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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 2
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July 25, 2025
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Migration of Monarch Butterflies)
What are Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to find details that are directly and clearly stated in the passage. You must locate information and facts mentioned in the text, not make guesses or use outside knowledge. Mastering this type is essential for improving your reading accuracy and detail-finding skills!
These questions test your ability to find details that are directly and clearly stated in the passage. You must locate information and facts mentioned in the text, not make guesses or use outside knowledge. Mastering this type is essential for improving your reading accuracy and detail-finding skills!
How to Answer Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Focus on the exact information the question asks about. Look for keywords such as who, what, when, where, how, or why. These help you know what detail you need to find.
Example: “What do monarch butterflies do during winter?”
Focus on the exact information the question asks about. Look for keywords such as who, what, when, where, how, or why. These help you know what detail you need to find.
Example: “What do monarch butterflies do during winter?”
2
Underline or Note Key Words:
Highlight the key words or phrases in both the question and answer choices. This helps you focus on the exact information you need to locate in the passage.
Example: Key words: “monarch butterflies,” “winter,” “do.”
Highlight the key words or phrases in both the question and answer choices. This helps you focus on the exact information you need to locate in the passage.
Example: Key words: “monarch butterflies,” “winter,” “do.”
3
Scan the Passage:
Use your eyes to move quickly over the text, searching for the key words or related ideas. Do not read every word—just find where the information is given.
Use your eyes to move quickly over the text, searching for the key words or related ideas. Do not read every word—just find where the information is given.
4
Read Closely and Compare:
When you find the place in the passage, read that part carefully. Check which answer matches the facts exactly as stated in the text.
When you find the place in the passage, read that part carefully. Check which answer matches the facts exactly as stated in the text.
5
Eliminate Incorrect Options:
Remove any answers that are not mentioned, not true, or say something different from the passage. Keep only those that match the details in the text.
Remove any answers that are not mentioned, not true, or say something different from the passage. Keep only those that match the details in the text.
6
Select the Best Answer:
Choose the answer that most closely matches the information in the passage. Do not choose what “seems right” or what you already know—choose only what the text tells you.
Choose the answer that most closely matches the information in the passage. Do not choose what “seems right” or what you already know—choose only what the text tells you.
7
Double-Check for Traps:
Some wrong answers use words from the passage but change the meaning. Make sure your answer is completely supported by the text, not just by similar vocabulary.
Some wrong answers use words from the passage but change the meaning. Make sure your answer is completely supported by the text, not just by similar vocabulary.
8
Confirm Your Choice:
Quickly review the question and your answer to make sure it directly matches the factual information given. Only the best match should be selected.
Quickly review the question and your answer to make sure it directly matches the factual information given. Only the best match should be selected.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Where do monarch butterflies travel to spend the winter?”
Choices:
(A) Northern Canada
(B) Southern Mexico
(C) Western Europe
(D) Eastern Australia
Correct Answer: (B) Southern Mexico
Explanation: The passage states that monarch butterflies fly thousands of kilometers to southern Mexico for winter. Other locations are not mentioned for this migration, so (B) is correct.
“Where do monarch butterflies travel to spend the winter?”
Choices:
(A) Northern Canada
(B) Southern Mexico
(C) Western Europe
(D) Eastern Australia
Correct Answer: (B) Southern Mexico
Explanation: The passage states that monarch butterflies fly thousands of kilometers to southern Mexico for winter. Other locations are not mentioned for this migration, so (B) is correct.
Reading Passage: Migration of Monarch Butterflies
Paragraph 1:
Monarch butterflies are among the most remarkable insects on Earth. Every year, these small, orange and black butterflies make a journey that scientists consider one of the most fascinating in the animal kingdom. The migration of monarch butterflies covers thousands of kilometers, passing through different landscapes, climates, and even international borders. This incredible trip is not only impressive because of its distance, but also because of the butterflies’ ability to find their way to the same places year after year.
Monarch butterflies are among the most remarkable insects on Earth. Every year, these small, orange and black butterflies make a journey that scientists consider one of the most fascinating in the animal kingdom. The migration of monarch butterflies covers thousands of kilometers, passing through different landscapes, climates, and even international borders. This incredible trip is not only impressive because of its distance, but also because of the butterflies’ ability to find their way to the same places year after year.
Paragraph 2:
Monarch butterflies are famous for their long-distance migration between North America and central Mexico. In the late summer and early autumn, millions of monarchs living in Canada and the northern United States begin their long flight south. The butterflies travel over 3,000 kilometers, crossing forests, farmlands, and cities, to reach the mountains of central Mexico. There, in special fir forests, they spend the winter in huge groups that cover the trees.
Monarch butterflies are famous for their long-distance migration between North America and central Mexico. In the late summer and early autumn, millions of monarchs living in Canada and the northern United States begin their long flight south. The butterflies travel over 3,000 kilometers, crossing forests, farmlands, and cities, to reach the mountains of central Mexico. There, in special fir forests, they spend the winter in huge groups that cover the trees.
Paragraph 3:
The journey of the monarch butterfly is unique for many reasons. One of the most amazing facts is that no single butterfly makes the whole round trip. The monarchs that fly south to Mexico are not the same individuals that return north in the spring. Instead, the migration takes place over several generations. Monarchs that leave Canada in autumn will never return. In spring, their great-grandchildren will begin the flight north again.
The journey of the monarch butterfly is unique for many reasons. One of the most amazing facts is that no single butterfly makes the whole round trip. The monarchs that fly south to Mexico are not the same individuals that return north in the spring. Instead, the migration takes place over several generations. Monarchs that leave Canada in autumn will never return. In spring, their great-grandchildren will begin the flight north again.
Paragraph 4:
Scientists have studied how monarch butterflies are able to make such a long journey. Monarchs use the position of the sun, the Earth’s magnetic field, and perhaps even landmarks like mountains and rivers to help them find their way. They fly mostly during the day, using warm air currents to travel long distances without using too much energy. Even on cloudy days, monarchs can continue their migration by relying on their other senses.
Scientists have studied how monarch butterflies are able to make such a long journey. Monarchs use the position of the sun, the Earth’s magnetic field, and perhaps even landmarks like mountains and rivers to help them find their way. They fly mostly during the day, using warm air currents to travel long distances without using too much energy. Even on cloudy days, monarchs can continue their migration by relying on their other senses.
Paragraph 5:
The migration is not an easy journey. Monarch butterflies face many dangers along the way. They must survive bad weather, strong winds, and heavy rain. In some places, they encounter hungry birds and other animals that like to eat insects. Monarchs are also at risk from human activities. The loss of natural habitats, use of pesticides, and deforestation in both North America and Mexico make their journey even harder.
The migration is not an easy journey. Monarch butterflies face many dangers along the way. They must survive bad weather, strong winds, and heavy rain. In some places, they encounter hungry birds and other animals that like to eat insects. Monarchs are also at risk from human activities. The loss of natural habitats, use of pesticides, and deforestation in both North America and Mexico make their journey even harder.
Paragraph 6:
In Mexico, the monarchs gather in large colonies on the oyamel fir trees. This forest, cool and high in the mountains, offers the right conditions for the butterflies to rest and save energy. They stay together in huge numbers to keep warm. When the sun shines on the trees, millions of wings open, and the butterflies fly through the air like bright orange leaves. These forests are now protected by both the Mexican government and international organizations.
In Mexico, the monarchs gather in large colonies on the oyamel fir trees. This forest, cool and high in the mountains, offers the right conditions for the butterflies to rest and save energy. They stay together in huge numbers to keep warm. When the sun shines on the trees, millions of wings open, and the butterflies fly through the air like bright orange leaves. These forests are now protected by both the Mexican government and international organizations.
Paragraph 7:
Monarch butterflies do not eat much during their winter stay in Mexico. Instead, they mostly rest, using the energy stored in their bodies. In late February and early March, as the weather becomes warmer, the butterflies become active again. They mate, and soon the females begin the long flight north. Along the way, the females lay eggs on a special plant called milkweed, which is the only food that the young caterpillars will eat.
Monarch butterflies do not eat much during their winter stay in Mexico. Instead, they mostly rest, using the energy stored in their bodies. In late February and early March, as the weather becomes warmer, the butterflies become active again. They mate, and soon the females begin the long flight north. Along the way, the females lay eggs on a special plant called milkweed, which is the only food that the young caterpillars will eat.
Paragraph 8:
After the eggs hatch, the new generation of monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed and grow quickly. They change into chrysalises and, after some time, become adult butterflies. These new adults continue the journey north, following the same migration path. It takes up to four generations of monarchs to reach the northern United States and Canada by the summer. Each generation lives only a few weeks, except for the final group born at the end of summer. This last group is special—they can live up to eight months and will make the entire trip back to Mexico.
After the eggs hatch, the new generation of monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed and grow quickly. They change into chrysalises and, after some time, become adult butterflies. These new adults continue the journey north, following the same migration path. It takes up to four generations of monarchs to reach the northern United States and Canada by the summer. Each generation lives only a few weeks, except for the final group born at the end of summer. This last group is special—they can live up to eight months and will make the entire trip back to Mexico.
Paragraph 9:
Monarch butterflies play a vital role in nature. As they travel from flower to flower, they help pollinate many types of plants. This is important for the environment because pollination allows plants to produce seeds and fruit, supporting other animals and humans. The monarch’s journey also inspires people and brings attention to the importance of protecting the natural world.
Monarch butterflies play a vital role in nature. As they travel from flower to flower, they help pollinate many types of plants. This is important for the environment because pollination allows plants to produce seeds and fruit, supporting other animals and humans. The monarch’s journey also inspires people and brings attention to the importance of protecting the natural world.
Paragraph 10:
In recent years, the number of monarch butterflies has decreased. Scientists believe that climate change, pollution, and the loss of milkweed plants are the main reasons. Many people in Canada, the United States, and Mexico are now working together to help the monarchs. They plant milkweed in gardens and parks, avoid using harmful chemicals, and protect the forests in Mexico. Some schools and communities even follow the migration and teach students about the monarch’s amazing journey.
In recent years, the number of monarch butterflies has decreased. Scientists believe that climate change, pollution, and the loss of milkweed plants are the main reasons. Many people in Canada, the United States, and Mexico are now working together to help the monarchs. They plant milkweed in gardens and parks, avoid using harmful chemicals, and protect the forests in Mexico. Some schools and communities even follow the migration and teach students about the monarch’s amazing journey.
Paragraph 11:
The migration of monarch butterflies is one of the natural world’s greatest wonders. These insects show us the power of nature, the importance of teamwork, and the connection between countries and people. When millions of monarchs fill the sky with their bright colors, it is a sign of hope for the future. By protecting the monarchs and their habitats, we can make sure that this beautiful migration continues for generations to come.
The migration of monarch butterflies is one of the natural world’s greatest wonders. These insects show us the power of nature, the importance of teamwork, and the connection between countries and people. When millions of monarchs fill the sky with their bright colors, it is a sign of hope for the future. By protecting the monarchs and their habitats, we can make sure that this beautiful migration continues for generations to come.
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is directly stated in the passage. When you select an answer, you will instantly see a detailed explanation!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Review each answer with detailed steps below. These explanations help you learn how to locate, compare, and confirm factual information in the passage!
Q1: (B)
What is the main destination of monarch butterflies during winter?
Step 1: The question asks for the specific place monarchs travel to in winter.
Step 2: Scan the passage for keywords about "winter," "destination," or "travel."
Step 3: In Paragraph 2, the passage says monarchs fly from Canada/USA to the "mountains of central Mexico" to spend the winter in fir forests.
Step 4: Eliminate other options: Northern Canada (starting point, not destination), Western Europe, and Southern Africa (not mentioned).
Step 5: The only directly stated winter destination is central Mexico. So, (B) is the correct answer.
Step 6: Always match place names exactly as they appear in the passage.
Q2: (C)
According to the passage, what plant is essential for monarch caterpillars to survive?
Step 1: Find the section of the passage about what monarch caterpillars eat.
Step 2: Paragraph 7 says females lay eggs on a "special plant called milkweed," the only food for young caterpillars.
Step 3: Compare answer choices: Oak, fir, and maple are mentioned for trees, but not as food for caterpillars.
Step 4: "Milkweed" is directly stated as essential for caterpillar survival.
Step 5: The answer is (C) Milkweed, as supported by the exact passage detail.
Step 6: Don't confuse the fir trees (resting place) with milkweed (food).
Q3: (C)
What is one reason the monarch migration is considered unique?
Step 1: Look for why this migration is special or different in the text.
Step 2: Paragraph 3 states that "no single butterfly makes the whole round trip," but "the migration takes place over several generations."
Step 3: (A) is wrong—it's the opposite; (B) is not stated (they mostly fly by day); (D) is incorrect—they do not eat a lot during migration.
Step 4: Only (C) matches: several generations complete the migration—this is directly stated and highlighted as unique.
Step 5: Always pick what is *explicitly* called unique in the passage.
Step 6: This detail is a major difference between monarchs and many other migrating animals.
Q4: (B)
How do monarch butterflies mainly find their way during migration?
Step 1: Find passage details on "navigation" or "finding the way."
Step 2: Paragraph 4 explains monarchs "use the position of the sun, the Earth's magnetic field, and perhaps even landmarks" to navigate.
Step 3: (A) following insects—not mentioned. (C) traveling at night—the passage says they fly mostly during the day. (D) listening to birds—not mentioned.
Step 4: Only (B) is directly supported—sun and Earth's magnetic field are clearly stated as tools for migration.
Step 5: Ignore tempting answers that use words from the text but do not match the factual details.
Step 6: Always return to the exact line in the passage for support.
Q5: (C)
Which of the following is NOT listed as a threat to monarch butterflies during migration?
Step 1: The question asks for a threat that is *not* listed. This is a factual "except" question.
Step 2: Paragraph 5 lists "bad weather," "hungry birds," and "human activities" (loss of habitat, pesticides, deforestation) as threats.
Step 3: "Lack of food in Mexico" is *not* mentioned as a problem—Paragraph 7 says monarchs mostly rest and use stored energy while in Mexico.
Step 4: (A), (B), and (D) are all direct threats from the passage, but (C) is not.
Step 5: The correct answer is (C)—lack of food in Mexico is not listed as a migration threat.
Step 6: Always double-check what is *not* in the passage, even if it seems logical.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore the most challenging vocabulary from this passage! For each word: see phonetics, parts of speech, patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and top learner mistakes. Hover over a card for a glow effect.
Remarkable
/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/ (BrE) /rɪˈmɑrkəbl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
remarkable + for/that-clause
Definition:
Unusual or surprising in a way that attracts attention; worthy of notice.
Example:
Monarch butterflies are among the most remarkable insects. (= Very special and different.)
Synonym: extraordinary
Common Mistake: Using with “of” (“remarkable of” is incorrect).
Migration
/maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
migration + of/to/from + noun
Definition:
The regular movement of animals or people from one place to another.
Example:
The migration of monarch butterflies covers thousands of kilometers. (= Their yearly journey.)
Synonym: movement, journey
Common Mistake: Mixing with “immigration” or “emigration.”
Fascinating
/ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
fascinating + noun / it is fascinating to + verb
Definition:
Extremely interesting or charming; capturing attention.
Example:
Scientists consider this migration one of the most fascinating in the animal kingdom. (= Very interesting.)
Synonym: captivating
Common Mistake: Saying “fascinated” for things, instead of “fascinating.”
Landscape
/ˈlændskeɪp/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
landscape + of/with + noun
Definition:
A large area of land, especially in terms of its appearance.
Example:
Monarchs pass through different landscapes. (= Different types of land and scenery.)
Synonym: scenery
Common Mistake: Confusing with “landmark” (a famous place).
Generation
/ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
generation + of + noun
Definition:
All the people or animals born and living at about the same time.
Example:
The migration takes place over several generations. (= Several groups of offspring.)
Synonym: age group
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to generation”).
Navigate
/ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
navigate + through/across + noun
Definition:
To find the way to a place, often over a long distance.
Example:
Monarchs use the sun to navigate during migration. (= Find their way.)
Synonym: find the way, orient
Common Mistake: Using with “to” as “navigate to the way.”
Magnetic field
/mæɡˈnɛtɪk fiːld/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (compound)
Word Pattern:
magnetic field + of + noun
Definition:
An invisible force around a magnet or planet that affects how objects move near it.
Example:
Butterflies use the Earth's magnetic field to travel. (= Force that helps with direction.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Confusing with "magnet field" or using as a verb.
Habitat
/ˈhæbɪtæt/ (BrE) /ˈhæbɪˌtæt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
habitat + of/for + noun
Definition:
The natural home or environment of an animal or plant.
Example:
Loss of natural habitats makes migration harder. (= Natural living space.)
Synonym: environment
Common Mistake: Using for only large animals, not plants or insects.
Pesticide
/ˈpɛstɪsaɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
pesticide + for/against + noun
Definition:
A chemical used to kill insects or other pests.
Example:
Use of pesticides can harm monarchs. (= Poison used on farms.)
Synonym: insecticide (for insects)
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to pesticide the plants”).
Deforestation
/diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃ(ə)n/ (BrE) /ˌdiːfɔːrəˈsteɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
deforestation + of/in + place
Definition:
The cutting down or removal of all trees from a large area.
Example:
Deforestation in North America makes migration harder. (= Removal of forests.)
Synonym: forest clearing
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to deforestation an area”).
Colony
/ˈkɒləni/ (BrE) /ˈkɑləni/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
colony + of + noun
Definition:
A group of animals or plants of the same type living together.
Example:
The monarchs gather in large colonies on the trees. (= Big group living together.)
Synonym: group
Common Mistake: Using “colony” for individual animals.
Rest
/rɛst/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
rest + on/in/at + noun / have a rest
Definition:
To stop working or moving and relax; to sleep or be inactive.
Example:
They rest and save energy during winter. (= Stay still to recover energy.)
Synonym: relax
Common Mistake: “Take a rest” (okay), but “do a rest” is wrong.
Migrate
/maɪˈɡreɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
migrate + to/from/between + noun
Definition:
To move from one place to another at different times of the year.
Example:
Monarchs migrate between North America and Mexico. (= Travel long distances regularly.)
Synonym: travel, move
Common Mistake: Mixing with “emigrate” (leave a country) and “immigrate” (enter a country).
Chrysalis
/ˈkrɪs.əl.ɪs/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
chrysalis + of + noun
Definition:
A hard covering that protects a young butterfly as it changes from a caterpillar into an adult.
Example:
They change into chrysalises and become butterflies. (= Pupa stage of butterfly.)
Synonym: pupa
Common Mistake: Calling it a "cocoon" (cocoons are for moths).
Pollinate
/ˈpɒlɪneɪt/ (BrE) /ˈpɑləˌneɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
pollinate + noun (flower/plant)
Definition:
To carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and fruit.
Example:
They help pollinate many types of plants. (= Spread pollen.)
No exact synonym
Common Mistake: Using for animal mating.
Decrease
/dɪˈkriːs/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
decrease + in/of + noun; decrease by/to + amount
Definition:
To become less or make something less in number, size, or amount.
Example:
The number of monarch butterflies has decreased. (= There are fewer than before.)
Synonym: reduce (verb)
Common Mistake: Using as a noun when verb is needed.
Pollution
/pəˈluːʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
pollution + of/in + noun
Definition:
Harmful substances that make land, water, air, etc. dirty and unsafe.
Example:
Scientists believe pollution is one reason for the decrease. (= Dirty and harmful chemicals in the environment.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using as countable (“pollutions”).
Protect
/prəˈtɛkt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
protect + from/against + noun
Definition:
To keep someone or something safe from harm.
Example:
The forests are protected by the Mexican government. (= Kept safe.)
Synonym: defend
Common Mistake: Forgetting the preposition (“protect from”).
Inspire
/ɪnˈspaɪə/ (BrE) /ɪnˈspaɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
inspire + noun/to do something
Definition:
To give someone the desire, confidence, or enthusiasm to do something.
Example:
The monarch’s journey inspires people. (= Makes people want to act.)
Synonym: motivate
Common Mistake: Using “inspire for” instead of “inspire to.”
Wonder
/ˈwʌndər/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
wonder + about/at + noun; it is a wonder that...
Definition:
A feeling of great surprise and admiration; something that causes amazement.
Example:
The migration is one of the world’s greatest wonders. (= Amazing thing in nature.)
Synonym: marvel
Common Mistake: Using as an adjective (“wonder” instead of “wonderful”).
20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Unlock challenging expressions and phrases! For each: see phonetics, grammar, usage, definition, examples, synonyms, and typical learner mistakes. Hover over a card to see a soft glow!
Make a journey
/meɪk ə ˈdʒɜːni/ (BrE) /meɪk ə ˈdʒɝni/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
make a journey + to/from + place
Definition:
To travel from one place to another, especially a long distance.
Example:
Monarch butterflies make a journey of thousands of kilometers. (= Travel a long way.)
Synonym: travel, take a trip
Common Mistake: Using “do a journey.”
Pass through
/pɑːs θruː/ (BrE) /pæs θru/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
pass through + place/thing
Definition:
To move or travel across or within a place.
Example:
They pass through different landscapes. (= Move across various places.)
Synonym: go through, cross
Common Mistake: Saying “pass in” instead of “pass through.”
Find their way
/faɪnd ðeə weɪ/ (BrE) /faɪnd ðɛr weɪ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
find + possessive + way + to + place
Definition:
To succeed in reaching a place, often after a long or difficult journey.
Example:
They find their way to the same places every year. (= Manage to reach their destination.)
Synonym: navigate, reach
Common Mistake: Forgetting the possessive (“their” way, not “the way”).
Year after year
/jɪər ˈɑːftə jɪər/ (BrE) /jɪr ˈæftər jɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adverbial phrase
Word Pattern:
year after year (at the end or start of sentence)
Definition:
Happening repeatedly every year for a long time.
Example:
They return to the same places year after year. (= Every year, repeatedly.)
Synonym: every year, annually
Common Mistake: Using “years after years.”
Long-distance migration
/lɒŋ ˈdɪstəns maɪˈɡreɪʃ(ə)n/ (BrE) /lɔŋ ˈdɪstəns maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
long-distance + noun
Definition:
Migration that covers a very large distance, often between countries.
Example:
Monarchs are famous for their long-distance migration. (= Traveling far away.)
Synonym: far migration, cross-country journey
Common Mistake: Writing as “long distance-migration” (hyphen error).
Begin their flight
/bɪˈɡɪn ðeə flaɪt/ (BrE) /bɪˈɡɪn ðɛr flaɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
begin/start + flight/journey/trip
Definition:
To start traveling by flying or moving through the air.
Example:
Millions begin their flight south. (= Start the journey.)
Synonym: start flying, take off
Common Mistake: Using “began” for present tense.
Face many dangers
/feɪs ˈmɛni ˈdeɪndʒəz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
face + many/multiple/serious + dangers/problems
Definition:
To have to deal with many risks or threats.
Example:
Monarchs face many dangers on the way. (= They meet many threats.)
Synonym: encounter risks, confront threats
Common Mistake: Saying “face with many dangers.”
At risk from
/ət rɪsk frɒm/ (BrE) /ət rɪsk frəm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
at risk from + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
In danger of being harmed or affected by something.
Example:
They are at risk from human activities. (= May be hurt by people.)
Synonym: threatened by
Common Mistake: Using “in risk from.”
Gather in large colonies
/ˈɡæðə ɪn lɑːdʒ ˈkɒləniz/ (BrE) /ˈɡæðər ɪn lɑrdʒ ˈkɑləniz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
gather + in/into + colonies/groups
Definition:
To come together in large groups of the same species.
Example:
They gather in large colonies on trees. (= Form big groups together.)
Synonym: assemble, cluster
Common Mistake: Using “gather to colonies.”
Save energy
/seɪv ˈɛnədʒi/ (BrE) /seɪv ˈɛnərdʒi/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
save + energy/time/money
Definition:
To use as little energy as possible in order to keep more for later.
Example:
They rest and save energy during winter. (= Keep their strength.)
Synonym: conserve energy
Common Mistake: Saying “keep energy.”
Become active
/bɪˈkʌm ˈæktɪv/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
become/get + active
Definition:
To start moving or doing things after being still or resting.
Example:
The butterflies become active in warmer weather. (= Start moving again.)
Synonym: start to move
Common Mistake: Using “become activity.”
Lay eggs
/leɪ eɡz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
lay + eggs (on/in/under + place)
Definition:
To produce eggs from the body (by birds, insects, etc.).
Example:
Females lay eggs on milkweed. (= Put eggs on plants.)
Synonym: deposit eggs
Common Mistake: Saying “put eggs.”
Feed on
/fiːd ɒn/ (BrE) /fid ɑn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
feed on/upon + noun
Definition:
To eat a particular food as the main source of energy.
Example:
Caterpillars feed on milkweed. (= Eat milkweed plants.)
Synonym: eat, consume
Common Mistake: Using “feed from.”
Change into
/tʃeɪndʒ ˈɪntuː/ (BrE) /tʃeɪndʒ ˈɪntu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
change/turn + into + noun
Definition:
To become something different; to transform into another form.
Example:
They change into chrysalises. (= Transform into pupa.)
Synonym: transform, become
Common Mistake: Saying “change to” instead of “change into.”
Play a vital role
/pleɪ ə ˈvaɪt(ə)l rəʊl/ (BrE) /pleɪ ə ˈvaɪtəl roʊl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
play a/an + adjective + role + in
Definition:
To be very important in causing something to happen or exist.
Example:
Monarchs play a vital role in nature. (= They are very important for the environment.)
Synonym: be crucial, be essential
Common Mistake: Saying “do a role.”
Produce seeds and fruit
/prəˈdjuːs siːdz ənd fruːt/ (BrE) /prəˈdus sidz ənd frut/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
produce + seeds/fruit/flowers
Definition:
To make seeds and fruit as part of the plant’s life cycle.
Example:
Pollination allows plants to produce seeds and fruit. (= Make new plants and food.)
Synonym: create, generate
Common Mistake: Using “make” instead of “produce” (less formal).
Bring attention to
/brɪŋ əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n tuː/ (BrE) /brɪŋ əˈtɛnʃən tu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
bring + attention + to + noun/subject
Definition:
To make people notice or think about something.
Example:
The journey brings attention to protecting the natural world. (= Makes people focus on something.)
Synonym: highlight, draw attention to
Common Mistake: Saying “give attention to.”
Work together to
/wɜːk təˈɡɛðə tuː/ (BrE) /wɜrk təˈɡɛðər tu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
work together to + verb
Definition:
To join with others in order to achieve a goal.
Example:
People work together to help monarchs. (= Cooperate to help.)
Synonym: cooperate, collaborate
Common Mistake: Using “work with together.”
Fill the sky
/fɪl ðə skaɪ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
fill + the/this + sky/room
Definition:
To be present everywhere in the sky, making it look full.
Example:
Millions of monarchs fill the sky. (= There are so many, they cover the sky.)
Synonym: cover the sky
Common Mistake: Saying “fill in the sky.”
For generations to come
/fə ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz tə kʌm/ (BrE) /fər ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz tə kʌm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
for + generations/years/centuries + to come
Definition:
For many generations in the future.
Example:
Protecting monarchs ensures migration for generations to come. (= In the future, for many years.)
Synonym: in the future, for years to come
Common Mistake: Using “for generation to come.”
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