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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 5
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July 25, 2025
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Habitats of the Amazon Rainforest)
What are Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to find information that is directly and clearly stated in the passage. You must locate facts, not make guesses or use your own knowledge. Being strong in this question type is key for boosting your reading accuracy!
These questions test your ability to find information that is directly and clearly stated in the passage. You must locate facts, not make guesses or use your own knowledge. Being strong in this question type is key for boosting your reading accuracy!
How to Answer Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Identify exactly what the question is asking for. Notice key words like who, what, when, where, how, or why—these will guide you to the right part of the passage.
Example: “What layer of the rainforest has the least sunlight?”
Identify exactly what the question is asking for. Notice key words like who, what, when, where, how, or why—these will guide you to the right part of the passage.
Example: “What layer of the rainforest has the least sunlight?”
2
Underline or Note Key Words:
Highlight important words or phrases in the question and in the answer choices. This helps you focus and search for specific information.
Example: Key words: “layer,” “rainforest,” “least sunlight.”
Highlight important words or phrases in the question and in the answer choices. This helps you focus and search for specific information.
Example: Key words: “layer,” “rainforest,” “least sunlight.”
3
Scan the Passage:
Move your eyes quickly over the text to find the key words or related ideas. Don’t read every word—look for the section that talks about the topic.
Move your eyes quickly over the text to find the key words or related ideas. Don’t read every word—look for the section that talks about the topic.
4
Read Closely and Compare:
Read the relevant part carefully. See which answer choice matches what is exactly stated in the passage.
Read the relevant part carefully. See which answer choice matches what is exactly stated in the passage.
5
Eliminate Incorrect Options:
Remove any answers that are not mentioned, not true, or say something different from the passage. Keep only the answers that match the facts.
Remove any answers that are not mentioned, not true, or say something different from the passage. Keep only the answers that match the facts.
6
Select the Best Answer:
Choose the answer that is most completely supported by the passage. Don’t use your outside knowledge—choose based only on the passage’s words.
Choose the answer that is most completely supported by the passage. Don’t use your outside knowledge—choose based only on the passage’s words.
7
Watch Out for Tricky Words:
Some wrong answers use words from the passage but change the meaning. Make sure your answer matches the facts—not just similar words!
Some wrong answers use words from the passage but change the meaning. Make sure your answer matches the facts—not just similar words!
8
Double-Check Your Answer:
Quickly review the question and your answer to make sure it matches the factual information given. Only the best match should be selected.
Quickly review the question and your answer to make sure it matches the factual information given. Only the best match should be selected.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which animal is commonly found in the rainforest canopy layer?”
Choices:
(A) Camel
(B) Sloth
(C) Penguin
(D) Polar Bear
Correct Answer: (B) Sloth
Explanation: The passage states that sloths are common in the canopy layer of the rainforest. The other animals live in different habitats or regions, so (B) is correct.
“Which animal is commonly found in the rainforest canopy layer?”
Choices:
(A) Camel
(B) Sloth
(C) Penguin
(D) Polar Bear
Correct Answer: (B) Sloth
Explanation: The passage states that sloths are common in the canopy layer of the rainforest. The other animals live in different habitats or regions, so (B) is correct.
Reading Passage: Habitats of the Amazon Rainforest
Paragraph 1:
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most extraordinary and diverse places on Earth. Stretching across nine countries in South America, it covers over five and a half million square kilometers. The Amazon is home to millions of different plants, animals, and insects. But what makes the Amazon truly special is its variety of unique habitats—each supporting life in its own special way.
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most extraordinary and diverse places on Earth. Stretching across nine countries in South America, it covers over five and a half million square kilometers. The Amazon is home to millions of different plants, animals, and insects. But what makes the Amazon truly special is its variety of unique habitats—each supporting life in its own special way.
Paragraph 2:
The rainforest is made up of several layers, or “habitats.” Each layer receives a different amount of sunlight, rain, and wind, creating a range of living conditions. The four main layers of the Amazon Rainforest are: the emergent layer, the canopy, the understory, and the forest floor.
The rainforest is made up of several layers, or “habitats.” Each layer receives a different amount of sunlight, rain, and wind, creating a range of living conditions. The four main layers of the Amazon Rainforest are: the emergent layer, the canopy, the understory, and the forest floor.
Paragraph 3:
At the very top is the emergent layer. This layer is made up of the tallest trees, which can reach heights of 60 meters or more. The crowns of these trees rise above all others, touching the sky. Here, the sunlight is strongest and the wind is often very powerful. Only a few animals live in this habitat, such as harpy eagles and certain types of monkeys, because it is difficult to survive in the open space and strong sun.
At the very top is the emergent layer. This layer is made up of the tallest trees, which can reach heights of 60 meters or more. The crowns of these trees rise above all others, touching the sky. Here, the sunlight is strongest and the wind is often very powerful. Only a few animals live in this habitat, such as harpy eagles and certain types of monkeys, because it is difficult to survive in the open space and strong sun.
Paragraph 4:
Just below the emergent layer is the canopy. This is often called the “roof” of the rainforest. The canopy is made up of thick branches and leaves from many trees, all connected together. Most of the Amazon’s life can be found here. Colorful birds, sloths, monkeys, and insects all call the canopy home. Because the leaves block a lot of sunlight, the canopy is cool and moist compared to the hot, dry emergent layer above. Vines, flowers, and fruit trees also grow here, creating a busy, noisy place full of life.
Just below the emergent layer is the canopy. This is often called the “roof” of the rainforest. The canopy is made up of thick branches and leaves from many trees, all connected together. Most of the Amazon’s life can be found here. Colorful birds, sloths, monkeys, and insects all call the canopy home. Because the leaves block a lot of sunlight, the canopy is cool and moist compared to the hot, dry emergent layer above. Vines, flowers, and fruit trees also grow here, creating a busy, noisy place full of life.
Paragraph 5:
Beneath the canopy is the understory. This layer is much darker and more humid. Sunlight can barely reach the understory, so plants must adapt to survive with less light. Many plants have large, broad leaves to catch any sun they can. Frogs, snakes, butterflies, and jaguars are just some of the animals found in this mysterious layer. Because there are fewer plants and less food, the animals here often have special skills to hide, hunt, or find food in unusual places.
Beneath the canopy is the understory. This layer is much darker and more humid. Sunlight can barely reach the understory, so plants must adapt to survive with less light. Many plants have large, broad leaves to catch any sun they can. Frogs, snakes, butterflies, and jaguars are just some of the animals found in this mysterious layer. Because there are fewer plants and less food, the animals here often have special skills to hide, hunt, or find food in unusual places.
Paragraph 6:
At the bottom of the rainforest is the forest floor. This layer is dark, wet, and filled with decomposing leaves and plants. The soil in the Amazon is not very rich, so most plants get their nutrients from the thick layer of dead leaves. Large animals such as tapirs, anteaters, and armadillos search for insects or fruit on the ground. Fungi and bacteria play a key role here by breaking down dead material and returning nutrients to the ecosystem. Because little sunlight reaches the forest floor, few plants grow tall here.
At the bottom of the rainforest is the forest floor. This layer is dark, wet, and filled with decomposing leaves and plants. The soil in the Amazon is not very rich, so most plants get their nutrients from the thick layer of dead leaves. Large animals such as tapirs, anteaters, and armadillos search for insects or fruit on the ground. Fungi and bacteria play a key role here by breaking down dead material and returning nutrients to the ecosystem. Because little sunlight reaches the forest floor, few plants grow tall here.
Paragraph 7:
The Amazon River, which runs through the rainforest, creates even more unique habitats. Some areas are covered with water for months at a time. These flooded forests, known as varzea, provide homes for river dolphins, piranhas, and giant otters. Plants in these areas must survive both underwater and on land, depending on the season. When the water rises, fish swim between the trees, and some animals move to higher ground.
The Amazon River, which runs through the rainforest, creates even more unique habitats. Some areas are covered with water for months at a time. These flooded forests, known as varzea, provide homes for river dolphins, piranhas, and giant otters. Plants in these areas must survive both underwater and on land, depending on the season. When the water rises, fish swim between the trees, and some animals move to higher ground.
Paragraph 8:
The Amazon’s many habitats allow for incredible biodiversity. More than 40,000 types of plants and 2.5 million species of insects have been discovered here. Scientists believe that many more are still unknown. Each habitat is connected, and animals often move between them. For example, a monkey may sleep in the canopy, search for fruit in the understory, and drink water at the forest floor. This connection helps keep the rainforest healthy and balanced.
The Amazon’s many habitats allow for incredible biodiversity. More than 40,000 types of plants and 2.5 million species of insects have been discovered here. Scientists believe that many more are still unknown. Each habitat is connected, and animals often move between them. For example, a monkey may sleep in the canopy, search for fruit in the understory, and drink water at the forest floor. This connection helps keep the rainforest healthy and balanced.
Paragraph 9:
Life in the rainforest depends on the delicate balance of its habitats. If one part is damaged, it can affect the others. For example, when trees are cut down in the canopy, the understory and forest floor receive more sunlight, changing the temperature and moisture for all the living things below. If animals are lost from one habitat, it can disrupt the food chain and affect other species throughout the forest.
Life in the rainforest depends on the delicate balance of its habitats. If one part is damaged, it can affect the others. For example, when trees are cut down in the canopy, the understory and forest floor receive more sunlight, changing the temperature and moisture for all the living things below. If animals are lost from one habitat, it can disrupt the food chain and affect other species throughout the forest.
Paragraph 10:
Humans have lived in the Amazon for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples know the forest better than anyone, understanding how to live with its rhythms and use its resources carefully. They know which plants can be used for medicine or food, and which animals live in each habitat. Today, people around the world study the Amazon to learn how its habitats can help us find new medicines, foods, and even ways to protect the environment.
Humans have lived in the Amazon for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples know the forest better than anyone, understanding how to live with its rhythms and use its resources carefully. They know which plants can be used for medicine or food, and which animals live in each habitat. Today, people around the world study the Amazon to learn how its habitats can help us find new medicines, foods, and even ways to protect the environment.
Paragraph 11:
Sadly, the Amazon Rainforest is under threat. Large areas are being destroyed every year for farming, mining, and logging. When forests are cleared, animals lose their homes and the balance of the ecosystem is broken. Pollution and climate change also make life difficult for the plants and animals of the Amazon. Many species are now endangered, and some have already disappeared forever.
Sadly, the Amazon Rainforest is under threat. Large areas are being destroyed every year for farming, mining, and logging. When forests are cleared, animals lose their homes and the balance of the ecosystem is broken. Pollution and climate change also make life difficult for the plants and animals of the Amazon. Many species are now endangered, and some have already disappeared forever.
Paragraph 12:
Scientists and local communities are working together to protect the Amazon’s habitats. By learning more about each habitat and how they connect, people hope to find better ways to save the rainforest. Protecting the Amazon means saving a home for millions of species, supporting indigenous peoples, and helping to keep our planet healthy. The future of the Amazon Rainforest depends on our ability to care for all of its amazing habitats, now and for generations to come.
Scientists and local communities are working together to protect the Amazon’s habitats. By learning more about each habitat and how they connect, people hope to find better ways to save the rainforest. Protecting the Amazon means saving a home for millions of species, supporting indigenous peoples, and helping to keep our planet healthy. The future of the Amazon Rainforest depends on our ability to care for all of its amazing habitats, now and for generations to come.
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is directly stated in the passage above. 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: (C)
Which layer of the Amazon Rainforest receives the most sunlight?
Step 1: Identify which layer is being asked about—look for words about sunlight in the passage.
Step 2: Paragraph 3 explains the emergent layer is made up of the tallest trees, "touching the sky," with the "strongest sunlight."
Step 3: Compare options: The canopy is below, the understory and forest floor receive much less light.
Step 4: The emergent layer is directly stated as getting the most sunlight. So, (C) is correct.
Step 5: Always check for clear, direct statements in the text.
Q2: (B)
What is the main reason few plants grow tall on the forest floor?
Step 1: Find the passage part about the forest floor and plant growth.
Step 2: Paragraph 6 explains the forest floor is "dark" and "little sunlight reaches" it.
Step 3: The text says this is why few plants grow tall—directly stated.
Step 4: Eliminate options about wind, soil dryness, or animals, which are not mentioned as main reasons.
Step 5: Correct answer is (B) because lack of sunlight is directly given in the passage.
Q3: (C)
Which animal is commonly found in the canopy layer?
Step 1: Look for information about animals in the canopy.
Step 2: Paragraph 4 mentions "sloths, monkeys, and birds" in the canopy.
Step 3: Harpy eagles (B) are in the emergent layer; tapirs and armadillos are on the forest floor.
Step 4: Only sloths are listed for the canopy. So, (C) is correct.
Step 5: Remember, the correct answer is always supported by a clear passage detail.
Q4: (C)
What are flooded forests in the Amazon called?
Step 1: Find the passage part describing special habitats and water.
Step 2: Paragraph 7 mentions flooded forests, called "varzea."
Step 3: The passage describes animals and plants that live in "varzea"—the correct technical term.
Step 4: Other layers (canopy, emergent, understory) are not names for flooded forests.
Step 5: Always check for bold or special terms introduced in the passage. So, (C) is correct.
Q5: (C)
According to the passage, what happens when the canopy trees are cut down?
Step 1: Look for sentences about changes in the rainforest when trees are removed.
Step 2: Paragraph 9 says if canopy trees are cut down, "the understory and forest floor receive more sunlight."
Step 3: This change affects temperature and moisture for living things below.
Step 4: The other options (flooding, animals leaving, soil drying forever) are not stated in the passage as direct results.
Step 5: The correct answer is (C), as it matches the factual, cause-effect detail from the passage.
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.
Extraordinary
/ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/ (BrE) /ɪkˈstrɔrdəˌneri/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
extraordinary + noun / it is extraordinary that...
Definition:
Very unusual, remarkable, or impressive.
Example:
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most extraordinary places. (= Very special and different.)
Synonym: remarkable
Common Mistake: Spelling as “extra ordinary.”
Diverse
/daɪˈvɜːs/ (BrE) /daɪˈvɜrs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
diverse + group/species/range
Definition:
Very different from each other; having many different forms or types.
Example:
It is one of the most diverse places on Earth. (= Many different kinds.)
Synonym: varied
Common Mistake: Saying “diversed” (incorrect past form).
Habitat
/ˈhæbɪtæt/ (BrE) /ˈhæbɪˌtæt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
habitat + of/for + noun
Definition:
The natural home or environment of a plant or animal.
Example:
Each habitat supports life in its own way. (= Natural living space.)
Synonym: environment
Common Mistake: Using only for animals, not plants.
Emergent
/ɪˈmɜːdʒənt/ (BrE) /ɪˈmɜrdʒənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
emergent + layer/tree/plant
Definition:
Rising above the surrounding area, especially above other trees.
Example:
The emergent layer is made up of the tallest trees. (= The highest part.)
Synonym: uppermost
Common Mistake: Saying “emergence” (noun).
Canopy
/ˈkænəpi/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
canopy + of + noun
Definition:
The uppermost spreading layer of a forest formed by the leaves and branches of trees.
Example:
The canopy is called the “roof” of the rainforest. (= Top layer formed by trees.)
Synonym: cover
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “canopy” (rhyming with “mopey”).
Moist
/mɔɪst/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
moist + air/soil/leaves
Definition:
Slightly wet; damp.
Example:
The canopy is cool and moist. (= A bit wet.)
Synonym: damp
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“the moist”).
Humid
/ˈhjuːmɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
humid + air/climate/weather
Definition:
Containing a lot of water vapor; warm and damp.
Example:
The understory is much darker and more humid. (= Warm and wet air.)
Synonym: muggy
Common Mistake: Using “humidity” (noun) instead of “humid.”
Adapt
/əˈdæpt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
adapt + to + noun
Definition:
To change to suit new conditions or environment.
Example:
Plants must adapt to survive with less light. (= Change to live better.)
Synonym: adjust
Common Mistake: “Adopt” (to take something as your own) is different.
Decompose
/ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz/ (BrE) /ˌdikoʊmˈpoʊz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
decompose + into + noun
Definition:
To break down into smaller parts by natural processes.
Example:
The forest floor is filled with decomposing leaves. (= Leaves breaking down.)
Synonym: rot, decay
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“a decompose”).
Nutrient
/ˈnjuːtriənt/ (BrE) /ˈnuːtriənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
nutrient + for + noun / nutrient-rich
Definition:
A substance that provides what is needed for plants or animals to live and grow.
Example:
Plants get their nutrients from dead leaves. (= Food for growth.)
Synonym: nourishment
Common Mistake: Using “nutrient” as an adjective (“nutrient food”).
Ecosystem
/ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ (BrE) /ˈikoʊˌsɪstəm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
ecosystem + of + noun
Definition:
A community of living things and their environment, working together as a system.
Example:
Fungi return nutrients to the ecosystem. (= Whole natural system.)
Synonym: environment (less precise)
Common Mistake: Spelling as “eco system.”
Flooded
/ˈflʌdɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (past participle)
Word Pattern:
flooded + forest/area/river
Definition:
Covered or filled with water, especially by a river overflowing.
Example:
Some areas are flooded for months. (= Full of water.)
Synonym: submerged
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“a flooded”).
Biodiversity
/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ (BrE) /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜrsəti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
biodiversity + of/in + noun
Definition:
The variety of different types of plants and animals in a particular region.
Example:
The habitats allow for incredible biodiversity. (= Many kinds of life.)
Synonym: variety of life
Common Mistake: Saying “bio diversity” (spelling error).
Delicate
/ˈdelɪkət/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
delicate + balance/structure/flower
Definition:
Easily broken or harmed; fragile.
Example:
Life depends on the delicate balance of its habitats. (= Fragile and easily changed.)
Synonym: fragile
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “delicate” (with a “-et” ending).
Disrupt
/dɪsˈrʌpt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
disrupt + the/this + system/balance/chain
Definition:
To break or interrupt the normal course of something.
Example:
It can disrupt the food chain. (= Break the usual order.)
Synonym: disturb
Common Mistake: Using as “disruptive” when a verb is needed.
Indigenous
/ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
indigenous + people/species/community
Definition:
Originally living or existing in a place, rather than arriving from somewhere else.
Example:
Indigenous peoples know the forest best. (= Native to the place.)
Synonym: native
Common Mistake: Saying “indigenious” (spelling error).
Resource
/rɪˈzɔːs/ (BrE) /ˈriːsɔrs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
resource + for + noun / natural resource
Definition:
A supply of something useful, such as materials or knowledge, especially from nature.
Example:
Indigenous peoples use the forest’s resources. (= Useful things from nature.)
Synonym: supply
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “re-source.”
Endangered
/ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/ (BrE) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
endangered + species/animal/plant
Definition:
At risk of no longer existing; threatened with extinction.
Example:
Many species are now endangered. (= In danger of disappearing.)
Synonym: threatened
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to endangered”).
Pollution
/pəˈluːʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
pollution + of/in + noun
Definition:
Harmful substances that make the air, water, or land dirty and dangerous.
Example:
Pollution makes life difficult for animals and plants. (= Dirty chemicals in nature.)
Synonym: contamination
Common Mistake: Using as countable (“pollutions”).
Generations
/ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural)
Word Pattern:
generations + of + noun / for generations
Definition:
All the people or animals born and living at the same time, or the period during which they live.
Example:
Protect the Amazon for generations to come. (= For many future years.)
Synonym: ages
Common Mistake: Using “generation” for a group of things, not time or people.
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!
Stretch across
/strɛtʃ əˈkrɒs/ (BrE) /strɛtʃ əˈkrɑs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
stretch across/over + place
Definition:
To cover a large area from one side to another.
Example:
The rainforest stretches across nine countries. (= It goes over many countries.)
Synonym: span, extend over
Common Mistake: Using “stretch on” for area.
Made up of
/meɪd ʌp ɒv/ (BrE) /meɪd ʌp ʌv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
be made up of + noun
Definition:
Consisting of different parts or things.
Example:
The rainforest is made up of several layers. (= It consists of layers.)
Synonym: consist of
Common Mistake: “Made from” is only for materials.
Rising above
/ˈraɪzɪŋ əˈbʌv/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
rising above + noun
Definition:
Being higher than something else nearby.
Example:
Their crowns rise above all others. (= Higher than other trees.)
Synonym: towering over
Common Mistake: Using “raise” (different verb).
Touch the sky
/tʌtʃ ðə skaɪ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
touch the sky
Definition:
To reach a very high point, often used for tall things.
Example:
These trees touch the sky. (= They are very tall.)
Synonym: reach the sky
Common Mistake: Using “touch to the sky.”
Call ... home
/kɔːl həʊm/ (BrE) /kɔl hoʊm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
call (something) home
Definition:
To live in or consider a place to be your usual residence.
Example:
Sloths and birds call the canopy home. (= They live there.)
Synonym: inhabit, live in
Common Mistake: “Call home to ...”
Block ... sunlight
/blɒk ˈsʌnlaɪt/ (BrE) /blɑk ˈsʌnˌlaɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
block + object + from + noun
Definition:
To prevent light from passing through or reaching a place.
Example:
The leaves block a lot of sunlight. (= Stop the light from coming in.)
Synonym: shade, cover
Common Mistake: Using “stop” with “from” for this meaning.
Compared to
/kəmˈpeəd tuː/ (BrE) /kəmˈperd tu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
compared to + noun
Definition:
In relation to; when examining differences or similarities.
Example:
The canopy is cool compared to the emergent layer. (= When you compare them.)
Synonym: in relation to
Common Mistake: Using “than” instead of “to.”
Catch any sun
/kætʃ ˈɛni sʌn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
catch + noun (sun/light)
Definition:
To get as much sunlight as possible, usually with leaves.
Example:
Plants have large leaves to catch any sun. (= Absorb sunlight.)
Synonym: absorb sunlight
Common Mistake: Saying “take sun.”
Search for
/sɜːtʃ fɔː/ (BrE) /sɝtʃ fɔr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
search for + noun
Definition:
To look for something carefully.
Example:
Animals search for insects or fruit. (= Try to find food.)
Synonym: look for
Common Mistake: Using “search” alone without “for” for objects.
Play a key role
/pleɪ ə kiː rəʊl/ (BrE) /pleɪ ə ki roʊl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
play a key/important/vital role in
Definition:
To be very important in causing something to happen.
Example:
Bacteria play a key role in breaking down material. (= They are very important.)
Synonym: be crucial
Common Mistake: Using “do a key role.”
Return ... to
/rɪˈtɜːn tə/ (BrE) /rɪˈtɜrn tu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
return + noun + to + place
Definition:
To bring something back to its original place.
Example:
They return nutrients to the ecosystem. (= Put back in nature.)
Synonym: give back
Common Mistake: Using “return back.”
Provide homes for
/prəˈvaɪd həʊmz fə/ (BrE) /prəˈvaɪd hoʊmz fɔr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
provide homes/shelter for + noun
Definition:
To give a place for someone or something to live.
Example:
Flooded forests provide homes for river dolphins. (= Are living places.)
Synonym: give shelter to
Common Mistake: Saying “provide home.”
Move between
/muːv bɪˈtwiːn/ (BrE) /muv bɪˈtwin/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
move between + places
Definition:
To go from one place to another and back again.
Example:
Animals often move between habitats. (= Go from one to another.)
Synonym: travel among
Common Mistake: “Move among” is less common for specific points.
Keep ... healthy
/kiːp ˈhɛlθi/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
keep + object + adjective
Definition:
To maintain something in good physical condition.
Example:
This connection helps keep the rainforest healthy. (= Stay in good condition.)
Synonym: maintain
Common Mistake: “Keep health.”
Depend on
/dɪˈpɛnd ɒn/ (BrE) /dɪˈpɛnd ɑn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
depend on + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
To need or rely on something in order to exist or succeed.
Example:
Life depends on the balance of habitats. (= Needs balance to survive.)
Synonym: rely on
Common Mistake: “Depend of.”
Cut down
/kʌt daʊn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
cut down + noun (trees/plants)
Definition:
To remove or kill by cutting, especially trees or plants.
Example:
When trees are cut down, sunlight reaches below. (= Trees are removed.)
Synonym: chop down
Common Mistake: Using “cut off” for trees.
Break the balance
/breɪk ðə ˈbæləns/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
break the balance of + noun
Definition:
To disturb or damage the even or natural state of something.
Example:
Clearing forests breaks the balance of the ecosystem. (= Makes things unstable.)
Synonym: disrupt balance
Common Mistake: “Lose the balance” (not natural here).
Work together
/wɜːk təˈɡɛðə/ (BrE) /wɝk təˈɡɛðɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
work together + to/for + purpose
Definition:
To join efforts in order to achieve a common goal.
Example:
Scientists work together to protect the Amazon. (= Cooperate.)
Synonym: cooperate
Common Mistake: “Work in together.”
For generations to come
/fɔː ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz tə kʌm/ (BrE) /fɔr ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz tu kʌm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
for generations to come
Definition:
For many years into the future.
Example:
Protect the forest for generations to come. (= For future people.)
Synonym: for the future
Common Mistake: “For generation to come.”
Under threat
/ˈʌndə θrɛt/ (BrE) /ˈʌndɚ θrɛt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase
Word Pattern:
be under threat (from) + noun
Definition:
In danger of being harmed or destroyed.
Example:
The rainforest is under threat. (= In danger.)
Synonym: at risk
Common Mistake: “On threat.”
Practice Exercise 1: Test Your Words & Phrases
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Practice Exercise 2: Deepen Your Word & Phrase Skills
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