer: Yes
Question 2: “The experiments led to minor advancements in the field.”
Passage: “The scientist’s groundbreaking work involved conducting numerous experiments over a decade, leading to significant advancements in the field.”
– Identify Context Clues: “Groundbreaking work” and “significant advancements.”
– Understand the Context: The experiments had a major impact.
– Apply the Clues: Realize that the passage contradicts the idea of “minor advancements.”
Answer: No
Students often overlook context clues and misinterpret isolated words or phrases.
Paying attention to the surrounding information can provide a clearer understanding.
Think about reading a complex text, like a research article or a dense novel.
You use context clues to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words or to understand nuanced ideas.
This skill is directly transferable to IELTS reading passages.
By managing your time wisely and using context clues, you can improve your efficiency and accuracy in answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
These strategies will help you navigate the passage more effectively, leading to a better performance on the test.
See also: 7 Ways To Improve IELTS Reading Score From 5 to 7.
Tip 11: Practice Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is the skill of rephrasing a statement while retaining its original meaning.
This skill is invaluable for Yes, No, and Not-given questions, as the questions often rephrase information found in the passage.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Key Points: Focus on the main ideas or claims in the passage.
2. Rephrase in Your Own Words: Try to express the same ideas using different words.
3. Match with Questions: Compare your paraphrased version with the question to see if they align.
Example:
Question: “The government has decided to reduce taxes next year.”
Passage: “The authorities have announced a plan to cut taxes in the upcoming fiscal year.”
– Identify Key Points: Government decision, reduce taxes, next year.
– Rephrase in Your Own Words: “The authorities will cut taxes in the upcoming fiscal year.”
– Match with Questions: The question and passage align.
Answer: Yes
Question: “Taxes will be eliminated by the government next year.”
Passage: “The authorities have announced a plan to cut taxes in the upcoming fiscal year.”
– Identify Key Points: Government decision, reduce taxes, next year.
– Rephrase in Your Own Words: “The authorities will cut taxes in the upcoming fiscal year.”
– Match with Questions: The question implies complete elimination, which the passage does not support.
Answer: No
Students sometimes change the meaning while paraphrasing. Ensure the rephrased version retains the original meaning.
Consider explaining a news article to a friend.
You’d rephrase the key points without changing the facts.
This practice helps in recognizing paraphrased information in the IELTS exam.
Read these 12 IELTS Reading Tips For List Of Headings.
Tip 12: Use Elimination Techniques
When unsure about an answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices.
This technique helps in focusing on the most likely correct answer.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Obvious Errors: Eliminate any answers that are clearly incorrect based on the passage.
2. Compare Remaining Options: Analyze the remaining choices to see which one aligns best with the passage.
3. Make an Educated Guess: If still unsure, choose the answer that seems most consistent with the passage.
Example:
Question 1: “The company has been in operation for over 50 years.”
Passage: “The company, founded in 1960, has recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.”
– Identify Obvious Errors: If a statement clearly contradicts the passage, eliminate it.
– Compare Remaining Options: Analyze how the passage’s details match the question.
– Make an Educated Guess: 1960 to 2020 is 60 years, which is more than 50 years.
Answer: Yes
Question 2: “The company plans to shut down within the next decade.”
Passage: “The company, founded in 1960, has recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, with plans to expand its operations globally in the next ten years.”
– Identify Obvious Errors: The passage indicates expansion, not shutting down.
– Compare Remaining Options: Check the passage’s future plans.
– Make an Educated Guess: The answer must align with the expansion plan.
Answer: No
Some students fail to systematically eliminate wrong choices, leading to confusion. Using elimination helps clarify the most plausible answer.
When deciding between options, such as choosing a restaurant, you eliminate those that don’t fit your criteria, focusing on the best choices.
Apply this decision-making process to answer IELTS questions.
Read also: 7 Super Tips To Study Smart For Exam In Less Time.
Tip 13: Understand the Author’s Purpose
Understanding the author’s purpose can provide context that helps answer Yes, No, and Not Given questions accurately.
This involves grasping why the author wrote the passage and what they aim to convey.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify the Main Idea: Determine the central theme or argument of the passage.
2. Recognize the Tone: Notice if the author’s tone is informative, persuasive, critical, etc.
3. Infer Purpose: Based on the main idea and tone, infer the purpose of the passage.
Example:
Question: “The author believes that renewable energy is the only solution to climate change.”
Passage: “Renewable energy offers significant benefits for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, though it should be part of a broader strategy that includes various approaches.”
– Identify the Main Idea: Benefits of renewable energy in combating climate change.
– Recognize the Tone: Informative and balanced.
– Infer Purpose: Promote renewable energy as part of a broader strategy.
Answer: No
Question: “The author suggests that governments should invest more in renewable energy technologies.”
Passage: “Renewable energy offers significant benefits for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, though it should be part of a broader strategy that includes various approaches. Increased government investment in renewable energy could accelerate these benefits.”
– Identify the Main Idea: Benefits of renewable energy and the need for government investment.
– Recognize the Tone: Informative and slightly persuasive.
– Infer Purpose: Advocate for government investment in renewable energy.
Answer: Yes
Misinterpreting the author’s purpose can lead to incorrect answers.
Focus on the overall message and tone to understand the author’s intent.
When reading an opinion piece or editorial, you often consider why the author is making their argument.
Is it to inform, persuade, or criticize?
Applying this analysis to IELTS passages helps in answering related questions accurately.
These 29 Ways To Get Good Grades may be helpful to you.
Tip 14: Look for Qualifiers and Quantifiers
Pay attention to qualifiers (words that modify the meaning of another word) and quantifiers (words that indicate quantity).
These can change the meaning of a statement significantly and affect your answer.
Steps to Follow:
1. Identify Qualifiers: Look for words like “always,” “never,” “sometimes,” etc.
2. Identify Quantifiers: Look for words like “many,” “few,” “some,” “all,” etc.
3. Analyze the Impact: Determine how these words affect the meaning of the statement.
Example:
Question: “All students at the university must participate in community service.”
Passage: “Many students at the university are encouraged to participate in community service as part of their educational experience.”
– Identify Qualifiers: “Many” vs. “All.”
– Identify Quantifiers: “Encouraged” vs. “Must.”
– Analyze the Impact: The passage does not state that all students must participate.
Answer: No
Overlooking qualifiers and quantifiers can lead to misunderstandings of the passage.
These words can significantly alter the meaning of statements.
Consider how you interpret advertisements.
If an ad claims “many users experience benefits,” it doesn’t mean “all users.”
Apply the same scrutiny to IELTS passages to understand nuanced meanings.
These 15 Top Verbal Reasoning Tips And Tricks can help you get some understanding.
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Tip 15: Regular Practice with Feedback
Regular practice is essential for mastering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
Incorporate practice sessions into your study routine and seek feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Steps to Follow:
1. Regular Practice: Dedicate time each day to practice these types of questions.
2. Review Mistakes: Carefully review any mistakes you make and understand why you got them wrong.
3. Seek Feedback: Work with a tutor or study group to get feedback on your answers and strategies.
Example:
– Practice Session: Complete a set of Yes, No, and Not Given questions from a practice test.
– Review Mistakes: Identify which questions you got wrong and why. Did you misinterpret the passage? Overlook a keyword?
– Seek Feedback: Discuss these questions with a tutor or study group to get insights on how to improve.
Many students practice without reviewing their mistakes, which prevents improvement.
Understanding and correcting errors is crucial for progress.
Think about learning a new skill, like playing a musical instrument.
Regular practice and feedback from a teacher help you improve more effectively than practising alone.
The same applies to preparing for the IELTS exam.
By practising paraphrasing, using elimination techniques, understanding the author’s purpose, looking for qualifiers and quantifiers, and engaging in regular practice with feedback, you’ll develop a comprehensive strategy for answering Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
These tips will enhance your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, leading to better performance on the IELTS exam.
You may also be interested in these 10 Important Study Tips For Success.
Final Notes
Mastering the above 15 Yes/No/Not given IELTS tips takes time and dedication, but with consistent practice and determination, you will see significant improvements in your ability to tackle Yes, No, and Not Given questions.
Remember, each practice session brings you closer to your goal.
Don’t get discouraged by mistakes; instead, use them as learning opportunities.
Believe in your ability to succeed.
With these Yes/No/Not given IELTS tips in hand, you are well-equipped to approach the IELTS Reading section with confidence.
Keep practising, seek feedback, and stay focused on your goal.
Good luck on your IELTS journey!
