Often confused with True/False/Not Given (TFNG), the Yes/No/Not Given (YNNG) question type deals with opinions or beliefs, rather than facts. Many candidates lose marks by treating both types the same — but there are key differences that you must understand to answer YNNG questions with confidence and accuracy.

✅ 1. What Are Yes/No/Not Given Questions?

These questions ask whether a statement agrees with the view, opinion, or belief of the writer or another person mentioned in the passage.

Your job is to determine if the statement is:

✅ Yes — The writer (or person mentioned) agrees with or clearly expresses that view.
❌ No — The writer disagrees or says the opposite.
❓ Not Given — The view is not mentioned or there’s not enough information to decide.

🧠 Key difference from TFNG: You’re matching opinions, not facts.

✅ 2. Why These Questions Are Tricky

These questions require you to:

Identify who is expressing the opinion.
Recognize whether the statement is an agreement, disagreement, or not addressed.
Avoid inserting your own logic or general knowledge into the answer.

IELTS test makers often hide the opinion in long, complex sentences or surround it with extra information to distract you.

✅ 3. Step-by-Step Strategy to Tackle YNNG Questions

📌 Step 1: Read the Statement Slowly

Understand exactly what the opinion is claiming. Focus on who the statement is about, and note any qualifying words (e.g., “believes”, “claims”, “argues”).

📌 Step 2: Find the Relevant Section in the Passage

Use scanning to locate the person or topic mentioned. For example, if the statement is about “Dr. Martin’s view on AI”, find where Dr. Martin is quoted or mentioned.

📌 Step 3: Match Opinion, Not Just Words

Ask yourself:

Is this exact opinion clearly stated by the person/writer?
Is the writer agreeing or disagreeing?
Or is this point not addressed at all?

Remember: You are matching attitude, belief, or viewpoint, not general facts.

📌 Step 4: Choose Carefully

If the writer/person expresses the same opinion | ✅ Yes

If the writer/person expresses the opposite opinion | ❌ No

If the writer/person’s opinion is not clearly given | ❓ Not Given

✅ 4. Tips to Avoid Common Traps

🔹 Don’t Assume Based on Common Sense

Even if the opinion sounds logical, unless the author or person says it, it’s Not Given.

🔹 Watch Out for Attribution

Make sure the opinion is from the correct source. Just because a viewpoint appears in the paragraph doesn’t mean it’s the author’s — it might be attributed to someone else.

❗ “The writer mentions it” doesn’t mean “the writer believes it.”

✅ 5. Example to Practice

Statement: Professor White believes that online learning can completely replace traditional classrooms.
Passage: Professor White admits that while online education is flexible and accessible, it lacks the depth of classroom interaction and is best used as a supplement to traditional methods.

➡️ Professor White does not believe online learning can completely replace classrooms. In fact, he supports the opposite.

✅ Answer: No

✅ 6. Practice Tip: Rephrase in Your Own Words

Before answering, try to rephrase the statement in your own words and compare it with what the passage says. This helps you detach from the question’s confusing wording and focus on the meaning.

🎯 Quick Recap

Yes/No/Not Given = Opinion/Belief based
Look for who holds the opinion
Avoid confusing with TFNG
Only mark Yes/No if the opinion is clearly expressed
If unsure — it’s probably Not Given

💬 Final Thought

🧠 “In IELTS Reading, your job is to be an opinion detective — not a mind reader.”

Mastering YNNG questions is all about understanding whose opinion counts and whether it’s clearly stated, contradicted, or missing. With this clarity, you’ll be miles ahead of other test-takers.