Yes/No/Not Given: Identifying the Writer's Opinion

Welcome to the World of Opinions: Mastering Yes/No/Not Given

Hello there! Today, we are diving into one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of the IELTS Academic Reading test: Yes/No/Not Given (Y/N/NG) questions. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; many students find it confusing because it’s not just about finding facts—it’s about understanding what the writer thinks.

In this chapter, you will learn how to distinguish between a fact and an opinion, how to spot the writer’s "voice," and how to avoid the common traps that keep students from getting a Band 7 or 8. Let’s get started!

Section 1: What is Yes/No/Not Given?

Before we look at strategies, we must understand what the examiner is looking for. In the real IELTS exam, this task tests your ability to identify the writer’s claims or opinions. This is different from True/False/Not Given, which focuses on facts.

The Official Marking Criteria:
1. YES: If the statement matches the claims or opinions of the writer.
2. NO: If the statement contradicts (says the opposite of) the writer’s claims.
3. NOT GIVEN: If it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this particular point.

Did you know? These questions almost always follow the order of the text. If you find the answer to Question 1 in paragraph two, Question 2 will likely be further down in that same paragraph or in paragraph three. This is a huge help for your timing and pacing!

Section 2: Fact vs. Opinion – The Essential Difference

To succeed here, you need to know if the text is telling you a "truth" or the writer's "feeling."
- Fact: "The bridge was built in 1924." (This can be proven.)
- Opinion: "The bridge is an architectural masterpiece." (This is what the writer believes.)

Pro Tip: Look for "opinion-marking" verbs like claim, suggest, believe, argue, feel, or suspect. Also, look for adjectives that show a judgment, like effective, regrettable, or impressive.

Section 3: Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Analyze the Statement
Read the question statement first. Identify the keywords (names, dates, nouns) and the controlling words (words that show the opinion, like too much, rarely, only, best).

Step 2: Scan for Keywords
Quickly look through the text to find where that topic is discussed. Remember the order rule!

Step 3: Compare the Meaning (Not just the words!)
This is where many students lose marks. They look for the same words, but the IELTS uses synonyms and paraphrasing. You must match the meaning.

Let’s See it in Action:

Text: "While some experts argue that social media improves connectivity, the author believes it actually contributes to a sense of isolation among teenagers."

Example 1 (The "YES" Answer):
Statement: The writer claims that social media can make young people feel lonely.
Analysis: The writer’s opinion is "contributes to a sense of isolation." This matches "feel lonely."
Result: YES

Example 2 (The "NO" Answer):
Statement: The writer is certain that social media helps teenagers make more friends.
Analysis: The writer says it "contributes to isolation," which is the opposite of making friends.
Result: NO

Example 3 (The "NOT GIVEN" Answer):
Statement: The writer thinks social media is the main cause of depression.
Analysis: The text mentions "isolation," but it does not mention "depression." We cannot assume the writer thinks this just because they mentioned isolation.
Result: NOT GIVEN

Section 4: High-Value Vocabulary to Watch For

To get a high score, you must recognize modal verbs and adverbs. These small words change the whole meaning of an opinion.

Modals of Probability:
- Will/Must: Shows 100% certainty.
- May/Might/Could: Shows a possibility (a "soft" opinion).
If the writer says "it might rain" and the statement says "it will rain," the answer is NO because the levels of certainty do not match.

Quantifiers:
- All, Most, Some, Few, Only.
Example: If the writer says "Some students fail," and the statement says "All students fail," the answer is NO.

Section 5: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Using your own knowledge.
Don't think about what you know about the world. Only think about what is on the page. If you are a doctor and the text says something scientifically wrong, but the writer believes it, you must still answer based on the writer's belief.

Mistake 2: Confusing "NO" and "NOT GIVEN."
- NO means the text says the opposite.
- NOT GIVEN means the writer didn't mention that specific detail or opinion at all.

Weak vs. Improved Interpretation:
Weak: "The writer didn't say 'no,' so I'll just guess 'Yes' because I think it’s true."
Improved: "The writer mentions the topic, but they never actually state their personal view on whether it is good or bad. Therefore, the answer must be NOT GIVEN."

Section 6: Quick Review Checklist

Before you move to the next chapter, check if you can do the following:
1. Do I understand that YES/NO is for opinions, not just facts?
2. Am I looking for synonyms instead of exact word matches?
3. Did I check the modals (can, might, must) to see the strength of the opinion?
4. Am I answering based only on the text provided?

Key Takeaway: Success in Y/N/NG questions comes from being a "detective of attitude." Look for how the writer feels, pay close attention to qualifying words like "sometimes" or "always," and never bring your own outside opinions into the test!

Keep practicing! The more you read opinion-based articles (like editorials in newspapers), the easier this will become. You've got this!