Tags:
Share:
TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No.9
-
July 27, 2025
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – The Water Cycle)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to find information that is NOT stated or NOT true in the passage. You must find which answer is NOT mentioned, NOT correct, or directly contradicted by the passage. Mastering this type helps you avoid “trick” answers and read with high attention!
These questions test your ability to find information that is NOT stated or NOT true in the passage. You must find which answer is NOT mentioned, NOT correct, or directly contradicted by the passage. Mastering this type helps you avoid “trick” answers and read with high attention!
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question and Find Negative Words:
Look for negative words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of the water cycle?”
It is easy to forget the question asks for what is NOT in the passage, so pay special attention!
Look for negative words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of the water cycle?”
It is easy to forget the question asks for what is NOT in the passage, so pay special attention!
2
Underline or Note the Key Words:
Mark the most important words in the question and each answer choice. Focus on what you need to check.
Example: Key words: “not mentioned,” “water cycle,” and each process listed in the choices.
Mark the most important words in the question and each answer choice. Focus on what you need to check.
Example: Key words: “not mentioned,” “water cycle,” and each process listed in the choices.
3
Read and Match Each Option with the Passage:
For every answer choice, go back to the passage and check if that information is really given.
Do NOT choose an answer just because it sounds right—find proof in the text for each one.
For every answer choice, go back to the passage and check if that information is really given.
Do NOT choose an answer just because it sounds right—find proof in the text for each one.
4
Eliminate the Options that ARE Mentioned:
If you find a choice clearly stated in the passage, cross it out. Repeat for each answer.
You are looking for the one choice NOT given in the passage.
If you find a choice clearly stated in the passage, cross it out. Repeat for each answer.
You are looking for the one choice NOT given in the passage.
5
Double-Check for Opposite or False Information:
Sometimes an answer is not just missing—it’s the opposite of what the passage says. If a choice is contradicted by the text, it can also be correct as the “negative” answer.
Example: The passage says, “Water evaporates from lakes and oceans.” If a choice says, “Water evaporates from stones,” it is NOT true.
Sometimes an answer is not just missing—it’s the opposite of what the passage says. If a choice is contradicted by the text, it can also be correct as the “negative” answer.
Example: The passage says, “Water evaporates from lakes and oceans.” If a choice says, “Water evaporates from stones,” it is NOT true.
6
Select the Only Option That Is NOT Supported:
After checking all answers, the correct one will be the information that is NOT found in the passage or is incorrect based on what you read.
After checking all answers, the correct one will be the information that is NOT found in the passage or is incorrect based on what you read.
7
Beware of Traps:
Some choices sound logical or familiar but are not in the passage. Do NOT use your background knowledge—only rely on the reading!
Some choices sound logical or familiar but are not in the passage. Do NOT use your background knowledge—only rely on the reading!
8
Review and Confirm:
Before you finish, read the question again and check that your answer really is NOT stated in the passage. Make sure you didn’t miss a detail!
Before you finish, read the question again and check that your answer really is NOT stated in the passage. Make sure you didn’t miss a detail!
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following is NOT a stage in the water cycle described in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Evaporation
(B) Condensation
(C) Precipitation
(D) Photosynthesis
Correct Answer: (D) Photosynthesis
Explanation: The passage describes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation as water cycle stages, but it never mentions photosynthesis. So, the answer is (D).
“Which of the following is NOT a stage in the water cycle described in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Evaporation
(B) Condensation
(C) Precipitation
(D) Photosynthesis
Correct Answer: (D) Photosynthesis
Explanation: The passage describes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation as water cycle stages, but it never mentions photosynthesis. So, the answer is (D).
Reading Passage: The Water Cycle
Paragraph 1:
Water is essential for all living things on Earth. Every plant, animal, and human depends on water to survive. Yet, the water we use every day does not disappear after we drink it, wash with it, or use it for cooking. Instead, water constantly moves through the environment in a repeating journey known as the water cycle. This cycle is a natural system that cleans, recycles, and transports water all over the planet, making life possible.
Water is essential for all living things on Earth. Every plant, animal, and human depends on water to survive. Yet, the water we use every day does not disappear after we drink it, wash with it, or use it for cooking. Instead, water constantly moves through the environment in a repeating journey known as the water cycle. This cycle is a natural system that cleans, recycles, and transports water all over the planet, making life possible.
Paragraph 2:
The water cycle starts with the process of evaporation. When the sun shines on lakes, rivers, and oceans, it heats up the surface, causing water to change from a liquid to a gas. This gas is called water vapor. Even puddles after a rainstorm disappear because the water evaporates into the air. Plants also release water vapor into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. Together, evaporation and transpiration send large amounts of water vapor into the sky.
The water cycle starts with the process of evaporation. When the sun shines on lakes, rivers, and oceans, it heats up the surface, causing water to change from a liquid to a gas. This gas is called water vapor. Even puddles after a rainstorm disappear because the water evaporates into the air. Plants also release water vapor into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. Together, evaporation and transpiration send large amounts of water vapor into the sky.
Paragraph 3:
After water vapor rises into the air, it cools and changes back into tiny droplets of liquid water. This process is known as condensation. The droplets gather together and form clouds. If you look up on a cloudy day, you are actually seeing millions of tiny drops of water floating in the air. Sometimes, if the air is cold enough, the water vapor can also turn directly into ice crystals, forming certain types of clouds or frost.
After water vapor rises into the air, it cools and changes back into tiny droplets of liquid water. This process is known as condensation. The droplets gather together and form clouds. If you look up on a cloudy day, you are actually seeing millions of tiny drops of water floating in the air. Sometimes, if the air is cold enough, the water vapor can also turn directly into ice crystals, forming certain types of clouds or frost.
Paragraph 4:
The next stage of the water cycle is called precipitation. When the droplets in clouds join together and become heavy, they fall back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This is how water returns from the sky to the ground. Precipitation is vital because it refills rivers, lakes, and underground water supplies. In many places, most of the water we drink or use comes from rain or snow that has recently fallen.
The next stage of the water cycle is called precipitation. When the droplets in clouds join together and become heavy, they fall back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This is how water returns from the sky to the ground. Precipitation is vital because it refills rivers, lakes, and underground water supplies. In many places, most of the water we drink or use comes from rain or snow that has recently fallen.
Paragraph 5:
Once precipitation reaches the ground, it does not stay in one place for long. Some of the water soaks into the soil, where it is taken up by plants or stored as groundwater. Some water flows over the land, making its way into streams, rivers, and eventually back to the ocean. This movement of water across the surface is called runoff. Runoff is important because it helps carry nutrients, shapes landscapes, and even provides habitats for animals.
Once precipitation reaches the ground, it does not stay in one place for long. Some of the water soaks into the soil, where it is taken up by plants or stored as groundwater. Some water flows over the land, making its way into streams, rivers, and eventually back to the ocean. This movement of water across the surface is called runoff. Runoff is important because it helps carry nutrients, shapes landscapes, and even provides habitats for animals.
Paragraph 6:
Not all precipitation becomes runoff or groundwater. Some water stays on the leaves of plants or collects in small pools and ponds. When the sun comes out again, this water may soon evaporate and rejoin the cycle. In dry areas, much of the precipitation quickly evaporates before it can reach rivers or lakes. This is why deserts have so little surface water.
Not all precipitation becomes runoff or groundwater. Some water stays on the leaves of plants or collects in small pools and ponds. When the sun comes out again, this water may soon evaporate and rejoin the cycle. In dry areas, much of the precipitation quickly evaporates before it can reach rivers or lakes. This is why deserts have so little surface water.
Paragraph 7:
Human activities can also affect the water cycle. Building cities with lots of roads and concrete stops water from soaking into the soil. As a result, more water runs off quickly into rivers, which can cause floods. Cutting down forests reduces the amount of transpiration, which may lead to less rainfall in some areas. Polluting the air can even change how much rain falls by affecting cloud formation. These changes remind us that people play a big role in keeping the water cycle balanced.
Human activities can also affect the water cycle. Building cities with lots of roads and concrete stops water from soaking into the soil. As a result, more water runs off quickly into rivers, which can cause floods. Cutting down forests reduces the amount of transpiration, which may lead to less rainfall in some areas. Polluting the air can even change how much rain falls by affecting cloud formation. These changes remind us that people play a big role in keeping the water cycle balanced.
Paragraph 8:
The water cycle not only provides fresh water but also helps control temperatures around the world. When water evaporates, it cools the surface. When it condenses and forms clouds, it releases heat. This process helps balance the Earth’s climate. For example, places near oceans usually have milder weather because the water cycle regulates heat and moisture.
The water cycle not only provides fresh water but also helps control temperatures around the world. When water evaporates, it cools the surface. When it condenses and forms clouds, it releases heat. This process helps balance the Earth’s climate. For example, places near oceans usually have milder weather because the water cycle regulates heat and moisture.
Paragraph 9:
The water cycle can also move pollution. When rain falls through polluted air, it may carry harmful chemicals to the ground, creating problems like acid rain. Sometimes, water runoff can wash chemicals and waste from farms and cities into rivers and lakes. Protecting the water cycle by reducing pollution helps ensure that everyone has clean water to drink.
The water cycle can also move pollution. When rain falls through polluted air, it may carry harmful chemicals to the ground, creating problems like acid rain. Sometimes, water runoff can wash chemicals and waste from farms and cities into rivers and lakes. Protecting the water cycle by reducing pollution helps ensure that everyone has clean water to drink.
Paragraph 10:
The water cycle has no true beginning or end. It is always happening somewhere on Earth. Every drop of water you see, from a tiny tear to a vast ocean, is on a never-ending journey. The water you drink today may once have been rain falling on a mountain or ice at the North Pole. This amazing cycle connects all living things and shows how precious water is for life on our planet.
The water cycle has no true beginning or end. It is always happening somewhere on Earth. Every drop of water you see, from a tiny tear to a vast ocean, is on a never-ending journey. The water you drink today may once have been rain falling on a mountain or ice at the North Pole. This amazing cycle connects all living things and shows how precious water is for life on our planet.
Paragraph 11:
Scientists study the water cycle to learn how it affects weather, climate, and the environment. By understanding how water moves, we can predict storms, prevent floods, and manage water supplies. Farmers, for example, watch the water cycle to decide when to plant crops and how much water they will need. Governments and communities also plan how to store water during dry times and use it wisely during droughts.
Scientists study the water cycle to learn how it affects weather, climate, and the environment. By understanding how water moves, we can predict storms, prevent floods, and manage water supplies. Farmers, for example, watch the water cycle to decide when to plant crops and how much water they will need. Governments and communities also plan how to store water during dry times and use it wisely during droughts.
Paragraph 12:
In conclusion, the water cycle is one of Earth’s most important systems. It provides fresh water, shapes weather, and supports every living thing. The next time you see clouds, rain, or a river, remember that you are watching a small part of a much larger journey. Protecting our water and respecting the water cycle will help make sure there is enough clean water for everyone, now and in the future.
In conclusion, the water cycle is one of Earth’s most important systems. It provides fresh water, shapes weather, and supports every living thing. The next time you see clouds, rain, or a river, remember that you are watching a small part of a much larger journey. Protecting our water and respecting the water cycle will help make sure there is enough clean water for everyone, now and in the future.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is NOT mentioned or is NOT true according to 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 see how to use the strategy from the tutorial and match it with real passage details.
Q1: (C)
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way water returns to the air?
Step 1: The question asks for what is not mentioned. Pay close attention to the negative wording.
Step 2: The passage discusses water returning to the air via evaporation (from lakes, oceans, and puddles) and transpiration (from plants).
Step 3: Check each answer: (A) and (B) are both described in Paragraph 2, as is (D) for puddles.
Step 4: (C), “water from stones and rocks,” is not mentioned anywhere in the passage as a method for water to return to the air.
Step 5: The correct answer is the only one NOT supported by the passage details—(C).
Step 6: Always check the passage for direct mention. If a choice is never discussed, that’s a strong clue in negative factual questions.
Q2: (C)
Which of the following statements about precipitation is NOT supported by the passage?
Step 1: Look for what the passage does not support about precipitation.
Step 2: Paragraph 4 says precipitation can be rain, snow, sleet, or hail (A), provides water for rivers and lakes (B), and is essential for underground water (D).
Step 3: (C), “It only happens during the night,” is never mentioned—precipitation can happen any time. This is not in the text.
Step 4: Therefore, (C) is the answer that is NOT supported by the passage.
Step 5: Double-check each fact against the actual text—always ignore what seems logical if it’s not written in the passage.
Q3: (C)
Which of the following is NOT described as a result of human activity on the water cycle in the passage?
Step 1: Focus on what human activities affect in the water cycle, as mentioned in Paragraph 7.
Step 2: The passage states that cities cause more runoff and floods (A), deforestation reduces transpiration (B), and air pollution changes cloud formation (D).
Step 3: (C), “Faster evaporation from heated pavement,” is not discussed anywhere in the passage, even though it might be logical in real life.
Step 4: For negative factual questions, only select details that the passage includes—if not, it’s likely the answer.
Step 5: The answer is (C).
Q4: (D)
Which is NOT stated in the passage as a role of the water cycle?
Step 1: Identify which roles the passage actually lists for the water cycle.
Step 2: The passage describes providing fresh water (A), shaping weather and climate (B), and moving water between land and oceans (C).
Step 3: (D), “controlling the growth of mountains,” is never mentioned as a role of the water cycle.
Step 4: Always rule out options that are not directly supported by the text, even if they sound scientific.
Step 5: The correct answer is (D).
Q5: (B)
Which of these is NOT given as an example of what scientists do with the water cycle?
Step 1: Look at Paragraph 11, which describes scientists’ work with the water cycle.
Step 2: The passage lists predicting storms and preventing floods (A), managing water supplies (C), and studying weather and climate (D).
Step 3: (B), “Creating new kinds of clouds,” is never mentioned anywhere in the text.
Step 4: For negative factual information, the correct answer is usually the detail that the passage completely ignores.
Step 5: The answer is (B).
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.
Essential
/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/ (BrE) /ɪˈsɛnʃəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Word Pattern:
essential + for/to + noun/gerund
Definition:
Absolutely necessary; extremely important for something to happen or exist.
Example:
Water is essential for all living things. (= All living things need water.)
Synonym: necessary
Common Mistake: Using “essential” with “to do” instead of “for doing”.
Recycle
/ˌriːˈsaɪkl/ (BrE) /riˈsaɪkəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
recycle + object / recycle into
Definition:
To use something again after processing so it can be reused.
Example:
The water cycle recycles water all over the planet. (= Water is used again and again.)
Synonym: reuse
Common Mistake: Using “recycle” with “about” (incorrect).
Evaporation
/ɪˌvæpəˈreɪʃən/ (BrE) /ɪˌvæpəˈreɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
evaporation + of/from + noun
Definition:
The process of liquid turning into gas, especially water into vapor.
Example:
Evaporation from oceans and lakes starts the water cycle. (= Water becomes gas and goes into the air.)
Synonym: vaporization
Common Mistake: Confusing with “condensation” (the opposite).
Transpiration
/ˌtrænspɪˈreɪʃən/ (BrE) /ˌtrænspəˈreɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
transpiration + from + noun
Definition:
The process of water passing out from the leaves of plants into the air.
Example:
Plants release water vapor through transpiration. (= Water leaves plants and goes into the air.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Thinking it is the same as evaporation from water surfaces.
Condensation
/ˌkɒndənˈseɪʃən/ (BrE) /ˌkɑːn-/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
condensation + of + noun
Definition:
The change from a gas or vapor to a liquid, usually as it cools.
Example:
Clouds form from the condensation of water vapor. (= Vapor becomes liquid water again.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Using for all types of liquid formation (not for melting ice).
Precipitation
/prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/ (BrE) /prɪˌsɪpəˈteɪʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
precipitation + as/in + noun
Definition:
Water that falls from the sky, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Example:
Precipitation is vital because it refills rivers and lakes. (= Rain/snow refills water sources.)
Synonym: rainfall (in some contexts)
Common Mistake: Only using for “rain” (it also means snow/hail/etc.).
Vital
/ˈvaɪtəl/ (BrE) /ˈvaɪtəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
vital + for/to + noun/gerund
Definition:
Extremely important and necessary for something to succeed or exist.
Example:
Precipitation is vital for refilling water sources. (= Very important.)
Synonym: essential
Common Mistake: Using “vital” as a noun for “life.”
Groundwater
/ˈɡraʊndˌwɔːtə/ (BrE) /ˈɡraʊndˌwɔtər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
groundwater + verb/preposition (e.g. groundwater moves)
Definition:
Water that is held under the ground in soil or rocks.
Example:
Some water is stored as groundwater. (= Water beneath the earth’s surface.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Using as two words (“ground water”).
Runoff
/ˈrʌnˌɒf/ (BrE) /ˈrʌnˌɔf/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
runoff + from/into + noun
Definition:
Water from rain or snow that flows over the surface of the land.
Example:
Runoff helps carry nutrients and shapes landscapes. (= Water that flows off the surface.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Using for water under the ground.
Habitat
/ˈhæbɪtæt/ (BrE) /ˈhæbɪˌtæt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
habitat + of/for + noun
Definition:
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Example:
Runoff provides habitats for animals. (= Natural living places.)
Synonym: environment
Common Mistake: Using “habitat” for only large animals, not plants or small creatures.
Regulate
/ˈreɡjʊleɪt/ (BrE) /ˈrɛɡjəˌleɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
regulate + noun / regulate how/what/when
Definition:
To control something by rules or adjust it to make it function properly.
Example:
The water cycle regulates heat and moisture. (= Controls and manages them.)
Synonym: control
Common Mistake: Using with people (“regulate people” instead of “regulate behavior”).
Pollution
/pəˈluːʃən/ (BrE) /pəˈluʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
pollution + of/in + noun
Definition:
The presence of harmful substances in the environment.
Example:
Rain can carry pollution to the ground. (= Rain brings harmful things to the soil.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Using “pollutions” as a plural form.
Acid rain
/ˈæsɪd reɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
acid rain + verb
Definition:
Rain that contains harmful chemicals, often from pollution, and damages the environment.
Example:
Polluted air can create acid rain. (= Rain with chemicals that harm nature.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Using as an adjective (“acid rain water”).
Ensure
/ɪnˈʃʊə/ (BrE) /ɪnˈʃʊr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
ensure + that + clause / ensure + noun
Definition:
To make certain that something will happen or be the case.
Example:
We must protect the water cycle to ensure clean water. (= Make sure water stays clean.)
Synonym: guarantee
Common Mistake: Using “ensure” without an object (“ensure about”).
Climate
/ˈklaɪmət/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
climate + of/in + noun
Definition:
The general weather conditions in a region over a long period.
Example:
The water cycle helps balance the Earth's climate. (= Controls long-term weather patterns.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Confusing with “weather” (short-term conditions).
Drought
/draʊt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
drought + in/area/period
Definition:
A long period of time with very little or no rain.
Example:
Communities store water to use during droughts. (= Times with no rain.)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Using “drought” for short dry days.
Surface
/ˈsɜːfɪs/ (BrE) /ˈsɜrfɪs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
surface + of + noun / to surface
Definition:
The outside or top layer of something.
Example:
Rainwater flows over the surface of the land. (= Top part of the ground.)
Synonym: exterior (noun)
Common Mistake: Using for inside parts (“the surface of the water inside the soil”).
Absorb
/əbˈzɔːb/ (BrE) /əbˈzɔrb/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
absorb + noun / absorb into
Definition:
To take in or soak up a liquid.
Example:
Soil absorbs rainwater after precipitation. (= The ground takes in water.)
Synonym: soak up
Common Mistake: Using “absorb” with “to” (“absorb to the ground”).
Predict
/prɪˈdɪkt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
predict + noun/that-clause
Definition:
To say what will happen before it occurs.
Example:
Scientists predict storms by studying the water cycle. (= Say in advance if storms are coming.)
Synonym: forecast
Common Mistake: Using “predict about” instead of “predict that.”
Maintain
/meɪnˈteɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
maintain + noun/that-clause
Definition:
To keep something in good condition or to continue at the same level.
Example:
We must maintain the water cycle’s balance. (= Keep it working correctly.)
Synonym: preserve
Common Mistake: Using for “fix” (“maintain the car” = keep in condition, not repair).
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!
Depend on
/dɪˈpend ɒn/ (BrE) /dɪˈpɛnd ɑn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
depend on + noun/pronoun/gerund
Definition:
To need or rely on someone or something to exist or function.
Example:
All plants and animals depend on water to survive. (= They need water.)
Synonym: rely on
Common Mistake: Using “depend of” or missing the preposition “on.”
Move through
/muːv θruː/ (BrE) /muv θru/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
move through + noun
Definition:
To travel across or within something, usually continuously.
Example:
Water moves through the environment in a cycle. (= Water travels around and around.)
Synonym: pass through
Common Mistake: Using “move in” or “move at” instead of “move through.”
Make life possible
/meɪk laɪf ˈpɒsəbl/ (BrE) /meɪk laɪf ˈpɑsəbəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
make + noun + adjective
Definition:
To allow something to exist or happen, especially life itself.
Example:
The water cycle makes life possible on Earth. (= Life can exist because of it.)
Synonym: enable life
Common Mistake: Using “make life can” (incorrect structure).
Change from ... to ...
/tʃeɪndʒ frəm ... tuː .../ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
change from + noun/adj + to + noun/adj
Definition:
To become something different; transform in state or form.
Example:
Water changes from a liquid to a gas. (= It transforms.)
Synonym: transform from ... to ...
Common Mistake: Forgetting “from” or “to” in the phrase.
Release ... into ...
/rɪˈliːs ˈɪntuː/ (BrE) /rɪˈlis ˈɪntu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
release + object + into + place
Definition:
To send or let something go out into another space.
Example:
Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. (= Send water into the air.)
Synonym: send out
Common Mistake: Using “release to” instead of “release into.”
Gather together
/ˈɡæðə təˈɡeðə/ (BrE) /ˈɡæðər təˈɡɛðər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
gather together + noun/pronoun
Definition:
To collect or group things or people in one place.
Example:
Droplets gather together to form clouds. (= They collect and join.)
Synonym: collect
Common Mistake: Using “gather” without “together” when talking about groups.
Join together
/dʒɔɪn təˈɡeðə/ (BrE) /dʒɔɪn təˈɡɛðər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
join together + noun/pronoun
Definition:
To combine or unite into one group or mass.
Example:
Cloud droplets join together and become heavy. (= They unite to form larger drops.)
Synonym: combine
Common Mistake: Saying “join with together.”
Fall back to
/fɔːl bæk tuː/ (BrE) /fɔl bæk tu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
fall back to + place/position
Definition:
To return to a previous state or location, usually by dropping or coming down.
Example:
Water droplets fall back to Earth as rain. (= They come down again.)
Synonym: return to
Common Mistake: Saying “fall again to” or “fall back on.”
Soak into
/səʊk ˈɪntuː/ (BrE) /soʊk ˈɪntu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
soak into + noun
Definition:
To become absorbed by a material, especially by the ground or a sponge.
Example:
Water soaks into the soil after rain. (= The ground takes in water.)
Synonym: seep into
Common Mistake: Using “soak in” instead of “soak into.”
Make its way into
/meɪk ɪts weɪ ˈɪntuː/ (BrE) /meɪk ɪts weɪ ˈɪntu/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrase/verb
Word Pattern:
make its way into + noun
Definition:
To travel or move gradually towards a place or position.
Example:
Water makes its way into rivers and oceans. (= It moves there over time.)
Synonym: find its way to
Common Mistake: Saying “goes its way” or using “to” instead of “into.”
Provide habitat for
/prəˈvaɪd ˈhæbɪtæt fɔː/ (BrE) /prəˈvaɪd ˈhæbɪˌtæt fɔr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
provide habitat for + noun/pronoun
Definition:
To create a living space for an animal or plant.
Example:
Runoff provides habitat for animals. (= Gives a place to live.)
Synonym: give a home to
Common Mistake: Using “provide habitat to.”
Play a role in
/pleɪ ə rəʊl ɪn/ (BrE) /pleɪ ə roʊl ɪn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
play a role in + noun/gerund
Definition:
To be involved or have an effect in a process or result.
Example:
Humans play a big role in the water cycle. (= Humans affect it a lot.)
Synonym: be involved in
Common Mistake: Saying “have a role in play.”
Helps balance
/hɛlps ˈbæl.əns/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
help(s) + verb (bare infinitive)
Definition:
To make something stay equal, steady, or stable.
Example:
The water cycle helps balance Earth’s climate. (= Keeps the climate steady.)
Synonym: stabilise
Common Mistake: Using “helps to balancing” instead of “helps balance.”
Move pollution
/muːv pəˈluːʃən/ (BrE) /muv pəˈluʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
move + noun/object
Definition:
To carry or transport harmful substances from one place to another.
Example:
The water cycle can move pollution into lakes. (= Spread harmful materials.)
Synonym: transport pollution
Common Mistake: Using “move of pollution.”
Carry harmful chemicals
/ˈkæri ˈhɑːmfʊl ˈkɛmɪkəlz/ (BrE) /ˈkæri ˈhɑrmfəl ˈkɛmɪkəlz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
carry + adjective + noun
Definition:
To transport dangerous substances to another location.
Example:
Rain can carry harmful chemicals to the ground. (= Rain brings dangerous substances.)
Synonym: transport toxic substances
Common Mistake: Saying “carry with harmful chemicals.”
Reduce pollution
/rɪˈdjuːs pəˈluːʃən/ (BrE) /rɪˈdus pəˈluʃən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
reduce + noun
Definition:
To make the amount of harmful substances less.
Example:
Reducing pollution protects the water cycle. (= Less pollution is better.)
Synonym: decrease pollution
Common Mistake: Using “reduce with pollution.”
On a never-ending journey
/ɒn ə ˈnɛvərˈɛndɪŋ ˈdʒɜːni/ (BrE) /ɑn ə ˈnɛvərˈɛndɪŋ ˈdʒɝni/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
be/go on a never-ending journey
Definition:
Constantly moving or repeating, with no end.
Example:
Water is on a never-ending journey in the cycle. (= Water moves forever.)
Synonym: in an endless cycle
Common Mistake: Saying “in a never-ending journey.”
Respect the water cycle
/rɪˈspɛkt ðə ˈwɔːtə ˈsaɪkəl/ (BrE) /rɪˈspɛkt ðə ˈwɔtər ˈsaɪkəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
respect + noun
Definition:
To value and protect a system or process as important.
Example:
We should respect the water cycle to have enough water. (= Treat it as important.)
Synonym: honor the water cycle
Common Mistake: Using “respect of” or “respect for” here.
Store water
/stɔː ˈwɔːtə/ (BrE) /stɔr ˈwɔtər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
store + noun
Definition:
To keep water in a place for future use.
Example:
People store water for dry times. (= Keep water safe.)
Synonym: save water
Common Mistake: Using “store with water.”
Use it wisely
/juːz ɪt ˈwaɪzli/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
use + noun/pronoun + adverb
Definition:
To do something in a smart or careful way to avoid waste.
Example:
We must use water wisely during droughts. (= Be careful with water.)
Synonym: use efficiently
Common Mistake: Using “use it with wisely.”
Interactive Exercise 1: Vocabulary & Phrases Practice
Test your knowledge! Choose the best answer for each question. When you select an answer, you'll get a detailed explanation. Try to recall meanings, usage, and patterns!
Interactive Exercise 2: Advanced Vocabulary & Phrase Practice
Ready for a challenge? Choose the best answer for each item. After each choice, you'll see a clear explanation. Focus on correct word patterns and real passage meanings!
You May Also Like
-
Aug 12, 2025
Learn how to score Band 7–9 in IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution essays with this comprehensive tutorial. Includes a detailed...
-
Aug 12, 2025
Master IELTS Writing Task 2 with a Band 7+ roadmap: step-by-step tutorial, model answer, 20 key words & phrases, interactive...
-
Aug 9, 2025
Master TOEFL iBT Speaking Question 2 (Integrated: Campus Announcement/Conversation) with LingExam’s ultra-interactive tutorial! Get expert, step-by-step strategies, official-level practice tasks,...
-
Aug 7, 2025
Master TOEFL iBT Speaking Question 2 (Integrated: Campus Announcement/Conversation) with LingExam’s ultra-interactive tutorial! Get expert, step-by-step strategies, official-level practice tasks,...