Yes / No / Not Given Questions

Yes / No / Not Given (YNNG) questions appear less frequently than True / False / Not Given but are often considered more difficult. While TFNG deals with factual information, YNNG deals with the writer's views, claims, and opinions. Understanding this distinction is critical for Band 7+.

---

The Key Difference: Facts vs. Opinions

Question Type	What It Tests
True / False / Not Given	Whether a statement matches the factual information in the passage
Yes / No / Not Given	Whether a statement matches the writer's views or claims

This means you need to identify not just what the passage says, but what the writer thinks, believes, argues, or recommends.

The Three Options

• YES — The statement agrees with the views or claims of the writer.
• NO — The statement contradicts the views or claims of the writer.
• NOT GIVEN — It is impossible to determine the writer's view on this from the passage.

---

Identifying the Writer's Views

Academic passages often present multiple viewpoints. Your job is to distinguish:

1. The writer's own opinion — what they personally believe or argue
2. Other people's opinions — views the writer reports but may not share
3. Factual statements — objective information with no opinion attached

Language That Signals the Writer's Opinion

Look for these phrases that indicate the writer is expressing a view:

Strong Opinion Markers
═══════════════════════════════════════
"I believe..."           "It is clear that..."
"It is essential that..."  "The evidence suggests..."
"Arguably..."            "This is a mistake..."
"Undoubtedly..."         "The most important..."
"It would be wrong to..."  "We should..."
"It is vital that..."    "This approach is flawed..."

Reporting Other People's Views
═══════════════════════════════════════
"According to Smith..."    "Critics argue that..."
"Some researchers claim..." "Proponents suggest..."
"It has been argued that..." "Opponents of this view..."

Band 7+ Strategy: When the passage says "Smith argues that X is important," this is Smith's view, not necessarily the writer's. Only attribute views to the writer when the writer clearly endorses them or states them as their own position.

---

Worked Examples

Example Passage (excerpt):

"Urban green spaces provide numerous benefits to city residents, from improved air quality to enhanced mental health. However, some urban planners argue that the economic cost of maintaining parks outweighs their benefits. This view is, in my opinion, short-sighted. The long-term health benefits alone — reduced healthcare costs, lower rates of depression, and increased physical activity — more than justify the investment. Furthermore, cities that prioritise green infrastructure tend to attract more businesses and residents, boosting local economies. While I acknowledge that budget constraints are real, I believe that green spaces should be considered essential infrastructure, not a luxury."

Example Statements:

Statement 1: "The economic cost of parks is greater than their benefits."

• The writer reports that some urban planners argue this.
• However, the writer explicitly calls this view "short-sighted."
• The writer disagrees with this statement.
• Answer: NO

Statement 2: "Green spaces contribute to better mental health."

• The writer states that green spaces provide "enhanced mental health" as a benefit.
• This aligns with the writer's view.
• Answer: YES

Statement 3: "Green spaces should be treated as essential infrastructure."

• The writer explicitly states: "I believe that green spaces should be considered essential infrastructure."
• This directly matches the statement.
• Answer: YES

Statement 4: "The government should increase taxes to fund urban parks."

• The writer discusses the importance of green spaces and mentions budget constraints.
• However, the writer says nothing about taxes specifically.
• Answer: NOT GIVEN

---

Common Traps

Trap 1: Confusing the Writer's View with Someone Else's

Passage: "Professor Chen argues that standardised testing is harmful to students. However, extensive research has shown that well-designed tests can provide valuable feedback for both teachers and students."

Statement: "Standardised testing is harmful to students."

• This is Professor Chen's view, but the passage goes on to present a contrasting perspective (implied to be the writer's view, using "however" and "extensive research").
• The writer appears to disagree with Chen.
• Answer: NO

Trap 2: Implied vs. Stated Opinions