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One of the most confusing question types in the IELTS Reading test is Yes/No/Not Given and True/False/Not Given. At first glance, they look almost the same, but they actually test slightly different skills. Many candidates lose marks because they treat them the same way. In this post, we’ll break down the difference, give you practical strategies, and share examples to make things clear ;
1. The Main Difference
True/False/Not Given
*Used for "factual information".
* The question checks whether a statement matches the facts in the passage.
* TRUE = matches the passage exactly.
* FALSE = contradicts the passage.
* NOT GIVEN = the passage does not contain enough information to say if it’s true or false.
Yes/No/Not Given
* Used for opinion, belief, or claim.
* The question asks whether the statement agrees with the writer’s or another person’s opinion expressed in the text.
* YES = agrees with the opinion in the passage.
* NO = the passage clearly shows the opposite opinion.
* NOT GIVEN = no clear opinion is given in the passage about that statement.
💡 Quick Tip: If the passage is stating facts, expect True/False/Not Given. If it’s discussing views or beliefs, expect Yes/No/Not Given.
IELTS Success Guide 2026 By IELTS Star
2. Example to Understand the Difference
Example Passage:
Dr. Davidson believes that regular exercise can improve memory in adults over 50. However, she also warns that excessive training may cause fatigue. Scientific studies show no clear link between exercise and creativity.
True/False/Not Given Example:
1. Adults over 50 can improve their memory with regular exercise.
TRUE – Matches the fact in the passage.
2. Exercise improves creativity in older adults.
FALSE – Passage says there is no clear link.
3. Dr. Davidson recommends daily gym workouts for everyone.
NOT GIVEN– The passage never mentions daily workouts.
Yes/No/Not Given Example:
1. Dr. Davidson thinks regular exercise benefits memory in adults over 50.
YES – This is her opinion, which matches the statement.
2. Dr. Davidson believes exercise is harmful for memory.
NO – Her opinion is the opposite.
3. Dr. Davidson believes exercise improves creativity.
NOT GIVEN – No opinion from Dr. Davidson about creativity
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Mixing up fact and opinion
*Always check if the question is asking about what is true in reality (fact) or what someone thinks(opinion).
2. Guessing from your own knowledge
* Base your answer only on the passage, not what you know in real life.
3. Confusing ‘No’ with ‘Not Given’
* NO or FALSE means the text says the opposite.
* NOT GIVEN means the text doesn’t provide enough information.
4. Not noticing the question type
* If you read the instructions carefully, you’ll know whether to use True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given. They are never mixed in the same set.
4. Step-by-Step Strategy
Step 1 – Read the statement carefully
Identify whether it’s about fact or opinion.
Step 2 – Scan the passage for keywords
Look for names, dates, or specific words in the statement.
Step 3 – Read closely
Once you find the relevant sentence, read a little before and after to understand
the full meaning.
Step 4 – Decide your answer
* If it matches exactly → TRUE or YES
* If it clearly says the opposite → FALSE or NO.
* If there’s not enough detail → NOT GIVEN
5. Practice Exercise
Passage:
Many scientists agree that climate change is affecting polar bear populations. However, some researchers argue that hunting has a greater impact than climate. There is little evidence to show that polar bears can adapt quickly to these changes.
Questions:
True/False/Not Given
1. Hunting is the only threat to polar bears.
2. Climate change affects polar bear populations.
3. Polar bears are able to adapt quickly to changes.
Yes/No/Not Given
4\. Many scientists believe climate change affects polar bears.
5\. Some researchers believe hunting is a bigger threat than climate change.
6\. Researchers are confident polar bears can adapt to climate change.
(Answers: 1 – FALSE, 2 – TRUE, 3 – FALSE, 4 – YES, 5 – YES, 6 – NO)
6. Final Tips
* Always read the instructions. IELTS is very clear about which type you’re answering.
* Don’t overthink; base your answer strictly on the passage.
* Remember: TRUE/FALSE = fact checking, YES/NO = opinion checking.
* Practice regularly—these questions are common in the IELTS Reading test.
Conclusion:
Yes/No/Not Given and True/False/Not Given questions may look similar, but they test different reading skills. The key is to identify whether the statement is a fact or an opinion and then compare it carefully with the information in the passage. With enough practice and a clear strategy, you can master both types and score higher in IELTS Reading.
Related post: What is Skimming and scanning in IELTS Reading
True/false/Not given vs Yes/No/Not given
IELTS Listening format, Band score, Example,
Why is vocabulary important in IELTS?
Official IELTS sites
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