IELTS Reading: Yes/No/Not Given Questions – Step-by-Step Guide with Practice Passages

Among all IELTS Reading question types, Yes/No/Not Given often confuses test-takers the most. Unlike True/False/Not Given (which deals with factual statements), this type focuses on opinions, claims, and attitudes of the writer. The biggest challenge is correctly identifying Not Given — when the passage does not say anything about the statement.

In this lesson, you will learn:

• What Yes/No/Not Given questions are
• A step-by-step guide to solving them
• A sample passage on wisdom and happiness with detailed answers (including two Not Given questions)
• A practice passage for you to try

What Are Yes/No/Not Given Questions?

• YES = The statement agrees with the writer’s claim.
• NO = The statement contradicts the writer’s claim.
• NOT GIVEN = The passage does not mention this information at all.

⚠️ Remember: Do not use your own knowledge. Only rely on the passage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Solve Yes/No/Not Given

1. Read the instructions carefully – Confirm it’s Yes/No/Not Given (not True/False/Not Given).
2. Skim the passage – Get the general idea.
3. Underline keywords in the statement – Focus on names, dates, strong adjectives, or comparisons.
4. Locate relevant part in passage – Scan for synonyms and paraphrases.
5. Decide:
   • If meaning matches writer’s view → YES
   • If meaning contradicts writer’s view → NO
   • If there is no clear mention → NOT GIVEN

Sample Passage (Wisdom and Happiness)

Passage (approx. 300 words, IELTS style):

Wisdom has often been described as a guiding light for human happiness. Philosophers from ancient times believed that a wise person lives a life of balance and avoids extremes. According to Aristotle, wisdom lies in the ability to choose the “golden mean,” neither too much nor too little, and this approach naturally leads to contentment.

In modern psychology, however, happiness is frequently linked to measurable factors such as income levels, physical health, and social relationships. While wisdom may encourage people to make good choices, researchers argue that these external conditions play a far more direct role in determining well-being. For instance, a person with strong friendships and a stable financial background is statistically more likely to report higher life satisfaction, regardless of whether they are considered wise.

Nevertheless, wisdom is not without value. Studies show that wise individuals are better at coping with setbacks. They tend to accept difficulties as part of life and demonstrate resilience, which in turn reduces stress. Some psychologists suggest that wisdom may act as a “buffer” that softens the impact of negative experiences.

Yet, it is difficult to measure wisdom scientifically. Unlike income or health, which can be quantified, wisdom remains subjective and culturally dependent. A behavior considered wise in one society may be viewed differently in another. Because of this, many researchers hesitate to claim that wisdom is the main path to happiness, though they acknowledge its supportive role.

Questions

1. Aristotle believed that wisdom leads to happiness through moderation.
2. Modern psychology agrees that wisdom is the most important factor in happiness.
3. People with strong friendships are always wiser than those without.
4. Wisdom helps people handle life’s challenges more effectively.
5. Researchers have developed a universal scientific scale to measure wisdom.

Answers with Explanations

1. YES – The passage says Aristotle linked wisdom to choosing the “golden mean,” leading to contentment.
2. NO – Modern psychology says happiness is linked to income, health, and relationships, not wisdom as the main factor.
3. NOT GIVEN – The text says people with strong friendships are more satisfied, but it does not say they are wiser.
4. YES – Passage states wise individuals cope better with setbacks and stress.
5. NOT GIVEN – The passage says wisdom is hard to measure; it never mentions a “universal scale.”

Practice Activity for Readers

Passage (approx. 280 words, IELTS style):

Happiness is often portrayed as the ultimate goal of life, but what defines it remains a subject of debate. Economists argue that wealth contributes significantly to happiness, pointing to surveys where higher income correlates with higher life satisfaction. However, critics argue that after a certain point, more money adds little to overall well-being.

Philosophers, on the other hand, have long maintained that happiness comes from inner contentment rather than material possessions. The Stoics, for example, claimed that true happiness lies in mastering desires and accepting the natural course of events. Modern minimalists echo similar ideas, suggesting that owning fewer possessions reduces stress and creates a sense of freedom.

Interestingly, neuroscientists have begun studying the brain’s role in happiness. Research shows that certain patterns of brain activity are associated with positive moods. Meditation, for instance, has been found to alter these patterns, increasing a person’s sense of well-being.

Despite these discoveries, no single explanation satisfies all perspectives. Happiness seems to be a complex interaction of external conditions, inner mindset, and even biology. This complexity makes it difficult to define a universal formula that applies to everyone.

Practice Questions

1. Economists believe that money always guarantees happiness.
2. The Stoics emphasized accepting events as they happen.
3. Minimalists argue that reducing possessions can improve happiness.
4. Neuroscientific research has proven that meditation guarantees permanent happiness.
5. All experts agree on one universal definition of happiness.

Answer Key (for self-check)

1. NO – Passage says more money helps but only up to a point.
2. YES – Stoics believed in accepting events.
3. YES – Minimalists claim fewer possessions reduce stress.
4. NO – Meditation alters brain patterns but does not guarantee permanent happiness.
5. NO – Passage clearly states there is no universal explanation.

Final Tips

• Not Given = not mentioned at all. Do not guess or assume.
• Pay close attention to words like always, never, only, most important — they often change the answer.
• Practice with real IELTS-level passages to build confidence.

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