As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed countless students struggle with Yes/No/Not Given questions. These questions are notorious for tripping up even the most confident test-takers. But fear not! With a strategic approach and ample practice, you can conquer this challenging question type and boost your IELTS Reading score.
Understanding Yes/No/Not Given Questions
Unlike traditional True/False/Not Given questions, which focus on factual accuracy, Yes/No/Not Given questions center around the writer’s opinion or stance on a given topic. Your task is to determine whether the writer’s view aligns with the statement provided, contradicts it, or is simply not mentioned in the text.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Yes: The writer’s opinion or the information presented directly supports the statement.
- No: The writer’s opinion or the information presented directly contradicts the statement.
- Not Given: The text provides no information about the statement, or the writer’s opinion is not explicitly expressed.
Tackling Yes/No/Not Given Questions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Read the instructions carefully: Pay close attention to whether you need to answer “Yes/No/Not Given” or “True/False/Not Given”. This seemingly small detail can significantly impact your answers.
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Identify keywords in the statement: Underline or circle key words that reveal the writer’s opinion or the central idea of the statement. These keywords will guide your search in the text.
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Scan the text for synonyms and paraphrasing: The text might use different words or phrases to express the same ideas. Be on the lookout for synonyms, paraphrases, and examples that relate to the keywords in the statement.
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Focus on the writer’s opinion: Remember, you’re not looking for general facts but rather the writer’s viewpoint. Pay attention to language that reveals their stance, such as adverbs (e.g., “surprisingly”, “clearly”), adjectives (e.g., “essential”, “unnecessary”), and modal verbs (e.g., “should”, “might”).
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Don’t over-infer: Be wary of drawing your own conclusions or making assumptions that aren’t directly supported by the text. If the writer’s opinion on a particular aspect is unclear or not mentioned, the answer is likely “Not Given”.
Illustrative Example
Let’s consider an example from a past IELTS Reading passage:
Text: “Many researchers believe that the increasing use of technology is leading to a decline in social interaction among young people.”
Statement: The author supports the view that technology is negatively impacting social skills.
Analysis:
- Keywords in the statement: “supports”, “negatively impacting”, “social skills”
- Textual evidence: The text states that researchers believe technology is leading to a “decline in social interaction”. This supports the idea of a negative impact on social skills.
- Answer: Yes
Tips for Success
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with the question format and develop your skimming and scanning skills by working through practice tests and sample exercises.
- Time management is crucial: Allocate your time wisely and avoid spending too long on any single question. If you’re unsure, mark it and return to it later.
- Don’t let doubts paralyze you: Trust your instincts and make an educated guess if you’re unsure. Leaving a question blank won’t earn you any points.
Conclusion
Mastering Yes/No/Not Given questions requires a keen eye for detail, an understanding of the writer’s perspective, and plenty of practice. By implementing these strategies and tips, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to excel in this challenging aspect of the IELTS Reading test. Remember, every step you take towards understanding this question type brings you closer to achieving your desired IELTS score.