Tags:
Share:
TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 4
-
July 25, 2025
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Adaptations of Desert Animals)
What are Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to locate facts directly and clearly stated in the passage. You need to identify details and information exactly as they appear—no guessing or using outside knowledge! Mastering this skill will help you quickly and accurately answer TOEFL reading questions.
These questions test your ability to locate facts directly and clearly stated in the passage. You need to identify details and information exactly as they appear—no guessing or using outside knowledge! Mastering this skill will help you quickly and accurately answer TOEFL reading questions.
How to Answer Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Understand what the question is really asking. Look for keywords such as what, how, where, why. For example, “What do desert animals do to survive extreme heat?”
Understand what the question is really asking. Look for keywords such as what, how, where, why. For example, “What do desert animals do to survive extreme heat?”
2
Underline or Note Key Words:
Mark the important words in the question and the choices. This focuses your attention on the exact information you need from the passage.
Example: “Survive,” “extreme heat,” “desert animals.”
Mark the important words in the question and the choices. This focuses your attention on the exact information you need from the passage.
Example: “Survive,” “extreme heat,” “desert animals.”
3
Scan the Passage:
Quickly move your eyes over the text to find where these key words or similar ideas are mentioned. Do not read every word, just look for relevant sections.
Quickly move your eyes over the text to find where these key words or similar ideas are mentioned. Do not read every word, just look for relevant sections.
4
Read Closely:
Once you have found the relevant section, read it carefully. Make sure you fully understand what the passage says about your keywords.
Once you have found the relevant section, read it carefully. Make sure you fully understand what the passage says about your keywords.
5
Compare Answer Choices:
Check each option against the passage. Eliminate choices that are not mentioned, not correct, or say something different.
Check each option against the passage. Eliminate choices that are not mentioned, not correct, or say something different.
6
Choose the Direct Match:
Pick the answer that matches exactly what the passage says. Don’t use your own opinion—stick to the text.
Pick the answer that matches exactly what the passage says. Don’t use your own opinion—stick to the text.
7
Watch for Traps:
Some wrong answers copy words from the passage but change the meaning. Always double-check if your answer is completely supported by the passage.
Some wrong answers copy words from the passage but change the meaning. Always double-check if your answer is completely supported by the passage.
8
Check Again:
Quickly review your answer and the relevant section to be sure your choice is directly stated in the passage.
Quickly review your answer and the relevant section to be sure your choice is directly stated in the passage.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which adaptation helps camels survive long periods without water?”
Choices:
(A) Sharp teeth
(B) Thick fur
(C) Ability to store fat in their humps
(D) Fast running
Correct Answer: (C) Ability to store fat in their humps
Explanation: The passage would explain that camels store fat in their humps, which can be turned into water and energy when needed. This directly answers the question.
“Which adaptation helps camels survive long periods without water?”
Choices:
(A) Sharp teeth
(B) Thick fur
(C) Ability to store fat in their humps
(D) Fast running
Correct Answer: (C) Ability to store fat in their humps
Explanation: The passage would explain that camels store fat in their humps, which can be turned into water and energy when needed. This directly answers the question.
Reading Passage: Adaptations of Desert Animals
Paragraph 1:
The desert is one of the most extreme environments on Earth. It is known for its very high temperatures during the day, cold nights, and very little rainfall. In such tough conditions, only special plants and animals can survive. Desert animals, in particular, have developed remarkable adaptations that help them live and thrive where most other creatures cannot.
The desert is one of the most extreme environments on Earth. It is known for its very high temperatures during the day, cold nights, and very little rainfall. In such tough conditions, only special plants and animals can survive. Desert animals, in particular, have developed remarkable adaptations that help them live and thrive where most other creatures cannot.
Paragraph 2:
One of the most important challenges for animals in the desert is the lack of water. Water is essential for life, but in deserts, it is rare. Animals have different ways to find and keep water in their bodies. Some, like the camel, can drink large amounts of water in a short time and store it for many days. Camels are famous for the fat stored in their humps, which their bodies turn into water and energy when needed. Other animals, such as the kangaroo rat, rarely drink water at all. Instead, they get the moisture they need from the seeds and plants they eat.
One of the most important challenges for animals in the desert is the lack of water. Water is essential for life, but in deserts, it is rare. Animals have different ways to find and keep water in their bodies. Some, like the camel, can drink large amounts of water in a short time and store it for many days. Camels are famous for the fat stored in their humps, which their bodies turn into water and energy when needed. Other animals, such as the kangaroo rat, rarely drink water at all. Instead, they get the moisture they need from the seeds and plants they eat.
Paragraph 3:
Avoiding the intense heat is another challenge for desert animals. Many species, such as foxes, snakes, and insects, are most active at night, when temperatures are cooler. This is called being nocturnal. By sleeping during the day and coming out at night, these animals avoid the dangerous heat of the sun. Other creatures, like lizards, might bask in the early morning sun but hide under rocks or burrow in the sand as soon as it gets hot.
Avoiding the intense heat is another challenge for desert animals. Many species, such as foxes, snakes, and insects, are most active at night, when temperatures are cooler. This is called being nocturnal. By sleeping during the day and coming out at night, these animals avoid the dangerous heat of the sun. Other creatures, like lizards, might bask in the early morning sun but hide under rocks or burrow in the sand as soon as it gets hot.
Paragraph 4:
Some animals have physical features that protect them from the sun. For example, the fennec fox has large ears, which help to lose heat and keep its body cool. Many desert mammals, such as the jerboa, have light-colored fur that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it. Lizards and snakes often have scales that protect them from both heat and sand. Insects like beetles may have shiny shells that deflect sunlight, helping them stay cooler during the day.
Some animals have physical features that protect them from the sun. For example, the fennec fox has large ears, which help to lose heat and keep its body cool. Many desert mammals, such as the jerboa, have light-colored fur that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it. Lizards and snakes often have scales that protect them from both heat and sand. Insects like beetles may have shiny shells that deflect sunlight, helping them stay cooler during the day.
Paragraph 5:
Finding food can also be difficult in the desert. Food sources may be scarce and unpredictable. Some animals eat a wide variety of foods to increase their chances of survival. The desert fox, for example, eats insects, small animals, and fruits when available. The scorpion is another desert survivor; it hunts at night and can go for months without eating much.
Finding food can also be difficult in the desert. Food sources may be scarce and unpredictable. Some animals eat a wide variety of foods to increase their chances of survival. The desert fox, for example, eats insects, small animals, and fruits when available. The scorpion is another desert survivor; it hunts at night and can go for months without eating much.
Paragraph 6:
Many desert animals have learned how to store food and energy in their bodies. The camel stores fat in its hump, which can be turned into energy and water. Other animals, like ground squirrels, will collect seeds and store them in underground burrows to eat later, especially during periods when food is hard to find.
Many desert animals have learned how to store food and energy in their bodies. The camel stores fat in its hump, which can be turned into energy and water. Other animals, like ground squirrels, will collect seeds and store them in underground burrows to eat later, especially during periods when food is hard to find.
Paragraph 7:
Some reptiles and insects use camouflage to avoid being seen by predators. Their skin or shells match the color of sand and rocks, making them nearly invisible to both prey and hunters. This adaptation is important for both catching food and not becoming food themselves.
Some reptiles and insects use camouflage to avoid being seen by predators. Their skin or shells match the color of sand and rocks, making them nearly invisible to both prey and hunters. This adaptation is important for both catching food and not becoming food themselves.
Paragraph 8:
Another amazing adaptation is the way some animals produce or conserve water. The thorny devil lizard, found in Australia, can collect dew and rain on its skin, which then travels through grooves directly to its mouth. Some beetles in the Namib Desert stand on their heads in the morning fog, letting tiny droplets run down their bodies to their mouths.
Another amazing adaptation is the way some animals produce or conserve water. The thorny devil lizard, found in Australia, can collect dew and rain on its skin, which then travels through grooves directly to its mouth. Some beetles in the Namib Desert stand on their heads in the morning fog, letting tiny droplets run down their bodies to their mouths.
Paragraph 9:
Not all adaptations are physical. Many desert animals have special behaviors that help them survive. Some birds fly long distances to find water or food when it becomes too dry. Meerkats, which live in groups, take turns watching for danger while others eat or rest. This teamwork increases their safety.
Not all adaptations are physical. Many desert animals have special behaviors that help them survive. Some birds fly long distances to find water or food when it becomes too dry. Meerkats, which live in groups, take turns watching for danger while others eat or rest. This teamwork increases their safety.
Paragraph 10:
Breeding and raising young can be risky in the desert. Some animals, like the spadefoot toad, lay eggs only after it rains, so their young can grow quickly in temporary pools of water before they dry up. Other animals time the birth of their babies to the cooler months of the year.
Breeding and raising young can be risky in the desert. Some animals, like the spadefoot toad, lay eggs only after it rains, so their young can grow quickly in temporary pools of water before they dry up. Other animals time the birth of their babies to the cooler months of the year.
Paragraph 11:
Life in the desert is not easy, but the animals that live there are masters of adaptation. They show us that with the right changes, it is possible to survive and even thrive in some of the harshest places on our planet. Whether it is by changing their bodies, developing new behaviors, or simply being patient and smart, desert animals continue to inspire scientists and nature lovers all over the world.
Life in the desert is not easy, but the animals that live there are masters of adaptation. They show us that with the right changes, it is possible to survive and even thrive in some of the harshest places on our planet. Whether it is by changing their bodies, developing new behaviors, or simply being patient and smart, desert animals continue to inspire scientists and nature lovers all over the world.
Paragraph 12:
The future of many desert animals is uncertain. Climate change, human development, and pollution are creating new challenges. Some deserts are becoming even hotter and drier, making survival more difficult. However, scientists and conservationists are working to protect desert environments and help these remarkable animals continue their lives in one of Earth’s most demanding habitats.
The future of many desert animals is uncertain. Climate change, human development, and pollution are creating new challenges. Some deserts are becoming even hotter and drier, making survival more difficult. However, scientists and conservationists are working to protect desert environments and help these remarkable animals continue their lives in one of Earth’s most demanding habitats.
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 will help you master how to find and confirm factual information in a passage!
Q1: (B)
According to the passage, how do camels help themselves survive in the desert?
Step 1: The question asks for a specific camel adaptation.
Step 2: Scan the passage for "camel" and "survive" or "adaptation".
Step 3: Paragraph 2 says camels "store fat in their humps, which their bodies turn into water and energy when needed."
Step 4: Compare the answer options: Drinking water daily is not true; camels may go days without water. Storing fat in their humps is directly mentioned. The others are not related.
Step 5: Choose (B): storing fat in their humps, as this is the directly stated adaptation in the passage.
Step 6: Always look for the exact physical or behavioral adaptation described.
Q2: (C)
What does "nocturnal" mean as used in the passage?
Step 1: The question asks about the word "nocturnal."
Step 2: Paragraph 3 introduces nocturnal animals and explains they are "most active at night, when temperatures are cooler."
Step 3: Check the answer options: (A) Day activity is the opposite. (C) Night activity is directly supported. (B) and (D) are not definitions in the passage.
Step 4: Choose (C): "Active at night" matches the clear explanation in the text.
Step 5: Be sure to check for context clues around the word in the passage.
Step 6: Always confirm your answer by re-reading the relevant sentence.
Q3: (B)
Which adaptation helps the fennec fox stay cool in the desert?
Step 1: The question is about a physical adaptation of the fennec fox.
Step 2: Paragraph 4 says the fennec fox "has large ears, which help to lose heat and keep its body cool."
Step 3: The other options (storing water in fur, hunting during the day, laying eggs) are not mentioned in the passage for fennec foxes.
Step 4: The correct answer is (B): having large ears helps it lose heat.
Step 5: Look for direct cause-effect phrases, like "help to..." or "so that...".
Step 6: When options include a key detail from the passage, that's usually correct for factual questions.
Q4: (B)
How do kangaroo rats get most of the water they need?
Step 1: This question asks about the kangaroo rat's adaptation for water.
Step 2: Paragraph 2: "The kangaroo rat... gets the moisture they need from the seeds and plants they eat."
Step 3: Drinking from rivers is not possible in the desert. Other options (breathing, fog) are not stated in the passage for this animal.
Step 4: The passage directly links their food with water intake. So, (B) is the only correct answer.
Step 5: Check for explicit statements rather than general knowledge.
Step 6: Factual questions will always have answers you can point to in the text.
Q5: (C)
What is one reason some desert animals are difficult to see?
Step 1: This question is about an adaptation for avoiding predators.
Step 2: Paragraph 7: "Their skin or shells match the color of sand and rocks, making them nearly invisible..."
Step 3: Camouflage is directly mentioned, while being fast, bright, or underground are not stated as reasons for being hard to see.
Step 4: (C) "They use camouflage to match their environment" is directly supported by the passage.
Step 5: Look for definitions and examples that match the question's keywords.
Step 6: Always use evidence from the passage to back up your answer.
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.
adaptation
/ˌæd.æpˈteɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
adaptation + to/of/for + noun
Definition:
A change in a plant or animal that makes it better suited to its environment.
Example:
The camel's hump is an adaptation for surviving in dry environments. (= a feature that helps it live there)
Synonym: adjustment
Common Mistake: Using "adoption" instead of "adaptation".
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.
Example:
Desert animals have remarkable adaptations. (= very special and surprising)
Synonym: extraordinary
Common Mistake: Saying "remarkable of" (should be "remarkable for").
thrive
/θraɪv/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb (intransitive)
Word Pattern:
thrive + in/on/under + noun
Definition:
To grow, develop, or be successful.
Example:
Some animals thrive in the desert. (= live well and succeed)
Synonym: prosper
Common Mistake: Using "thrive" with an object (it is intransitive).
essential
/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Word Pattern:
essential + for/to + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
Absolutely necessary or very important.
Example:
Water is essential for life. (= necessary)
Synonym: vital
Common Mistake: Mixing up with "necessary" in structure.
moisture
/ˈmɔɪstʃər/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
moisture + in/from + noun
Definition:
Small amounts of water present in the air or a substance.
Example:
They get the moisture they need from seeds. (= water in their food)
Synonym: dampness
Common Mistake: Saying "moisture" as countable.
burrow
/ˈbʌrəʊ/ (BrE) /ˈbɜːroʊ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
burrow + into/under + noun
Definition:
A hole or tunnel dug by an animal for shelter.
Example:
They burrow in the sand as soon as it gets hot. (= dig to hide)
Synonym: tunnel (noun), dig (verb)
Common Mistake: Using as a place, not an action.
nocturnal
/nɒkˈtɜːnl/ (BrE) /nɑːkˈtɜrnəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
nocturnal + animal/creature/lifestyle
Definition:
Active during the night instead of the day.
Example:
Foxes are nocturnal in the desert. (= come out at night)
Synonym: night-active
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“a nocturnal”).
predator
/ˈprɛdətə/ (BrE) /ˈprɛdətər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
predator + of/on + noun
Definition:
An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
Example:
Camouflage helps animals hide from predators. (= animals that hunt them)
Synonym: hunter
Common Mistake: Using for any dangerous animal, not just those that hunt.
camouflage
/ˈkæməflɑːʒ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
camouflage + with/as/against + noun
Definition:
A way of hiding by having the same color or pattern as the environment.
Example:
Reptiles use camouflage to avoid being seen. (= blend in with their surroundings)
Synonym: disguise
Common Mistake: Saying "make camouflage" instead of "use camouflage".
conserve
/kənˈsɜːv/ (BrE) /kənˈsɜrv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
conserve + energy/water/resources
Definition:
To use as little of something as possible so that it lasts longer.
Example:
Animals conserve water by being active at night. (= save water)
Synonym: save, preserve
Common Mistake: Using as a noun ("a conserve").
dew
/djuː/ (BrE) /duː/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
dew + forms/on/in + noun
Definition:
Small drops of water that form on surfaces outside during the night.
Example:
The thorny devil collects dew on its skin. (= water drops from the air)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying "a dew" (dew is uncountable).
unpredictable
/ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
unpredictable + noun (weather/food/source)
Definition:
Not able to be predicted; changing unexpectedly.
Example:
Food sources may be scarce and unpredictable. (= not regular or certain)
Synonym: uncertain
Common Mistake: Using for people instead of things/situations.
store
/stɔː/ (BrE) /stɔr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
store + food/water/energy + in/on
Definition:
To put something away and keep it for future use.
Example:
The camel stores fat in its hump. (= keeps fat for later)
Synonym: save, keep
Common Mistake: Confusing with "store" as a shop (noun).
scorpion
/ˈskɔːpiən/ (BrE) /ˈskɔrpiən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
scorpion + hunts/lives + in/on + place
Definition:
A small animal with a long tail and a poisonous sting, found in hot dry places.
Example:
The scorpion hunts at night. (= a desert animal)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Misspelling as "scorpian".
feature
/ˈfiːtʃər/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
feature + of + noun
Definition:
An important or interesting part of something.
Example:
Some animals have physical features that protect them. (= body parts)
Synonym: characteristic
Common Mistake: Using only for faces (it means any important part).
environment
/ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable/uncountable)
Word Pattern:
environment + of/in/for + noun
Definition:
The natural world in which people, animals, and plants live.
Example:
The desert is an extreme environment. (= a kind of place)
Synonym: habitat
Common Mistake: Confusing with "environmental" (adjective).
temperatures
/ˈtɛmp(ə)rətʃəz/ (BrE) /ˈtɛmpərətʃərz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, usually plural)
Word Pattern:
temperature + of/in + noun
Definition:
A measure of how hot or cold something is.
Example:
The desert is known for its high temperatures. (= very hot)
Synonym: heat (in some contexts)
Common Mistake: Using as singular "a temperature" when talking about climate.
collect
/kəˈlɛkt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
collect + noun (dew/food/seeds)
Definition:
To bring things together, usually for a purpose.
Example:
Ground squirrels collect seeds to eat later. (= gather and keep)
Synonym: gather
Common Mistake: Using "collect" for things you buy.
survive
/səˈvaɪv/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
survive + in/on/with + noun
Definition:
To continue to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions.
Example:
Only special animals can survive in the desert. (= stay alive)
Synonym: endure
Common Mistake: Using with “alive” (should not say “survive alive”).
conservationist
/ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃənɪst/ (BrE) /ˌkɑːnsərˈveɪʃənɪst/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
conservationist + works/tries/fights + for
Definition:
A person who works to protect the environment and wild animals.
Example:
Conservationists are working to protect desert habitats. (= people who save nature)
Synonym: environmentalist
Common Mistake: Using as an adjective.
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!
extreme environment
/ɪkˈstriːm ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
extreme + environment/condition/climate
Definition:
A place that is very difficult to live in because of heat, cold, dryness, etc.
Example:
The desert is an extreme environment. (= very harsh place to live)
Synonym: harsh environment
Common Mistake: Using "extreme" alone without a noun.
develop an adaptation
/dɪˈvɛləp ən ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
develop + an/a + adaptation/strategy/habit
Definition:
To change or form something that helps survival in a situation.
Example:
Animals develop adaptations to survive. (= change to fit their environment)
Synonym: form an adaptation
Common Mistake: Saying "make an adaptation".
store fat
/stɔː fæt/ (BrE) /stɔr fæt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
store + fat/water/energy + in/on + noun
Definition:
To keep fat in the body for later use as energy or water.
Example:
Camels store fat in their humps. (= keep fat in the hump)
Synonym: save fat
Common Mistake: Saying "stock fat".
turn into
/tɜːn ˈɪntuː/ (BrE) /tɜrn ˈɪntu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
turn + into + noun/adjective
Definition:
To change or transform into something else.
Example:
Their bodies turn fat into water. (= change fat to water)
Synonym: become
Common Mistake: Saying "turn to" instead of "turn into".
get the moisture (they) need
/ɡɛt ðə ˈmɔɪstʃə/ (BrE) /ɡɛt ðə ˈmɔɪstʃɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
get + the + noun (moisture/food) + (pronoun) + need
Definition:
To obtain the water required to live.
Example:
They get the moisture they need from seeds. (= find enough water in food)
Synonym: obtain the moisture
Common Mistake: Omitting "they need".
be active at night
/bi ˈæktɪv æt naɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
be + active + at/in + time
Definition:
To move or do things during nighttime hours.
Example:
Snakes are active at night. (= move at night)
Synonym: nocturnal
Common Mistake: Using "do activity at night".
bask in the sun
/bɑːsk ɪn ðə sʌn/ (BrE) /bæsk ɪn ðə sʌn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
bask + in + noun (the sun, light, etc.)
Definition:
To lie or relax in the warmth of the sun.
Example:
Lizards bask in the early morning sun. (= warm themselves)
Synonym: sunbathe
Common Mistake: Saying "bask under the sun".
hide under rocks
/haɪd ˈʌndə rɒks/ (BrE) /haɪd ˈʌndər rɑks/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
hide + under/in/behind + noun
Definition:
To go under rocks for safety or to escape heat.
Example:
They hide under rocks as soon as it gets hot. (= go under rocks to escape heat)
Synonym: take cover under rocks
Common Mistake: Using "hide at rocks".
reflect sunlight
/rɪˈflɛkt ˈsʌnlaɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
reflect + sunlight/heat/light
Definition:
To send sunlight away so it doesn’t get absorbed.
Example:
Light-colored fur helps reflect sunlight. (= send sunlight away)
Synonym: bounce sunlight off
Common Mistake: Using "reflect to sunlight".
hunt at night
/hʌnt æt naɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
hunt + at/in + time
Definition:
To search for and catch food during the night.
Example:
Scorpions hunt at night. (= find food at night)
Synonym: search for food at night
Common Mistake: Using "hunt on night".
go for months without
/ɡəʊ fə mʌnθs wɪˈðaʊt/ (BrE) /ɡoʊ fər mʌnθs wɪˈðaʊt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
go + for + time + without + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
To survive for a long period without something.
Example:
Scorpions can go for months without eating much. (= survive for months without food)
Synonym: manage without
Common Mistake: Omitting "for months".
collect seeds
/kəˈlɛkt siːdz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
collect + seeds/food/water
Definition:
To gather seeds for storage or later use.
Example:
Squirrels collect seeds to eat later. (= gather seeds)
Synonym: gather seeds
Common Mistake: Using "pick up seeds" for storage.
match the color of
/mætʃ ðə ˈkʌlə(r) ɒv/ (BrE) /mætʃ ðə ˈkʌlər əv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
match + the color + of + noun
Definition:
To look the same color as something else.
Example:
Their skin matches the color of the sand. (= same color as sand)
Synonym: blend in with
Common Mistake: Using "match color to".
stand on their heads
/stænd ɒn ðeə hɛdz/ (BrE) /stænd ɑn ðɛr hɛdz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
stand + on + (one's) head(s)
Definition:
To put the head down and the body up, often in animals to collect water.
Example:
Some beetles stand on their heads to collect water. (= tip upside down)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Thinking this means a trick or joke.
take turns
/teɪk tɜːnz/ (BrE) /teɪk tɜrnz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
take + turns + to/at + verb
Definition:
To do something one after another in a group.
Example:
Meerkats take turns watching for danger. (= one after another)
Synonym: alternate
Common Mistake: Using "take a turn" for group action.
time the birth
/taɪm ðə bɜːθ/ (BrE) /taɪm ðə bɜrθ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
time + the birth/event + to + verb
Definition:
To plan when a baby is born or an event happens.
Example:
Animals time the birth of their babies to cooler months. (= plan when babies are born)
Synonym: schedule the birth
Common Mistake: Using "do the birth at" instead of "time the birth to".
be masters of adaptation
/bi ˈmɑːstəz əv ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/ (BrE) /bi ˈmæstərz əv ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
be + masters of + noun/gerund
Definition:
To be extremely skilled at changing to survive.
Example:
Desert animals are masters of adaptation. (= very skilled at surviving)
Synonym: experts at adapting
Common Mistake: Using "master of adaptation" (should be plural in this phrase).
raise young
/reɪz jʌŋ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
raise + young/babies/children
Definition:
To take care of babies or offspring until they are grown.
Example:
Breeding and raising young can be risky in the desert. (= care for babies)
Synonym: bring up
Common Mistake: Using "grow" instead of "raise".
temporary pools of water
/ˈtɛmpərəri puːlz əv ˈwɔːtə/ (BrE) /ˈtɛmpəˌrɛri pulz əv ˈwɔtər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
temporary + pools/lakes/shelters + of + noun
Definition:
Small bodies of water that last for a short time.
Example:
Spadefoot toads lay eggs in temporary pools of water. (= pools that soon dry up)
Synonym: short-lived pools
Common Mistake: Using "temporarily pools".
the harshest places on our planet
/ðə ˈhɑːʃɪst ˈpleɪsɪz ɒn ˈaʊə ˈplænɪt/ (BrE) /ðə ˈhɑrʃɪst ˈpleɪsɪz ɑn ˈaʊər ˈplænɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
the + superlative + noun + on + planet/Earth/world
Definition:
The most difficult or severe places to live on Earth.
Example:
Deserts are among the harshest places on our planet. (= very tough places to live)
Synonym: most difficult environments
Common Mistake: Using "most harshest" (double superlative).
Exercise 1: Practice the Words & Expressions
Choose the correct answer for each question. When you select an answer, you'll see an instant, detailed explanation to help you understand the vocabulary!
Exercise 2: Practice More Words & Expressions
Choose the correct answer for each question. Instantly check your understanding with a detailed explanation after every answer!
Join LingExam Language Academy on Social Media!
Want to keep improving your English, boost your exam skills, and access more free interactive lessons?
🚀 Follow LingExam Language Academy on your favorite social networks!
You'll find daily tips, video tutorials, mini-quizzes, giveaways, and much more. Don’t miss out – join our learning community now!
🚀 Follow LingExam Language Academy on your favorite social networks!
You'll find daily tips, video tutorials, mini-quizzes, giveaways, and much more. Don’t miss out – join our learning community now!
✨
Stay inspired, get your daily practice, and be part of our growing community.
See you on LingExam’s social channels! 💙
See you on LingExam’s social channels! 💙
You May Also Like
-
Sep 25, 2025
Step-by-step IELTS Task 2 tutorial on the Causes & Solutions essay: template, Band 6–8 sample answers, 10 key words &...
-
Sep 25, 2025
Step-by-step IELTS Task 2 tutorial on the Causes & Solutions essay: template, Band 6–8 sample answers, 10 key words &...
-
Sep 25, 2025
Master IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 on air pollution with a step-by-step causes–solutions tutorial, fill-in template, timer, Band 6–8 sample...
-
Sep 25, 2025
Master IELTS Task 2 “outweigh” essays on the working-from-home topic with a step-by-step tutorial, fill-in template, timer, Band 6–8 samples,...