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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 6
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July 27, 2025
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial)
What are Factual Information Questions?
These questions ask you to find specific information from the reading passage. You will choose the correct answer based on what is stated or clearly implied in the text.
Factual questions are very common in TOEFL and IELTS reading. They check your ability to find, understand, and recall facts from the passage.
These questions ask you to find specific information from the reading passage. You will choose the correct answer based on what is stated or clearly implied in the text.
Factual questions are very common in TOEFL and IELTS reading. They check your ability to find, understand, and recall facts from the passage.
How to Answer Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions Step by Step?
1
Read the Question Carefully:
First, read the question and all the answer choices.
Example: "According to paragraph 2, what is the main role of producers in a food chain?"
First, read the question and all the answer choices.
Example: "According to paragraph 2, what is the main role of producers in a food chain?"
2
Find Key Words in the Question:
Underline or note the key words in the question. These help you know what information to look for in the passage.
Example: Key words: producers, main role, paragraph 2.
Underline or note the key words in the question. These help you know what information to look for in the passage.
Example: Key words: producers, main role, paragraph 2.
3
Scan the Passage:
Go to the correct paragraph or section mentioned in the question.
Skim for the key words or their synonyms.
Go to the correct paragraph or section mentioned in the question.
Skim for the key words or their synonyms.
4
Read Carefully Around the Key Information:
Read the sentence with the key word and a few sentences before and after.
Make sure you understand what is stated and what is implied.
Read the sentence with the key word and a few sentences before and after.
Make sure you understand what is stated and what is implied.
5
Compare Each Answer Choice:
Look at each answer choice and compare it with what the passage says.
Example: If the text says, "Producers are plants that make food for other living things," then an answer like, "They create energy for the food chain," is correct.
Look at each answer choice and compare it with what the passage says.
Example: If the text says, "Producers are plants that make food for other living things," then an answer like, "They create energy for the food chain," is correct.
6
Eliminate Wrong Answers:
Cross out answers that are not mentioned, are opposite, or do not match the text.
Usually, two options are clearly incorrect.
Cross out answers that are not mentioned, are opposite, or do not match the text.
Usually, two options are clearly incorrect.
7
Choose the Best Answer:
Pick the answer that exactly matches the passage.
If two answers are similar, choose the most complete and accurate one.
Pick the answer that exactly matches the passage.
If two answers are similar, choose the most complete and accurate one.
8
Double-Check Your Answer:
Make sure your answer is supported by information in the passage.
Never use your own knowledge or ideas not found in the text!
Make sure your answer is supported by information in the passage.
Never use your own knowledge or ideas not found in the text!
Example Question:
Sample Question:
"What do primary consumers eat in a food chain?"
Choices:
(A) Other animals
(B) Plants
(C) Water
(D) Sunlight
Correct Answer: (B) Plants
Explanation: In most food chains, primary consumers are animals that eat plants.
"What do primary consumers eat in a food chain?"
Choices:
(A) Other animals
(B) Plants
(C) Water
(D) Sunlight
Correct Answer: (B) Plants
Explanation: In most food chains, primary consumers are animals that eat plants.
Reading Passage: Basic Food Chains
Paragraph 1:
Every living thing on Earth needs energy to survive. Plants, animals, and even tiny bacteria use energy to grow and live. But where does this energy come from? The answer can be found by looking at food chains. A food chain is a simple model that shows how energy passes from one living thing to another in an ecosystem. Understanding basic food chains helps us see the connections between different organisms and why each one is important.
Every living thing on Earth needs energy to survive. Plants, animals, and even tiny bacteria use energy to grow and live. But where does this energy come from? The answer can be found by looking at food chains. A food chain is a simple model that shows how energy passes from one living thing to another in an ecosystem. Understanding basic food chains helps us see the connections between different organisms and why each one is important.
Paragraph 2:
All food chains begin with the sun. The sun gives light and warmth to the Earth. Plants are able to use sunlight to make their own food. This special process is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to create food in the form of sugar. Because plants can make their own food, they are called producers. Producers are always found at the start of any food chain.
All food chains begin with the sun. The sun gives light and warmth to the Earth. Plants are able to use sunlight to make their own food. This special process is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to create food in the form of sugar. Because plants can make their own food, they are called producers. Producers are always found at the start of any food chain.
Paragraph 3:
The next link in the food chain is called the consumer. Consumers are living things that cannot make their own food. Instead, they must eat other organisms to get energy. There are different types of consumers. Primary consumers are animals that eat plants. These are usually small animals, like rabbits, grasshoppers, or some birds. They are also called herbivores, because they only eat plants. When a rabbit eats grass, it takes in the energy the plant made from the sun.
The next link in the food chain is called the consumer. Consumers are living things that cannot make their own food. Instead, they must eat other organisms to get energy. There are different types of consumers. Primary consumers are animals that eat plants. These are usually small animals, like rabbits, grasshoppers, or some birds. They are also called herbivores, because they only eat plants. When a rabbit eats grass, it takes in the energy the plant made from the sun.
Paragraph 4:
Secondary consumers eat the primary consumers. These animals are often called carnivores, because they eat meat. For example, a snake that eats a mouse is a secondary consumer. Sometimes, animals eat both plants and other animals. These are called omnivores. Bears, raccoons, and even people can be omnivores, because they eat a variety of foods from both plants and animals.
Secondary consumers eat the primary consumers. These animals are often called carnivores, because they eat meat. For example, a snake that eats a mouse is a secondary consumer. Sometimes, animals eat both plants and other animals. These are called omnivores. Bears, raccoons, and even people can be omnivores, because they eat a variety of foods from both plants and animals.
Paragraph 5:
At the top of some food chains are tertiary consumers. These are usually large predators that have few or no enemies. An eagle that eats snakes or a lion that eats other animals are examples of tertiary consumers. However, not all food chains are the same length. In some environments, food chains might only have three steps, while in others, they can be longer or more complex.
At the top of some food chains are tertiary consumers. These are usually large predators that have few or no enemies. An eagle that eats snakes or a lion that eats other animals are examples of tertiary consumers. However, not all food chains are the same length. In some environments, food chains might only have three steps, while in others, they can be longer or more complex.
Paragraph 6:
There is another important group in the food chain: the decomposers. Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead plants and animals. They return important nutrients to the soil, making it possible for new plants to grow. Without decomposers, dead material would pile up, and the soil would not have enough nutrients for plants. Decomposers help complete the cycle of life in every ecosystem.
There is another important group in the food chain: the decomposers. Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead plants and animals. They return important nutrients to the soil, making it possible for new plants to grow. Without decomposers, dead material would pile up, and the soil would not have enough nutrients for plants. Decomposers help complete the cycle of life in every ecosystem.
Paragraph 7:
Food chains do not exist alone. In the real world, food chains link together to form a food web. A food web shows how many different plants and animals are connected. For example, a mouse might eat seeds, but it can also eat insects. An owl might eat the mouse, but it could also eat a small bird. Food webs show that if one type of plant or animal disappears, it can affect the whole ecosystem. This is why protecting all parts of the food web is important for nature’s balance.
Food chains do not exist alone. In the real world, food chains link together to form a food web. A food web shows how many different plants and animals are connected. For example, a mouse might eat seeds, but it can also eat insects. An owl might eat the mouse, but it could also eat a small bird. Food webs show that if one type of plant or animal disappears, it can affect the whole ecosystem. This is why protecting all parts of the food web is important for nature’s balance.
Paragraph 8:
Energy moves through a food chain from the sun to plants, then to herbivores, and finally to carnivores and omnivores. But with each step, some energy is lost. When animals move, grow, or keep warm, they use energy. That is why there are usually fewer animals at the top of the food chain than at the bottom. It takes a lot of plants to feed a few herbivores, and many herbivores to feed one predator.
Energy moves through a food chain from the sun to plants, then to herbivores, and finally to carnivores and omnivores. But with each step, some energy is lost. When animals move, grow, or keep warm, they use energy. That is why there are usually fewer animals at the top of the food chain than at the bottom. It takes a lot of plants to feed a few herbivores, and many herbivores to feed one predator.
Paragraph 9:
Food chains can be found in every habitat on Earth—from deep oceans to dry deserts, from thick forests to open fields. In the ocean, tiny plants called phytoplankton act as producers. Small fish eat the phytoplankton, bigger fish eat the small fish, and so on, until a large shark or whale sits at the top. In a desert, cactus plants might be eaten by insects, which are then eaten by lizards, which might be eaten by birds or snakes.
Food chains can be found in every habitat on Earth—from deep oceans to dry deserts, from thick forests to open fields. In the ocean, tiny plants called phytoplankton act as producers. Small fish eat the phytoplankton, bigger fish eat the small fish, and so on, until a large shark or whale sits at the top. In a desert, cactus plants might be eaten by insects, which are then eaten by lizards, which might be eaten by birds or snakes.
Paragraph 10:
People also have a big impact on food chains. Human actions, such as cutting down forests, using chemicals, or overfishing, can change or break food chains. When this happens, some animals may lose their food sources and disappear. By learning about food chains, we can better understand how our choices affect the world around us. Protecting food chains and food webs is important for the health of all living things, including ourselves.
People also have a big impact on food chains. Human actions, such as cutting down forests, using chemicals, or overfishing, can change or break food chains. When this happens, some animals may lose their food sources and disappear. By learning about food chains, we can better understand how our choices affect the world around us. Protecting food chains and food webs is important for the health of all living things, including ourselves.
Paragraph 11:
In summary, food chains show how energy moves from the sun, to plants, to animals, and finally back to the earth through decomposers. Every living thing, no matter how big or small, has a role in the food chain. By understanding these connections, we can see why it is important to protect every part of nature.
In summary, food chains show how energy moves from the sun, to plants, to animals, and finally back to the earth through decomposers. Every living thing, no matter how big or small, has a role in the food chain. By understanding these connections, we can see why it is important to protect every part of nature.
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Select the best answer based on the information in the passage. When you finish, click “Check Answers” to see detailed explanations and your score!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Check your answers below and read the step-by-step explanation for each question.
Each explanation shows how to find the answer using effective strategies from the tutorial.
Q1: (B)
According to the passage, what is the main function of producers in a food chain?
Step 1: Read the question and identify key words: “main function,” “producers,” “food chain.”
Step 2: Scan the passage for “producers.” In Paragraph 2, the passage defines producers as plants that use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis.
Step 3: Carefully read the sentences around “producers.” It says, “plants use sunlight... to create food... Because plants can make their own food, they are called producers.”
Step 4: Compare answer choices. Only (B) matches: “They create food using sunlight through photosynthesis.”
Step 5: Eliminate (A) (eat small animals), (C) (break down dead material), and (D) (hunt at the top). None of these fit the definition in the text.
Step 6: Double-check: The passage clearly supports (B). This is the correct answer.
Q2: (C)
What are primary consumers in a typical food chain?
Step 1: Notice the key words “primary consumers” and “food chain.”
Step 2: Scan Paragraph 3 for “primary consumers.” The text says, “Primary consumers are animals that eat plants... These are usually small animals... They are also called herbivores.”
Step 3: Compare the answer choices. (C) “Animals that eat plants” matches exactly.
Step 4: Eliminate (A) (animals that eat only animals), (B) (plants), and (D) (bacteria) as these are not supported by the text.
Step 5: The passage confirms that primary consumers are animals that eat plants (herbivores).
Q3: (D)
Which group in a food chain breaks down dead plants and animals?
Step 1: Focus on “breaks down dead plants and animals.” This is the key information.
Step 2: Scan Paragraph 6. It explains, “Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead plants and animals.”
Step 3: Look at each answer: (D) “Decomposers” is directly supported by the passage.
Step 4: Eliminate (A) (Producers), (B) (Secondary consumers), and (C) (Omnivores); none match what is described in the text.
Step 5: The passage emphasizes that decomposers return nutrients to the soil by breaking down dead material.
Step 6: The answer (D) is the only correct choice.
Q4: (B)
Why are there usually fewer animals at the top of the food chain?
Step 1: Key words: “fewer animals,” “top,” “food chain.”
Step 2: Paragraph 8 explains, “with each step, some energy is lost... That is why there are usually fewer animals at the top.”
Step 3: (B) “Energy is lost at each step” matches the passage exactly.
Step 4: Other choices do not fit: (A) is incorrect (top animals use more energy, not less), (C) is incorrect (more plants at the bottom), (D) is incorrect (herbivores are not at the top).
Step 5: The answer is supported directly by the information about energy loss at each level of the food chain.
Step 6: Always look for sentences in the passage that clearly state or imply the answer.
Q5: (B)
What can happen if one type of plant or animal disappears from a food web?
Step 1: Focus on “disappears from a food web” and its effects.
Step 2: Paragraph 7 says, “Food webs show that if one type of plant or animal disappears, it can affect the whole ecosystem.”
Step 3: Choice (B) “It affects the balance of the whole ecosystem” is a direct restatement of the passage.
Step 4: Choices (A), (C), and (D) are not supported or are incorrect according to the text.
Step 5: Always check the passage for sentences that link directly to the question’s topic.
Step 6: If in doubt, look for words like “affect,” “change,” or “balance” in the passage.
Vocabulary Builder – 20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore these important academic words. Tap/click on each word block for more details, pronunciation, and usage.
(Perfect for B1–B2 TOEFL learners!)
(Perfect for B1–B2 TOEFL learners!)
photosynthesis
/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θɪ.sɪs/ (BrE), /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ (AmE)
noun (uncountable)
process of + photosynthesis
The process by which green plants make their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Example: "Photosynthesis allows plants to create energy from sunlight." (It means plants use light to make food.)
Mistake: Spelling it as "photosinthesis" or using it for animals.
decomposer
/ˌdiː.kəmˈpəʊ.zə(r)/ (BrE), /ˌdiː.kəmˈpoʊ.zɚ/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
decomposer + breaks down
A living thing, like bacteria or fungi, that breaks down dead plants and animals into nutrients.
Example: "Decomposers return nutrients to the soil." (They recycle dead matter.)
Synonym: recycler (informal)
Mistake: Using "decomposer" for animals that eat living things.
consumer
/kənˈsjuː.mə(r)/ (BrE), /kənˈsuː.mɚ/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
primary/secondary/tertiary + consumer
A living thing that eats other plants or animals because it cannot make its own food.
Example: "A rabbit is a primary consumer." (It eats plants.)
Mistake: Confusing consumer with customer or producer.
producer
/prəˈdjuː.sər/ (BrE), /prəˈduː.sɚ/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
producer + makes/creates + food
A living thing, like a plant, that makes its own food using energy from the sun.
Example: "Grass is a producer in many food chains." (It makes its own food.)
Synonym: autotroph (academic)
Mistake: Thinking a producer is someone who sells food.
ecosystem
/ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ (BrE), /ˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təm/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
ecosystem of/in
A community of living and non-living things that work together in a certain area.
Example: "A pond is a small ecosystem." (It includes plants, animals, water, and soil.)
Mistake: Using for individual animals or plants only.
nutrient
/ˈnjuː.tri.ənt/ (BrE), /ˈnuː.tri.ənt/ (AmE)
noun (countable/uncountable)
nutrient + for/to
A substance that plants, animals, or people need for growth and health.
Example: "Soil is rich in nutrients." (It has things that help plants grow.)
Mistake: Mixing up with vitamins only—nutrients can be minerals too.
herbivore
/ˈhɜː.bɪ.vɔː(r)/ (BrE), /ˈhɝː.bə.vɔːr/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
herbivore + eats + plants
An animal that eats only plants.
Example: "A rabbit is a herbivore." (It eats only grass and plants.)
Mistake: Pronouncing it as "herbivor".
omnivore
/ˈɒm.nɪ.vɔː(r)/ (BrE), /ˈɑːm.nɪ.vɔːr/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
omnivore + eats + plants and animals
An animal or person that eats both plants and animals.
Example: "Bears are omnivores." (They eat berries and fish.)
Mistake: Using "omnivore" for animals that eat only meat.
carnivore
/ˈkɑː.nɪ.vɔː(r)/ (BrE), /ˈkɑːr.nɪ.vɔːr/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
carnivore + eats + animals/meat
An animal that eats only other animals (meat).
Example: "A lion is a carnivore." (It eats meat only.)
Mistake: Using "carnivore" for people who just like meat.
predator
/ˈpred.ə.tə(r)/ (BrE), /ˈpred.ə.tɚ/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
predator + hunts + prey
An animal that hunts, catches, and eats other animals.
Example: "The eagle is a predator at the top of its food chain." (It hunts other animals.)
Synonym: hunter
Mistake: Confusing "predator" with "prey".
prey
/preɪ/ (BrE), /preɪ/ (AmE)
noun (countable/uncountable)
prey + for/to
An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Example: "Mice are prey for many birds." (Birds eat mice.)
Mistake: Confusing "prey" with "pray" (to speak to God).
habitat
/ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ (BrE), /ˈhæb.ə.tæt/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
habitat + of/for
The place where a plant or animal normally lives.
Example: "Forests are the natural habitat for many birds." (Birds live there.)
Synonym: environment
Mistake: Using it for a temporary home.
variety
/vəˈraɪ.ə.ti/ (BrE), /vəˈraɪ.ə.t̬i/ (AmE)
noun (countable/uncountable)
a variety of + noun
A range or collection of different things.
Example: "The bear eats a variety of foods." (It eats different things.)
Mistake: Using "variety" as an adjective.
impact
/ˈɪm.pækt/ (BrE), /ˈɪm.pækt/ (AmE)
noun (countable/uncountable), verb (rare, formal)
impact + on/upon
A strong effect or influence on something.
Example: "Humans have a big impact on food chains." (They affect them strongly.)
Synonym: effect
Mistake: Saying "impact" for only physical hits.
energy
/ˈen.ə.dʒi/ (BrE), /ˈen.ɚ.dʒi/ (AmE)
noun (uncountable)
energy + for/from
The power or strength that living things need to live and move.
Example: "Animals need energy to move." (They need power to act.)
Mistake: Pluralizing as "energies" for different types.
balance
/ˈbæl.əns/ (BrE), /ˈbæl.əns/ (AmE)
noun (countable/uncountable), verb
the balance of + noun
A situation where things are equal, stable, or in the right amounts.
Example: "The disappearance of a species can change the balance of an ecosystem." (It makes things less stable.)
Synonym: stability
Mistake: Using as an adjective ("balancely").
predator
/ˈpred.ə.tə(r)/ (BrE), /ˈpred.ə.tɚ/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
predator + of/for
An animal that lives by hunting other animals for food.
Example: "Sharks are top predators in the ocean." (They hunt other animals.)
Mistake: Using "predator" for animals that do not hunt.
environment
/ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/ (BrE), /ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/ (AmE)
noun (countable/uncountable)
the environment of/for
The natural world, including the air, water, and land, where people, animals, and plants live.
Example: "Deserts are harsh environments for most plants." (It’s a difficult place to live.)
Mistake: Using "environment" for just one animal’s home.
source
/sɔːs/ (BrE), /sɔːrs/ (AmE)
noun (countable)
source of + noun
The place where something comes from or starts.
Example: "The sun is the main source of energy for life." (Everything gets energy from the sun.)
Synonym: origin
Mistake: Saying "source" as a verb ("to source" is less common for beginners).
disappear
/ˌdɪs.əˈpɪə(r)/ (BrE), /ˌdɪs.əˈpɪr/ (AmE)
verb (intransitive)
disappear + from/in
To stop being visible or to exist.
Example: "Some animals disappear when their food is gone." (They are no longer found.)
Mistake: Spelling as "dissapear".
Phrase Builder – 20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Explore these important academic phrases and expressions. Tap/click on each phrase for details, pronunciation, and usage.
(Master these to level up your TOEFL reading!)
(Master these to level up your TOEFL reading!)
pass from one...to another
/pɑːs frɒm wʌn ... tuː əˈnʌð.ə(r)/ (BrE), /pæs frəm wʌn ... tu əˈnʌð.ɚ/ (AmE)
verb phrase
pass from one + noun + to another
To move or transfer from one person, thing, or place to a different one.
Example: "Energy passes from one living thing to another in a food chain." (Energy moves along the chain.)
Synonym: move from one to the next
Mistake: Saying "pass to one from another" (incorrect word order).
make their own food
/meɪk ðeə(r) əʊn fuːd/ (BrE), /meɪk ðer oʊn fuːd/ (AmE)
verb phrase
make + one's + own food
To produce food independently, especially using natural processes.
Example: "Plants make their own food using sunlight." (They don’t eat other organisms.)
Synonym: produce food themselves
Mistake: Using with animals instead of plants.
be found at the start of
/biː faʊnd æt ðə stɑːt ɒv/ (BrE), /bi faʊnd æt ðə stɑrt ʌv/ (AmE)
verb phrase (passive)
be found at the start of + noun
To exist or appear at the beginning of something.
Example: "Producers are always found at the start of any food chain." (They are the first in the chain.)
Synonym: appear at the beginning of
Mistake: Using "in the start" instead of "at the start".
cannot make their own food
/ˈkænɒt meɪk ðeə(r) əʊn fuːd/ (BrE), /ˈkænɑːt meɪk ðer oʊn fuːd/ (AmE)
verb phrase
cannot/can’t make + one's + own food
Unable to produce food independently and needing to eat other organisms.
Example: "Consumers cannot make their own food." (They must eat other things.)
Mistake: Forgetting to use "cannot" for animals and fungi.
take in the energy
/teɪk ɪn ði ˈen.ə.dʒi/ (BrE), /teɪk ɪn ði ˈen.ɚ.dʒi/ (AmE)
phrasal verb
take in + noun
To absorb or receive energy or information.
Example: "The rabbit takes in the energy the plant made from the sun." (It receives energy.)
Synonym: absorb, receive
Mistake: Confusing with "take out the energy".
have few or no enemies
/hæv fjuː ɔː nəʊ ˈen.ə.miz/ (BrE), /hæv fjuː ɔːr noʊ ˈen.ə.miz/ (AmE)
verb phrase
have few/no enemies
To not be hunted or threatened by many other animals.
Example: "Tertiary consumers have few or no enemies." (They are at the top of the chain.)
Mistake: Saying "less enemies" instead of "fewer enemies".
return nutrients to the soil
/rɪˈtɜːn ˈnjuː.tri.ənts tuː ðə sɔɪl/ (BrE), /rɪˈtɝːn ˈnuː.tri.ənts tu ðə sɔɪl/ (AmE)
verb phrase
return + noun + to + noun
To give back important substances that help plants grow to the earth.
Example: "Decomposers return nutrients to the soil." (They recycle nutrients.)
Synonym: recycle nutrients
Mistake: Using "return" as "come back" in this context.
complete the cycle of life
/kəmˈpliːt ðə ˈsaɪ.kəl əv laɪf/ (BrE & AmE)
verb phrase
complete + the cycle of + noun
To finish the natural process where living things are born, grow, die, and provide for new life.
Example: "Decomposers help complete the cycle of life." (They finish nature’s process.)
Mistake: Saying "close" instead of "complete" the cycle.
link together
/lɪŋk təˈɡeð.ə(r)/ (BrE), /lɪŋk təˈɡeð.ɚ/ (AmE)
phrasal verb
link + together
To connect or join to form a chain or network.
Example: "Food chains link together to form a food web." (They connect to make something bigger.)
Synonym: connect, join
Mistake: Using only "link" without "together" in this sense.
show how...are connected
/ʃəʊ haʊ ... ɑː kəˈnek.tɪd/ (BrE), /ʃoʊ haʊ ... ɑr kəˈnek.tɪd/ (AmE)
verb phrase
show how + noun + are connected
To demonstrate or illustrate the relationship or link between things.
Example: "Food webs show how many different plants and animals are connected." (They reveal links.)
Mistake: Forgetting subject-verb agreement ("are connected").
affect the whole ecosystem
/əˈfekt ðə həʊl ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ (BrE), /əˈfekt ðə hoʊl ˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təm/ (AmE)
verb phrase
affect + the whole + noun
To cause a change to the entire environment or community.
Example: "It can affect the whole ecosystem if one animal disappears." (It changes everything.)
Mistake: Using "effect" as a verb instead of "affect".
protect all parts of
/prəˈtekt ɔːl pɑːts ɒv/ (BrE), /prəˈtekt ɔl pɑrts ʌv/ (AmE)
verb phrase
protect + all parts of + noun
To keep every element or section safe from harm or loss.
Example: "Protecting all parts of the food web is important." (Every part matters.)
Synonym: defend every part of
Mistake: Saying "protect each parts of".
move through a food chain
/muːv θruː ə fuːd tʃeɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
verb phrase
move through + noun
To go from one level or organism to another within the chain.
Example: "Energy moves through a food chain from the sun to plants." (It goes from one to another.)
Mistake: Using "move to" instead of "move through" for this meaning.
be lost
/bi lɒst/ (BrE), /bi lɔːst/ (AmE)
verb phrase (passive)
be lost + at each step/in process
To be used up, disappear, or no longer be available.
Example: "With each step, some energy is lost." (Some energy goes away.)
Synonym: disappear
Mistake: Using "lose" instead of "be lost" in the passive sense.
feed a few
/fiːd ə fjuː/ (BrE & AmE)
verb phrase
feed + a few/many + noun
To provide enough food for a small number of animals or people.
Example: "It takes a lot of plants to feed a few herbivores." (Many plants are needed for some animals.)
Mistake: Using "feed few" without "a".
be found in every habitat
/bi faʊnd ɪn ˈev.ri ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ (BrE), /bi faʊnd ɪn ˈev.ri ˈhæb.ə.tæt/ (AmE)
verb phrase (passive)
be found in + every + place/habitat
To exist or be present in all types of environments.
Example: "Food chains can be found in every habitat on Earth." (They are everywhere.)
Mistake: Using "every habitats" (plural error).
act as producers
/ækt æz prəˈdjuː.səz/ (BrE), /ækt æz prəˈduː.sɚz/ (AmE)
verb phrase
act as + noun
To have the function or role of making something, especially food in nature.
Example: "Tiny plants called phytoplankton act as producers." (They serve this role.)
Mistake: Using "play as" instead of "act as".
sit at the top of
/sɪt æt ðə tɒp ɒv/ (BrE), /sɪt æt ðə tɑːp ʌv/ (AmE)
verb phrase (idiomatic)
sit at the top of + noun
To be in the highest or most important position.
Example: "A large shark sits at the top of the food chain." (It is the main predator.)
Mistake: Using literally for sitting, not figuratively.
have a big impact on
/hæv ə bɪɡ ˈɪm.pækt ɒn/ (BrE), /hæv ə bɪɡ ˈɪm.pækt ɑːn/ (AmE)
verb phrase
have/make an impact on + noun
To greatly influence or change something.
Example: "People have a big impact on food chains." (They change them a lot.)
Synonym: greatly affect
Mistake: Using "impact in" instead of "impact on".
for the health of all living things
/fə ðə helθ ɒv ɔːl ˈlɪv.ɪŋ θɪŋz/ (BrE), /fɚ ðə helθ ʌv ɔl ˈlɪv.ɪŋ θɪŋz/ (AmE)
prepositional phrase
for the health of + noun(s)
To support the well-being and survival of all organisms.
Example: "Protecting food chains is important for the health of all living things." (It helps everything survive.)
Mistake: Saying "of health for all living things".
Interactive Vocabulary Exercise 1 – Mastering Advanced Words & Phrases
Test your knowledge! Choose the best answer. As soon as you select an option, you’ll see a detailed explanation under the question.
Interactive Vocabulary Exercise 2 – Deepen Your Mastery
Challenge yourself! Choose the correct answer for each question. After each choice, you’ll get a long, clear explanation right under the question.
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