IELTS Reading skill guide

Yes/No/Not Given vs True/False/Not Given in IELTS Reading

Use True/False/Not Given for information and Yes/No/Not Given for the writer’s views or claims; judge only what the text establishes.

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Fact-checked: 1 August 2026Nepal learner guideOfficial IELTS sources
AttemptExplainRetest
A useful method produces evidence: fewer repeated errors on a fresh task.
Understand the task

What undefined requires

True/False/Not Given asks whether a statement agrees with factual information in the text. Yes/No/Not Given asks whether it agrees with the writer’s views or claims. False or No requires contradiction; Not Given means the text does not establish either agreement or contradiction.

Academic Reading contains three sections and 40 questions in 60 minutes. Different task types test main ideas, specific details, opinions, relationships and the ability to follow paraphrased meaning.

Use True/False/Not Given for information and Yes/No/Not Given for the writer’s views or claims; judge only what the text establishes.

For an AIO-friendly answer, keep the rule, the action and the evidence together. Do not treat a memorised trick as a substitute for understanding the prompt, locating support or checking the final response. Use official sample material for format accuracy and record the reason behind every correction.

Step-by-step method

A reliable method for undefined

Use the steps in order during untimed practice. Add pressure only after the method is accurate and repeatable.

Step 1

Identify the task

Check whether the instruction names information or the writer’s views and claims.

Evidence check: The correct answer labels are used

Step 2

Simplify the statement

Separate subject, claim, comparison and qualifiers such as all, mainly or may.

Evidence check: A clear proposition to test

Step 3

Locate the relevant area

Scan for the subject and paraphrased idea rather than identical wording.

Evidence check: Evidence comes from the text

Step 4

Test agreement

Choose True or Yes only when the complete meaning agrees.

Evidence check: Every qualifier is supported

Step 5

Test contradiction

Choose False or No only when the text establishes the opposite.

Evidence check: Opposing evidence is visible

Step 6

Use Not Given precisely

Select it when the necessary relationship or detail is absent.

Evidence check: No outside knowledge fills the gap

Worked example: Text: “Some researchers believe the policy may reduce traffic.” Statement: “All researchers agree the policy will eliminate traffic.” The difference in quantity and certainty prevents agreement; the exact answer depends on whether the text contradicts those claims or simply does not address them.

Common mistakes and corrections

  • No evidence means false: Missing information is treated as contradiction. Correction: Require explicit opposing evidence for False or No.
  • Outside knowledge: A generally true fact overrides the passage. Correction: Judge only the provided text.
  • Qualifier loss: Words such as always, some or most are ignored. Correction: Compare every limiting word.
  • Wrong label set: True is written for a writer-view question. Correction: Copy the labels from the instruction.

How to review one attempt

  • Write the task type and the exact instruction.
  • Record your answer before checking the key or feedback.
  • Locate the evidence or scoring criterion that controls the decision.
  • Explain why the wrong choice failed; do not write only “careless”.
  • Retest the corrected rule on a new task within seven days.
Practice workflow

A measurable practice plan for Yes No Not Given vs True False Not Given

Measure the behaviour that needs improvement, not only the final raw score.

StagePracticeEvidence to record
BaselineComplete one official-style undefined task under controlled conditions.Accuracy, time and confidence before checking
Evidence reviewLocate the text evidence or scoring requirement behind each decision.A concise evidence note for every error
Focused correctionPractise the weakest micro-skill without full-test pressure.Accuracy on a small targeted set
Timed transferUse the corrected method on a fresh task under realistic time.Accuracy and time remain stable together
Delayed retestRepeat the same task type within seven days using new material.The original error is less likely to return
Relevant MKS support

Connect this skill to a complete IELTS learning system

Use only the support that addresses the diagnosed problem and fits the learner’s schedule.

Question-type diagnosis

Separate main-idea, detail, opinion and completion errors in an individual log.

Timed computer practice

Build navigation and timing without sacrificing evidence-based answers.

Reviewed correction

Explain why the chosen answer is supported and why each distractor fails.

MKS Education offers physical, online and hybrid IELTS classes in Putalisadak, recordings for every learning mode, physical books, iOS and Android practice, an eight-week guided course with six-month access, and continued support. Learners needing repetition may join suitable classes without another class charge, subject to attendance, current schedules and seat availability.

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Build the next practice week from evidence

Bring your current score profile, target, test date and one reviewed attempt. Use them to choose the next skill, task type and feedback cycle.

Official sources

Verify the IELTS format and criteria

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Related MKS IELTS guides

What is the main rule for Yes No Not Given vs True False Not Given?

True/False/Not Given asks whether a statement agrees with factual information in the text. Yes/No/Not Given asks whether it agrees with the writer’s views or claims. False or No requires contradiction; Not Given means the text does not establish either agreement or contradiction.

How should I practise Yes No Not Given vs True False Not Given?

First, check whether the instruction names information or the writer’s views and claims. Then, separate subject, claim, comparison and qualifiers such as all, mainly or may. Keep a dated error log and retest the same skill on a fresh official-style task.

What is a common mistake with Yes No Not Given vs True False Not Given?

Missing information is treated as contradiction. Correct it this way: Require explicit opposing evidence for False or No.

Can this Yes No Not Given vs True False Not Given strategy guarantee Band 7?

No. A strategy can make practice more accurate and efficient, but no method or institute controls the official band. Language level, task performance and consistent response to feedback still matter.

How can MKS Education support Yes No Not Given vs True False Not Given practice?

Separate main-idea, detail, opinion and completion errors in an individual log. Build navigation and timing without sacrificing evidence-based answers. Explain why the chosen answer is supported and why each distractor fails.

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