Yes / No / Not Given
Yes / No / Not Given: identify the writer’s views and claims — and how it differs from True / False / Not Given.
In this lesson you will
- Distinguish views/claims (YNNG) from facts (TFNG)
- Identify the writer’s opinion language
- Avoid inferring opinions the writer doesn’t express
Learn
Yes / No / Not Given questions test the writer’s opinions or claims, not facts. Yes = the writer agrees; No = the writer disagrees/contradicts; Not Given = the writer doesn’t express a view on it.
Opinion language: I believe, arguably, it is clear that, sadly, surprisingly, it would be a mistake to, there is no doubt that, the evidence strongly suggests.
Careful with reported views: Some critics claim… is not the writer’s view unless the writer agrees. Look for the writer’s response: …but this is unconvincing.
Method: same as TFNG — key words, locate, read closely — but ask What does the writer think?
| Passage | Statement | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The writer: “Remote work has clearly improved many people’s lives.” | Remote work has benefited many workers. | Yes |
| “Some argue offices are obsolete; this is an exaggeration.” | Offices are no longer needed. | No |
| The writer discusses productivity only. | Remote work reduces pollution. | Not Given |
Examples
- “Critics say the scheme is too costly. They are mistaken.” → the writer believes the scheme is not too costly.
- “Many people assume X.” → not necessarily the writer’s view.
- “Sadly, the plan was abandoned.” → the writer regrets the decision.
Vocabulary
claim
a statement that something is true
view
an opinion
obsolete
no longer used or needed
unconvincing
not persuasive
reported view
someone else’s opinion described by the writer
Practice
Passage: “It would be a serious mistake to cut funding for public libraries.” — Statement: The writer thinks library funding should be reduced.
Lesson quiz
Passage: “Surprisingly, the smaller schools achieved better results.” — Statement: The writer expected smaller schools to do better.
Review
Key points
- Yes = writer agrees; No = writer disagrees; NG = no view given.
- Watch opinion language.
- Separate reported views from the writer’s view.
- Same method as TFNG.
What you learned
- ✓ I can answer YNNG questions.
- ✓ I identify the writer’s views.
- ✓ I don’t confuse reported views.