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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 1
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July 24, 2025
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – The Life Cycle of a Butterfly)
What are Factual Information Questions?
Factual Information Questions in TOEFL Reading test your ability to find and understand key details and facts stated directly in a passage. To succeed, you need to read carefully, locate information, and match the question to the correct part of the text. This question type helps you develop the skill of “reading for detail”—essential for academic reading!
Factual Information Questions in TOEFL Reading test your ability to find and understand key details and facts stated directly in a passage. To succeed, you need to read carefully, locate information, and match the question to the correct part of the text. This question type helps you develop the skill of “reading for detail”—essential for academic reading!
How to Answer Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Understand exactly what information is being asked for. Focus on keywords such as “according to the passage,” “what does the passage say about…,” or “which statement is true….”
Example: “According to the passage, which stage comes immediately before the butterfly becomes an adult?”
Understand exactly what information is being asked for. Focus on keywords such as “according to the passage,” “what does the passage say about…,” or “which statement is true….”
Example: “According to the passage, which stage comes immediately before the butterfly becomes an adult?”
2
Identify Key Words in the Question and Choices:
Underline or mentally note key words that will help you search for the right part of the passage.
Example: If the question asks about “caterpillar,” “chrysalis,” or “egg,” those words guide your search.
Underline or mentally note key words that will help you search for the right part of the passage.
Example: If the question asks about “caterpillar,” “chrysalis,” or “egg,” those words guide your search.
3
Scan and Skim for Relevant Parts of the Passage:
Use the keywords to scan the passage and locate the sentence or paragraph where that information appears. Do not reread the entire text word by word.
Example: Look for the paragraph where “chrysalis” is described if the question mentions it.
Use the keywords to scan the passage and locate the sentence or paragraph where that information appears. Do not reread the entire text word by word.
Example: Look for the paragraph where “chrysalis” is described if the question mentions it.
4
Read the Relevant Section Closely:
Once you’ve found the correct paragraph, read it carefully. Look for facts, dates, names, or descriptions that answer the question directly.
Example: Read the sentences describing what happens inside the chrysalis.
Once you’ve found the correct paragraph, read it carefully. Look for facts, dates, names, or descriptions that answer the question directly.
Example: Read the sentences describing what happens inside the chrysalis.
5
Compare Each Answer Choice to the Text:
For each answer, check if it matches exactly what is stated in the passage. If you cannot find support for a choice, it is probably incorrect. Only pick what is directly supported by the text.
Example: If the passage says “the caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf,” that fact must be supported in the answer.
For each answer, check if it matches exactly what is stated in the passage. If you cannot find support for a choice, it is probably incorrect. Only pick what is directly supported by the text.
Example: If the passage says “the caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf,” that fact must be supported in the answer.
6
Eliminate Incorrect or Unrelated Answers:
Cross out answers that contradict the passage or are not mentioned. Focus only on details that are explicitly stated.
Example: If one choice says “the butterfly skips the chrysalis stage,” eliminate it because the passage states the chrysalis stage is essential.
Cross out answers that contradict the passage or are not mentioned. Focus only on details that are explicitly stated.
Example: If one choice says “the butterfly skips the chrysalis stage,” eliminate it because the passage states the chrysalis stage is essential.
7
Choose the Best Answer:
Select the answer that matches the information in the passage most closely and completely. Double-check your choice by rereading the relevant part of the text.
Tip: If two choices look similar, pick the one that matches the text word for word or with the closest meaning.
Select the answer that matches the information in the passage most closely and completely. Double-check your choice by rereading the relevant part of the text.
Tip: If two choices look similar, pick the one that matches the text word for word or with the closest meaning.
8
Review Your Answer:
Before moving on, reread the question and your chosen answer. Make sure your answer is based 100% on the passage, not on background knowledge or outside information.
Example: Check that your answer is not just logical, but also directly supported by the passage.
Before moving on, reread the question and your chosen answer. Make sure your answer is based 100% on the passage, not on background knowledge or outside information.
Example: Check that your answer is not just logical, but also directly supported by the passage.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“According to the passage, what is the first stage in the life cycle of a butterfly?”
Choices:
(A) Caterpillar
(B) Egg
(C) Adult Butterfly
(D) Chrysalis
Correct Answer: (B) Egg
Explanation: The passage states that the butterfly begins its life as an egg. The other stages follow after. Always match your answer with the explicit facts from the reading!
“According to the passage, what is the first stage in the life cycle of a butterfly?”
Choices:
(A) Caterpillar
(B) Egg
(C) Adult Butterfly
(D) Chrysalis
Correct Answer: (B) Egg
Explanation: The passage states that the butterfly begins its life as an egg. The other stages follow after. Always match your answer with the explicit facts from the reading!
Reading Passage: The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Paragraph 1:
Butterflies are some of the most fascinating insects in the natural world. Their colorful wings and graceful flight attract people of all ages. But behind their beauty is a remarkable journey that every butterfly must take, known as the life cycle. The butterfly’s life is a story of amazing transformation, from a tiny egg to a flying adult. This process is called metamorphosis, and it happens in four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly.
Butterflies are some of the most fascinating insects in the natural world. Their colorful wings and graceful flight attract people of all ages. But behind their beauty is a remarkable journey that every butterfly must take, known as the life cycle. The butterfly’s life is a story of amazing transformation, from a tiny egg to a flying adult. This process is called metamorphosis, and it happens in four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly.
Paragraph 2:
The first stage of a butterfly’s life begins when a female butterfly carefully lays her eggs, often on the underside of a leaf. The eggs are very small, sometimes no bigger than the head of a pin. Each species of butterfly chooses a specific type of plant, called a host plant, because the young caterpillars will need to eat these leaves when they hatch. The eggs can be round, oval, or even shaped like tiny barrels, and they are usually glued tightly to the leaf for safety.
The first stage of a butterfly’s life begins when a female butterfly carefully lays her eggs, often on the underside of a leaf. The eggs are very small, sometimes no bigger than the head of a pin. Each species of butterfly chooses a specific type of plant, called a host plant, because the young caterpillars will need to eat these leaves when they hatch. The eggs can be round, oval, or even shaped like tiny barrels, and they are usually glued tightly to the leaf for safety.
Paragraph 3:
Inside each egg, a new life is growing. Depending on the species and the weather, the egg stage lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Soon, a tiny larva, known as a caterpillar, breaks free by chewing its way out of the eggshell. Many caterpillars eat their eggshell first, which gives them important nutrients. After that, their main job is to eat and grow.
Inside each egg, a new life is growing. Depending on the species and the weather, the egg stage lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Soon, a tiny larva, known as a caterpillar, breaks free by chewing its way out of the eggshell. Many caterpillars eat their eggshell first, which gives them important nutrients. After that, their main job is to eat and grow.
Paragraph 4:
The caterpillar is very different from the adult butterfly. It has a long, soft, and sometimes hairy body with several pairs of legs. Most caterpillars are hungry almost all the time. They spend their days eating leaves and growing quickly. As they grow, their skin becomes tight and does not stretch, so the caterpillar must shed, or molt, its skin several times. Each time it molts, it becomes a little bigger and stronger.
The caterpillar is very different from the adult butterfly. It has a long, soft, and sometimes hairy body with several pairs of legs. Most caterpillars are hungry almost all the time. They spend their days eating leaves and growing quickly. As they grow, their skin becomes tight and does not stretch, so the caterpillar must shed, or molt, its skin several times. Each time it molts, it becomes a little bigger and stronger.
Paragraph 5:
This stage of eating and growing can last from a week to a month, depending on the butterfly species and the temperature. During this period, the caterpillar may increase its size thousands of times. Some caterpillars develop bright colors or special markings that warn birds and other animals they are poisonous or taste bad. Others blend into their surroundings to hide from predators.
This stage of eating and growing can last from a week to a month, depending on the butterfly species and the temperature. During this period, the caterpillar may increase its size thousands of times. Some caterpillars develop bright colors or special markings that warn birds and other animals they are poisonous or taste bad. Others blend into their surroundings to hide from predators.
Paragraph 6:
When the caterpillar is fully grown, it stops eating and begins looking for a safe place to change. Usually, it attaches itself to a branch or the underside of a leaf using a special silk thread that it spins. The caterpillar then sheds its skin one last time, revealing a hard shell underneath. This new form is called the chrysalis or pupa.
When the caterpillar is fully grown, it stops eating and begins looking for a safe place to change. Usually, it attaches itself to a branch or the underside of a leaf using a special silk thread that it spins. The caterpillar then sheds its skin one last time, revealing a hard shell underneath. This new form is called the chrysalis or pupa.
Paragraph 7:
The chrysalis stage is one of the most mysterious parts of the butterfly’s life cycle. On the outside, the pupa appears still and quiet, but inside, amazing changes are happening. The caterpillar’s body is broken down and re-formed into a butterfly. Legs, wings, antennae, and other adult features grow inside the protective shell. Depending on the species and the environment, this stage can last from ten days to several months. Some butterflies even stay in the pupa over the winter, waiting for warmer weather.
The chrysalis stage is one of the most mysterious parts of the butterfly’s life cycle. On the outside, the pupa appears still and quiet, but inside, amazing changes are happening. The caterpillar’s body is broken down and re-formed into a butterfly. Legs, wings, antennae, and other adult features grow inside the protective shell. Depending on the species and the environment, this stage can last from ten days to several months. Some butterflies even stay in the pupa over the winter, waiting for warmer weather.
Paragraph 8:
When the transformation is complete, the adult butterfly is ready to emerge. It breaks through the shell of the chrysalis, usually early in the morning when the air is moist. At first, the butterfly’s wings are soft and crumpled. The butterfly hangs upside down, allowing blood to flow into its wings, and waits for them to dry and harden. After a few hours, it is ready to fly.
When the transformation is complete, the adult butterfly is ready to emerge. It breaks through the shell of the chrysalis, usually early in the morning when the air is moist. At first, the butterfly’s wings are soft and crumpled. The butterfly hangs upside down, allowing blood to flow into its wings, and waits for them to dry and harden. After a few hours, it is ready to fly.
Paragraph 9:
The adult butterfly’s main goal is to find a mate and lay eggs for the next generation. Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, which gives them the energy they need to fly and reproduce. Their bright colors and patterns help them find mates and sometimes protect them from predators by warning of poison or allowing them to blend in with their surroundings. Some butterflies live only a week, while others may survive for several months, depending on the species.
The adult butterfly’s main goal is to find a mate and lay eggs for the next generation. Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, which gives them the energy they need to fly and reproduce. Their bright colors and patterns help them find mates and sometimes protect them from predators by warning of poison or allowing them to blend in with their surroundings. Some butterflies live only a week, while others may survive for several months, depending on the species.
Paragraph 10:
The life cycle of a butterfly helps keep nature in balance. Caterpillars are an important food source for birds and other animals. Butterflies help pollinate flowers as they move from one plant to another. Their presence in an ecosystem shows that the environment is healthy. People everywhere admire butterflies for their beauty, but few realize how important they are for plants, animals, and people.
The life cycle of a butterfly helps keep nature in balance. Caterpillars are an important food source for birds and other animals. Butterflies help pollinate flowers as they move from one plant to another. Their presence in an ecosystem shows that the environment is healthy. People everywhere admire butterflies for their beauty, but few realize how important they are for plants, animals, and people.
Paragraph 11:
Sometimes, butterflies face dangers from pesticides, pollution, and the loss of wild plants. Many scientists and conservationists work to protect butterflies by planting wildflowers and avoiding harmful chemicals. Gardens full of native plants can give butterflies and their caterpillars a place to feed, grow, and complete their life cycles. Protecting butterflies means protecting the whole environment.
Sometimes, butterflies face dangers from pesticides, pollution, and the loss of wild plants. Many scientists and conservationists work to protect butterflies by planting wildflowers and avoiding harmful chemicals. Gardens full of native plants can give butterflies and their caterpillars a place to feed, grow, and complete their life cycles. Protecting butterflies means protecting the whole environment.
Paragraph 12:
In summary, the butterfly’s life cycle is a wonderful example of change and growth in nature. Starting as a tiny egg, passing through the stages of hungry caterpillar and silent chrysalis, and finally becoming a beautiful butterfly, this process is a miracle of the natural world. Next time you see a butterfly, remember the incredible journey it has taken to reach you—a story of transformation, survival, and new beginnings.
In summary, the butterfly’s life cycle is a wonderful example of change and growth in nature. Starting as a tiny egg, passing through the stages of hungry caterpillar and silent chrysalis, and finally becoming a beautiful butterfly, this process is a miracle of the natural world. Next time you see a butterfly, remember the incredible journey it has taken to reach you—a story of transformation, survival, and new beginnings.
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is directly supported by the passage. When you select an answer, you will instantly see a detailed explanation!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Review each answer with clear step-by-step logic. These explanations show how to use the strategy from the tutorial and check the reading passage for accurate answers.
Q1: (B)
According to the passage, what is the main job of a caterpillar?
Step 1: Focus on the specific task of the caterpillar in the life cycle.
Step 2: Scan for “caterpillar” in the passage; the text says its job is to eat and grow.
Step 3: Eliminate options about flying, laying eggs, and pollinating, as these are adult butterfly actions.
Step 4: Double-check: “Most caterpillars are hungry almost all the time. They spend their days eating leaves and growing quickly.”
Step 5: (B) is fully supported by the text; none of the other choices match the stated facts.
Q2: (B)
What does a butterfly usually do right after emerging from the chrysalis?
Step 1: Find the passage part where the butterfly leaves the chrysalis (pupa).
Step 2: The text states, “At first, the butterfly’s wings are soft and crumpled... waits for them to dry and harden.”
Step 3: Eliminate choices about flying away immediately or laying eggs; the butterfly is not ready.
Step 4: Eating leaves is not mentioned; nectar feeding happens after flying.
Step 5: The clear answer is (B) waits for wings to dry/harden before flying.
Q3: (A)
Which of the following is the correct order of the butterfly life cycle?
Step 1: Read the opening and summary paragraphs for the sequence.
Step 2: The text states: “four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly.”
Step 3: Compare answer options to this sequence.
Step 4: (A) matches exactly: Egg → Caterpillar → Chrysalis → Adult Butterfly.
Step 5: All other choices mix up the order, so only (A) is correct.
Q4: (B)
What helps protect some caterpillars from predators, according to the passage?
Step 1: Find where the passage discusses caterpillar protection.
Step 2: “Some caterpillars develop bright colors or special markings that warn birds and other animals...”
Step 3: “Others blend into their surroundings to hide from predators.”
Step 4: There is no mention of webs, loud sounds, or speed as defenses.
Step 5: So, (B) bright colors or markings, is the answer directly from the passage.
Q5: (B)
Why do adult butterflies visit flowers?
Step 1: Locate where the adult butterfly’s behavior is described.
Step 2: The text says, “Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, which gives them the energy they need to fly and reproduce.”
Step 3: None of the other options (hiding, laying eggs in flowers, eating petals) are supported by the passage.
Step 4: Direct evidence: Only nectar for energy is mentioned.
Step 5: (B) is the correct, fully supported answer.
Q6: (B)
What is a chrysalis also called in the passage?
Step 1: Look for where the passage defines “chrysalis.”
Step 2: The text says, “This new form is called the chrysalis or pupa.”
Step 3: The other terms are defined elsewhere and are not synonyms for chrysalis.
Step 4: Confirm “pupa” is the only correct synonym here.
Step 5: Thus, the answer is (B) Pupa.
Q7: (A)
According to the passage, how do scientists and gardeners help butterflies?
Step 1: Find the passage section about protection and conservation.
Step 2: “Many scientists and conservationists work to protect butterflies by planting wildflowers and avoiding harmful chemicals.”
Step 3: “Gardens full of native plants can give butterflies... a place to feed, grow, and complete their life cycles.”
Step 4: All other answers are not mentioned or are opposite to the passage’s message.
Step 5: So, (A) planting wildflowers/native plants, is correct.
Q8: (A)
What is one important reason butterflies are good for the environment?
Step 1: Locate the benefit section in the passage.
Step 2: “Butterflies help pollinate flowers as they move from one plant to another.”
Step 3: Pollination is a crucial environmental service; other options are not in the text.
Step 4: Carefully match your answer with what is explicitly said, not with background knowledge.
Step 5: So, (A) help pollinate flowers, is the correct answer.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore the most challenging vocabulary from this passage! For each word: see phonetics, part of speech, usage patterns, definitions, example sentences, synonyms, and common mistakes. Hover to highlight each card.
Metamorphosis
/ˌmet.əˈmɔː.fə.sɪs/ (BrE) /ˌmet̬.əˈmɔːr.fə.sɪs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
metamorphosis + of/into + noun
Definition:
A complete and dramatic change in form or structure, especially as an insect develops from young to adult.
Example:
The butterfly undergoes metamorphosis during its life cycle. (It changes form at each stage.)
Common Mistake: Spelling “metamorphosis” incorrectly or using it for minor changes.
Larva
/ˈlɑː.və/ (BrE) /ˈlɑːr.və/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural: larvae)
Word Pattern:
larva/larvae + of + animal
Definition:
The young form of an insect that is very different from the adult.
Example:
A caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly. (It is the young stage.)
Common Mistake: Using “larva” for adult insects or mixing up singular/plural (“larvas”).
Chrysalis
/ˈkrɪs.ə.lɪs/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural: chrysalides /krɪˈsæl.ɪˌdiːz/)
Word Pattern:
inside/in a chrysalis
Definition:
A hard shell made by the caterpillar, inside which it changes into a butterfly.
Example:
The caterpillar becomes a chrysalis before turning into a butterfly.
Synonym: pupa
Common Mistake: Calling the chrysalis a “cocoon” (cocoons are for moths).
Pupa
/ˈpjuː.pə/ (BrE) /ˈpjuː.pə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural: pupae)
Word Pattern:
pupa + of + insect
Definition:
The stage between larva and adult when the insect is changing inside a case or shell.
Example:
The butterfly stays in the pupa for several days.
Synonym: chrysalis (for butterflies)
Common Mistake: Using “pupa” for other stages or for mammals.
Host plant
/həʊst plɑːnt/ (BrE) /hoʊst plænt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
host plant + for + animal
Definition:
The plant on which an insect lays eggs and on which the young feed.
Example:
Monarch butterflies use milkweed as their host plant.
Synonym: food plant
Common Mistake: Using “host” alone without “plant” for insects.
Molt
/məʊlt/ (BrE) /moʊlt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
molt + skin/shell; to molt (intransitive)
Definition:
To lose old skin, feathers, or shell and grow a new one.
Example:
The caterpillar molts its skin as it grows.
Common Mistake: Using “molt” as a noun for “skin.”
Predator
/ˈprɛd.ə.tər/ (BrE) /ˈpred.ə.tɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
predator + of; predator/prey
Definition:
An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
Example:
Birds are predators of caterpillars.
Synonym: hunter
Common Mistake: Mixing “predator” with “prey.”
Conservationist
/ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən.ɪst/ (BrE) /ˌkɑːn.sɚˈveɪ.ʃən.ɪst/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
conservationist + verb
Definition:
A person who works to protect nature and wildlife.
Example:
Conservationists help protect butterfly habitats.
Common Mistake: Using for someone who only observes nature, not acts to protect it.
Pollinate
/ˈpɒl.ɪ.neɪt/ (BrE) /ˈpɑː.lə.neɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
pollinate + noun
Definition:
To move pollen from one flower to another, allowing the plant to make seeds.
Example:
Butterflies pollinate many flowers as they feed.
Synonym: fertilize (in plants)
Common Mistake: Using “pollinate” for fertilizing animals.
Nectar
/ˈnek.tər/ (BrE) /ˈnek.tɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
nectar + of/from + flower
Definition:
A sweet liquid made by flowers that insects drink for energy.
Example:
Butterflies feed on nectar from many kinds of flowers.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “nectars” (it’s uncountable).
Underside
/ˈʌn.də.saɪd/ (BrE) /ˈʌn.dɚ.saɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
underside + of + noun
Definition:
The lower surface or bottom side of something.
Example:
Butterflies lay eggs on the underside of leaves.
Common Mistake: Using “underside” for the top.
Silk thread
/sɪlk θred/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
spin a silk thread; make + silk thread
Definition:
A fine, strong fiber produced by insects to make webs or attach themselves.
Example:
The caterpillar attaches itself with a silk thread.
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “silk” for any string (not all strings are silk thread).
Transformation
/ˌtræns.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
transformation + of/into + noun
Definition:
A complete and noticeable change.
Example:
The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly is amazing.
Synonym: change, conversion
Common Mistake: Confusing “transform” (verb) and “transformation” (noun).
Species
/ˈspiː.ʃiːz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural: species)
Word Pattern:
species + of + animal/plant
Definition:
A group of living things with the same characteristics, able to breed together.
Example:
There are many species of butterflies in the world.
Common Mistake: Using “specie” as the singular (correct: species).
Habitat
/ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ (BrE) /ˈhæb.ə.tæt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
habitat + of/for + animal/plant
Definition:
The natural home or environment of a plant or animal.
Example:
Wildflower gardens provide habitat for butterflies.
Synonym: environment
Common Mistake: Using “habitat” for people’s homes.
Predators
/ˈprɛd.ə.təz/ (BrE) /ˈpred.ə.tɚz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural)
Word Pattern:
predators + of + animal
Definition:
Animals that hunt and eat other animals.
Example:
Birds and lizards are predators of butterflies.
Synonym: hunters
Common Mistake: Mixing with “prey.”
Pollution
/pəˈluː.ʃən/ (BrE) /pəˈluː.ʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
pollution + of/in + place
Definition:
Dirty or harmful substances in the environment.
Example:
Pollution can harm butterfly habitats.
Common Mistake: Saying “pollutions” (uncountable).
Pesticide
/ˈpes.tɪ.saɪd/ (BrE) /ˈpes.tə.saɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
pesticide + for/on + pest
Definition:
A chemical used to kill insects or pests.
Example:
Pesticides can be dangerous for butterflies.
Common Mistake: Thinking all garden chemicals are pesticides.
Blend in
/blend ɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
blend in + with + noun
Definition:
To look similar to the things around you, so you are not easily seen.
Example:
Some caterpillars blend in with leaves to hide from predators.
Synonym: camouflage
Common Mistake: Saying “blend with” (missing “in”).
Miracle
/ˈmɪr.ə.kəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
a miracle of + noun
Definition:
Something wonderful or surprising that seems impossible.
Example:
The butterfly’s life cycle is a miracle of nature.
Synonym: wonder
Common Mistake: Using “miracle” for everyday events.
20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Discover key phrases and expressions! See their meanings, examples, synonyms, and typical mistakes. Hover each card for a beautiful highlight effect.
Life cycle
/laɪf ˈsaɪ.kl̩/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
the life cycle of + noun
Definition:
All the stages an animal or plant passes through from the beginning of its life to the end.
Example:
The life cycle of a butterfly includes four stages.
Synonym: development process
Common Mistake: Using for machines or objects.
Egg stage
/eɡ steɪdʒ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
the egg stage of + noun
Definition:
The first part of an animal’s development when it is an egg.
Example:
The egg stage lasts only a few days for most butterflies.
Common Mistake: Calling all young animals “eggs” (some have other forms).
Host plant
/həʊst plɑːnt/ (BrE) /hoʊst plænt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
host plant + for + animal
Definition:
The plant a butterfly lays eggs on and the caterpillar eats.
Example:
Each butterfly chooses a host plant for its eggs.
Common Mistake: Confusing with “home plant” or “plant host.”
Break free
/breɪk friː/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
break free (from/of + noun)
Definition:
To escape from a place, situation, or thing holding you.
Example:
The caterpillar breaks free from its eggshell.
Common Mistake: Using “break out” (has a slightly different meaning).
Eat and grow
/iːt ənd ɡrəʊ/ (BrE) /iːt ənd ɡroʊ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
eat and grow quickly/rapidly
Definition:
To consume food in order to increase in size.
Example:
The main job of a caterpillar is to eat and grow.
Synonym: feed and develop
Common Mistake: Using for adults (adults don’t grow much).
Shed its skin
/ʃed ɪts skɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
shed + one’s skin/feathers
Definition:
To lose old skin so that new skin can grow.
Example:
The caterpillar sheds its skin several times as it grows.
Common Mistake: Using for “change clothes” (not the same).
Blend into their surroundings
/blend ˈɪn.tuː ðeə səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/ (BrE) /blend ˈɪn.tuː ðer səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
blend into + surroundings/background
Definition:
To look like the things around you and be difficult to see.
Example:
Some caterpillars blend into their surroundings to avoid danger.
Synonym: camouflage
Common Mistake: Using “blend in” without “into.”
Attaches itself
/əˈtætʃɪz ɪtˈsɛlf/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (reflexive)
Word Pattern:
attach itself to + noun
Definition:
To fix or join itself onto something else.
Example:
The caterpillar attaches itself to a leaf before changing.
Common Mistake: Forgetting “to.”
Sheds its skin one last time
/ʃedz ɪts skɪn wʌn lɑːst taɪm/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
shed + one’s skin + one last time
Definition:
To remove its skin for the final time before a big change.
Example:
It sheds its skin one last time to become a chrysalis.
Common Mistake: Using for people or for small changes.
Breaks through the shell
/breɪks θruː ðə ʃel/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
break through + noun
Definition:
To come out from inside a hard outer covering.
Example:
The butterfly breaks through the shell of the chrysalis.
Common Mistake: Saying “break out” (slightly different meaning).
Hangs upside down
/hæŋz ˈʌp.saɪd daʊn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
hang upside down (after verb)
Definition:
To stay with the head lower than the feet.
Example:
The butterfly hangs upside down to dry its wings.
Common Mistake: Using “sit” or “stand” upside down.
Ready to fly
/ˈrɛd.i tuː flaɪ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase
Word Pattern:
be ready to + verb
Definition:
Prepared and able to begin flying.
Example:
After a few hours, the butterfly is ready to fly.
Synonym: prepared to fly
Common Mistake: Forgetting “to.”
Lay eggs for the next generation
/leɪ eɡz fə ðə nekst ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
lay eggs for + noun
Definition:
To produce eggs that will grow into new animals or insects.
Example:
Butterflies lay eggs for the next generation.
Common Mistake: Using “give eggs.”
Feed on nectar
/fiːd ɒn ˈnek.tər/ (BrE) /fiːd ɑːn ˈnek.tɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
feed on + noun
Definition:
To eat or drink nectar for energy.
Example:
Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers.
Synonym: drink nectar
Common Mistake: Using “eat nectar.”
Blend in with their surroundings
/blend ɪn wɪð ðeə səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/ (BrE) /blend ɪn wɪð ðer səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
blend in with + noun
Definition:
To look like what is around you to avoid being seen.
Example:
Some caterpillars blend in with their surroundings.
Synonym: camouflage
Common Mistake: Omitting “with.”
Protect butterflies
/prəˈtɛkt ˈbʌt.ə.flaɪz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
protect + noun
Definition:
To keep butterflies safe from harm or danger.
Example:
Scientists protect butterflies by planting wildflowers.
Common Mistake: Using “protect to butterflies.”
Complete their life cycle
/kəmˈpliːt ðeə laɪf ˈsaɪ.kl̩/ (BrE) /kəmˈpliːt ðer laɪf ˈsaɪ.kl̩/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
complete + noun phrase
Definition:
To finish all the stages of growth and change.
Example:
Caterpillars need a safe place to complete their life cycle.
Common Mistake: Using “do” their life cycle.
Face dangers
/feɪs ˈdeɪn.dʒəz/ (BrE) /feɪs ˈdeɪn.dʒɚz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
face + plural noun
Definition:
To have to deal with problems or risks.
Example:
Butterflies face dangers from pollution and pesticides.
Common Mistake: Using “meet dangers.”
Plant wildflowers
/plɑːnt ˈwaɪld.flaʊ.əz/ (BrE) /plænt ˈwaɪld.flaʊ.ɚz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
plant + noun
Definition:
To grow wildflowers by putting their seeds or roots in the ground.
Example:
Planting wildflowers helps butterflies survive.
Common Mistake: Using “grow” wildflowers as “just watch them grow.”
Miracle of the natural world
/ˈmɪr.ə.kəl əv ðə ˈnætʃ.ər.əl wɜːld/ (BrE) /ˈmɪr.ə.kəl əv ðə ˈnætʃ.ɚ.əl wɝːld/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
a miracle of + noun
Definition:
Something amazing or wonderful in nature.
Example:
A butterfly’s life cycle is a miracle of the natural world.
Synonym: wonder of nature
Common Mistake: Using “miracle” for unimportant events.
Interactive Exercise 1: Practice with Key Words & Expressions
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Interactive Exercise 2: Practice with Key Words & Expressions
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