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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 4
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August 4, 2025
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – How Volcanoes Erupt)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to find information that is NOT mentioned or NOT true in the passage. You must read carefully to identify which detail or fact does NOT appear or is contradicted by the text. Mastering this type helps you notice what the passage says—and what it doesn't!
These questions test your ability to find information that is NOT mentioned or NOT true in the passage. You must read carefully to identify which detail or fact does NOT appear or is contradicted by the text. Mastering this type helps you notice what the passage says—and what it doesn't!
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question and Watch for "NOT" or "EXCEPT":
Carefully notice words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE. These mean you must find the answer that is not true or not stated in the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of volcanic eruptions?”
Carefully notice words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE. These mean you must find the answer that is not true or not stated in the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of volcanic eruptions?”
2
Underline or Highlight Key Words in the Question & Answers:
Find important words or phrases in the question and each answer. This helps you search for each idea in the passage.
Example: Key words: “volcanic eruptions,” “cause.”
Find important words or phrases in the question and each answer. This helps you search for each idea in the passage.
Example: Key words: “volcanic eruptions,” “cause.”
3
Scan the Passage for Each Option:
For every answer choice, check if the information is clearly mentioned or supported in the text. Make notes if you find it.
For every answer choice, check if the information is clearly mentioned or supported in the text. Make notes if you find it.
4
Eliminate the Options That ARE True or Mentioned:
Remove answer choices that are supported by the passage. They cannot be the answer for a negative factual question.
Remove answer choices that are supported by the passage. They cannot be the answer for a negative factual question.
5
Look for What Is Missing or Contradicted:
Find the one answer that is not in the text at all or is clearly the opposite of what the passage says. This is your correct answer!
Find the one answer that is not in the text at all or is clearly the opposite of what the passage says. This is your correct answer!
6
Be Extra Careful with Trap Answers:
Some incorrect choices use words from the passage but change the meaning. Only pick the answer that truly is not mentioned or is false according to the passage.
Some incorrect choices use words from the passage but change the meaning. Only pick the answer that truly is not mentioned or is false according to the passage.
7
Double-Check Your Choice:
Quickly scan the passage again to confirm that your answer is not stated or is the opposite of what is in the text. Only one answer should fit.
Quickly scan the passage again to confirm that your answer is not stated or is the opposite of what is in the text. Only one answer should fit.
8
Remember: Don't Use Outside Knowledge!
Answer only with information from the passage. Even if you know something is true in real life, if it is not in the text, it can be the correct answer!
Answer only with information from the passage. Even if you know something is true in real life, if it is not in the text, it can be the correct answer!
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of volcanic eruption in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Explosive eruptions
(B) Effusive eruptions
(C) Earthquake eruptions
(D) Submarine eruptions
Correct Answer: (C) Earthquake eruptions
Explanation: The passage mentions explosive, effusive, and submarine eruptions, but it does not mention “earthquake eruptions.” Be sure to select the answer that is not included in the passage!
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of volcanic eruption in the passage?”
Choices:
(A) Explosive eruptions
(B) Effusive eruptions
(C) Earthquake eruptions
(D) Submarine eruptions
Correct Answer: (C) Earthquake eruptions
Explanation: The passage mentions explosive, effusive, and submarine eruptions, but it does not mention “earthquake eruptions.” Be sure to select the answer that is not included in the passage!
Reading Passage: How Volcanoes Erupt
Paragraph 1:
Volcanoes are among the most powerful and fascinating natural features on our planet. They have helped shape the Earth’s landscape for millions of years, forming mountains, islands, and new land. A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface where hot, melted rock called magma can escape. When a volcano erupts, it releases magma, gases, and ash into the atmosphere. These dramatic events can be both destructive and creative, changing the world around them in many ways.
Volcanoes are among the most powerful and fascinating natural features on our planet. They have helped shape the Earth’s landscape for millions of years, forming mountains, islands, and new land. A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface where hot, melted rock called magma can escape. When a volcano erupts, it releases magma, gases, and ash into the atmosphere. These dramatic events can be both destructive and creative, changing the world around them in many ways.
Paragraph 2:
The process of a volcanic eruption begins deep inside the Earth. Underneath the surface, the temperature and pressure are very high. Rocks melt and form a thick, liquid material called magma. This magma collects in large underground chambers. Over time, the pressure builds up as more magma enters the chamber and gases mix with the melted rock. When the pressure becomes too great, the magma pushes its way upward through cracks and weak spots in the Earth’s crust.
The process of a volcanic eruption begins deep inside the Earth. Underneath the surface, the temperature and pressure are very high. Rocks melt and form a thick, liquid material called magma. This magma collects in large underground chambers. Over time, the pressure builds up as more magma enters the chamber and gases mix with the melted rock. When the pressure becomes too great, the magma pushes its way upward through cracks and weak spots in the Earth’s crust.
Paragraph 3:
Once magma rises close to the surface, it is called lava. When a volcano erupts, the lava flows out, sometimes quickly and sometimes very slowly, depending on its type. Along with lava, volcanic eruptions often send out clouds of ash, steam, and dangerous gases such as sulfur dioxide. These materials can spread over a wide area, affecting not only the land near the volcano but also the atmosphere and the climate.
Once magma rises close to the surface, it is called lava. When a volcano erupts, the lava flows out, sometimes quickly and sometimes very slowly, depending on its type. Along with lava, volcanic eruptions often send out clouds of ash, steam, and dangerous gases such as sulfur dioxide. These materials can spread over a wide area, affecting not only the land near the volcano but also the atmosphere and the climate.
Paragraph 4:
There are several different types of volcanic eruptions. Some are explosive, throwing ash and rocks high into the air. Others are much calmer, with lava flowing quietly from cracks or holes in the ground. The kind of eruption depends on the chemistry of the magma, the amount of gas present, and the shape of the volcano. For example, shield volcanoes, which have gentle slopes, often produce slow-moving lava flows. In contrast, stratovolcanoes, which are taller and steeper, are more likely to have violent, explosive eruptions.
There are several different types of volcanic eruptions. Some are explosive, throwing ash and rocks high into the air. Others are much calmer, with lava flowing quietly from cracks or holes in the ground. The kind of eruption depends on the chemistry of the magma, the amount of gas present, and the shape of the volcano. For example, shield volcanoes, which have gentle slopes, often produce slow-moving lava flows. In contrast, stratovolcanoes, which are taller and steeper, are more likely to have violent, explosive eruptions.
Paragraph 5:
Volcanic eruptions can have a major impact on people and the environment. The immediate area around a volcano is the most dangerous, with lava destroying buildings, roads, and forests. Ash can fall on homes, fields, and even whole cities, sometimes blocking sunlight for days. Volcanic gases can harm people and animals, and heavy ash can make it difficult to breathe. Sometimes, eruptions can cause landslides, mudflows, and floods as hot materials melt snow or ice on the mountain.
Volcanic eruptions can have a major impact on people and the environment. The immediate area around a volcano is the most dangerous, with lava destroying buildings, roads, and forests. Ash can fall on homes, fields, and even whole cities, sometimes blocking sunlight for days. Volcanic gases can harm people and animals, and heavy ash can make it difficult to breathe. Sometimes, eruptions can cause landslides, mudflows, and floods as hot materials melt snow or ice on the mountain.
Paragraph 6:
However, volcanoes are not only destructive. They also play an important role in creating new land and making soil rich and fertile. Lava cools and hardens into new rock, building up islands and mountains over time. The ash and minerals released during eruptions add nutrients to the soil, which can help plants grow. Many of the world’s most productive farmlands are located near volcanoes for this reason.
However, volcanoes are not only destructive. They also play an important role in creating new land and making soil rich and fertile. Lava cools and hardens into new rock, building up islands and mountains over time. The ash and minerals released during eruptions add nutrients to the soil, which can help plants grow. Many of the world’s most productive farmlands are located near volcanoes for this reason.
Paragraph 7:
Volcanoes are found all around the world, but most are located along boundaries where the Earth’s plates meet. This area is known as the “Ring of Fire,” which circles the Pacific Ocean and contains more than seventy-five percent of all active volcanoes on Earth. Some famous volcanoes include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and Mount St. Helens in the United States. Volcanoes can also be found under the ocean, creating islands such as Hawaii and Iceland.
Volcanoes are found all around the world, but most are located along boundaries where the Earth’s plates meet. This area is known as the “Ring of Fire,” which circles the Pacific Ocean and contains more than seventy-five percent of all active volcanoes on Earth. Some famous volcanoes include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and Mount St. Helens in the United States. Volcanoes can also be found under the ocean, creating islands such as Hawaii and Iceland.
Paragraph 8:
Scientists who study volcanoes are called volcanologists. They use special equipment to measure earthquakes, gas emissions, temperature changes, and ground movements around volcanoes. By carefully observing these signs, volcanologists can often predict when a volcano is likely to erupt. Early warning systems are very important because they help people in nearby areas prepare and evacuate if necessary, reducing the risk of injury or death.
Scientists who study volcanoes are called volcanologists. They use special equipment to measure earthquakes, gas emissions, temperature changes, and ground movements around volcanoes. By carefully observing these signs, volcanologists can often predict when a volcano is likely to erupt. Early warning systems are very important because they help people in nearby areas prepare and evacuate if necessary, reducing the risk of injury or death.
Paragraph 9:
Not all volcanic eruptions are disasters. Sometimes, eruptions happen in places where few people live, or the eruption is gentle enough that there is little danger. In fact, some eruptions attract visitors and tourists who want to see the glowing lava or the unique landscape created by the volcano. Volcanoes are also important for producing geothermal energy, which uses the heat from inside the Earth to make electricity and warm homes.
Not all volcanic eruptions are disasters. Sometimes, eruptions happen in places where few people live, or the eruption is gentle enough that there is little danger. In fact, some eruptions attract visitors and tourists who want to see the glowing lava or the unique landscape created by the volcano. Volcanoes are also important for producing geothermal energy, which uses the heat from inside the Earth to make electricity and warm homes.
Paragraph 10:
Despite their benefits, volcanoes can be unpredictable. Eruptions can happen with little warning, and the effects can be felt thousands of kilometers away. For example, a large eruption can send ash high into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing temperatures to drop around the world. In history, some volcanic eruptions have changed the climate for several years and even affected the growth of crops and the health of people and animals.
Despite their benefits, volcanoes can be unpredictable. Eruptions can happen with little warning, and the effects can be felt thousands of kilometers away. For example, a large eruption can send ash high into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing temperatures to drop around the world. In history, some volcanic eruptions have changed the climate for several years and even affected the growth of crops and the health of people and animals.
Paragraph 11:
Understanding how volcanoes erupt is important for everyone, not just scientists. Learning about volcanoes helps people stay safe, protect the environment, and appreciate the amazing ways that nature works. Whether volcanoes are creating new land, enriching soil, or reminding us of the Earth’s great power, they are a fascinating part of our world that continues to shape life on this planet.
Understanding how volcanoes erupt is important for everyone, not just scientists. Learning about volcanoes helps people stay safe, protect the environment, and appreciate the amazing ways that nature works. Whether volcanoes are creating new land, enriching soil, or reminding us of the Earth’s great power, they are a fascinating part of our world that continues to shape life on this planet.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is NOT mentioned or NOT true in the passage. After you choose, see the answer and explanation instantly!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Review each answer below. Each step shows how to find what is NOT mentioned or NOT true in the passage!
Q1: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a benefit of volcanic eruptions?
Step 1: The question asks for a benefit NOT mentioned in the passage, so we look for what is missing.
Step 2: Scan the passage for each answer. (A) "Creation of new land," (B) "Making soil rich for plants," and (D) "Generating geothermal energy" are all described as benefits.
Step 3: (C) "Producing gold and diamonds" is never mentioned. The passage does not talk about volcanoes producing precious metals or gems.
Step 4: Eliminate all options that are stated; the correct answer is the one not included.
Step 5: Correct Answer: (C)—It is not mentioned anywhere in the passage.
Step 6: Remember, always focus only on what the passage says, not your outside knowledge.
Q2: (D)
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a type of volcano or volcanic eruption described?
Step 1: The question asks for a type NOT described in the text.
Step 2: Read carefully: shield volcano, stratovolcano, and explosive eruption are all directly mentioned.
Step 3: "Ice volcano" is not found anywhere in the passage—there is no mention of this kind of volcano.
Step 4: Double-check the passage to confirm it’s not included.
Step 5: Correct Answer: (D)—Ice volcano is not described or mentioned.
Step 6: Never pick an answer just because it sounds scientific—always verify it’s mentioned!
Q3: (C)
Which of the following is NOT listed in the passage as a danger from volcanic eruptions?
Step 1: Look for dangers and harmful effects described.
Step 2: The passage mentions ash falling on cities, lava destroying roads/forests, and difficulty breathing due to gases.
Step 3: "Hurricanes forming after eruptions" is not mentioned at all in the text.
Step 4: Eliminate the options that are clearly supported by the passage.
Step 5: Correct Answer: (C)—Only this is not included as a danger in the passage.
Step 6: Don’t choose an answer based on outside science facts—use only the passage.
Q4: (C)
Which of the following is NOT described as a tool or method volcanologists use to study volcanoes?
Step 1: Identify all tools and methods listed for volcanologists in the passage.
Step 2: The passage describes measuring earthquakes, observing gas emissions, and recording temperature changes.
Step 3: "Testing ocean water samples" is not included anywhere in the description.
Step 4: Review the section again to make sure it is not mentioned.
Step 5: Correct Answer: (C)—This is not described as a volcanologist’s method.
Step 6: Be cautious: only pick the method actually stated in the passage.
Q5: (D)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of volcanic eruptions on the world’s climate?
Step 1: Scan for effects on world climate after eruptions.
Step 2: The passage describes eruptions causing temperatures to drop, changing climate for years, and affecting crop growth and health.
Step 3: "Melting the polar ice caps" is never discussed as an effect.
Step 4: Check the final paragraphs again for any mention—there is none.
Step 5: Correct Answer: (D)—Not mentioned in the text at all.
Step 6: Never choose an answer because it is scientifically possible—only because it is stated in the reading.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Boost your vocabulary! Each word below features phonetics, usage, pattern, definition, example, synonym, and top mistakes. Hover to see a soft glow!
Fascinating
/ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
fascinating + noun / it is fascinating to + verb
Definition:
Extremely interesting and able to capture attention.
Example:
Volcanoes are among the most fascinating natural features on Earth. (= Very interesting.)
Synonym: captivating
Common Mistake: Using “fascinated” for things instead of “fascinating.”
Landscape
/ˈlændskeɪp/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
landscape + of/with + noun
Definition:
A large area of land, especially its appearance or character.
Example:
Volcanoes have helped shape the Earth’s landscape. (= The way the land looks.)
Synonym: scenery
Common Mistake: Confusing with “landmark.”
Magma
/ˈmæɡmə/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
magma + under/beneath + noun
Definition:
Hot, melted rock beneath the Earth's surface.
Example:
Magma escapes through openings during eruptions. (= Melted rock under the surface.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Calling magma “lava” before it reaches the surface.
Chamber
/ˈtʃeɪmbə/ (BrE), /ˈtʃeɪmbər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
chamber + of/for + noun
Definition:
A large underground space or room, often filled with magma in a volcano.
Example:
Magma collects in underground chambers. (= Spaces below the surface.)
Synonym: cavity
Common Mistake: Mixing up “chamber” with “chamberlain” (an official).
Pressure
/ˈprɛʃə/ (BrE), /ˈprɛʃər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
pressure + builds/increases + on/in/inside
Definition:
The force produced by one thing pushing against another.
Example:
The pressure builds up as more magma enters the chamber. (= Force inside the volcano increases.)
Synonym: force
Common Mistake: Confusing with “precious.”
Crust
/krʌst/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
Earth's crust, crust + of + something
Definition:
The outermost solid layer of the Earth.
Example:
Magma pushes upward through the Earth’s crust. (= The hard surface layer.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using as a verb.
Atmosphere
/ˈætməsfɪə/ (BrE), /ˈætməsˌfɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
the Earth's atmosphere, in/to the atmosphere
Definition:
The layer of gases that surrounds a planet.
Example:
Ash is released into the atmosphere. (= The air around Earth.)
Synonym: air (general)
Common Mistake: Spelling it as “atmosfer.”
Explosive
/ɪkˈspləʊsɪv/ (BrE), /ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Word Pattern:
explosive + eruption/force
Definition:
Very violent; likely to blow up with force.
Example:
Some volcanoes have explosive eruptions. (= Very violent and sudden.)
Synonym: violent
Common Mistake: Using as a verb.
Stratovolcano
/ˌstrætəʊvɒlˈkeɪnəʊ/ (BrE), /ˌstrætoʊvɑlˈkeɪnoʊ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
stratovolcano + with/of + feature
Definition:
A tall, steep volcano known for explosive eruptions.
Example:
Stratovolcanoes are more likely to have violent eruptions. (= Steep-sided volcanoes.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Calling all volcanoes stratovolcanoes.
Fertile
/ˈfɜːtaɪl/ (BrE), /ˈfɜrtəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
fertile + soil/land/ground
Definition:
Rich in nutrients and able to support the growth of many plants.
Example:
Volcanoes make the soil fertile for farming. (= Good for growing crops.)
Synonym: productive
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “fertil.”
Boundary
/ˈbaʊndəri/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
boundary + between/of + place/thing
Definition:
A line that marks the edge of something; a border.
Example:
Most volcanoes are located along boundaries where plates meet. (= Dividing lines between areas.)
Synonym: border
Common Mistake: Saying “bounder.”
Evacuate
/ɪˈvækjueɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
evacuate + place/person
Definition:
To leave a place quickly for safety; to move people away from danger.
Example:
People may need to evacuate before an eruption. (= Leave to be safe.)
Synonym: leave, flee
Common Mistake: Using “evacuate” with “from” when not needed.
Geothermal
/ˌdʒiːəʊˈθɜːməl/ (BrE), /ˌdʒioʊˈθɜrməl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
geothermal + energy/power/heat
Definition:
Related to heat produced inside the Earth.
Example:
Geothermal energy is used to make electricity. (= Heat from inside the Earth.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Writing “geo thermal” as two words.
Unpredictable
/ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
unpredictable + event/result/behavior
Definition:
Impossible to know in advance; not able to be predicted.
Example:
Volcanoes can be unpredictable and erupt suddenly. (= Hard to forecast.)
Synonym: uncertain
Common Mistake: Spelling as “unpredictible.”
Climate
/ˈklaɪmət/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
climate + of/in + place
Definition:
The usual weather conditions in an area over a long period.
Example:
Eruptions can change the climate for years. (= Typical long-term weather.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using as a verb.
Productive
/prəˈdʌktɪv/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
productive + farmland/meeting/day
Definition:
Able to produce a lot; giving good results.
Example:
Productive farmlands are often near volcanoes. (= Able to grow many crops.)
Synonym: fertile
Common Mistake: Using for people only (“productive person”).
Landslide
/ˈlændslaɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
landslide + of + soil/rock
Definition:
A sudden fall of earth or rocks down a slope.
Example:
Eruptions can cause landslides and mudflows. (= Falling earth or rocks.)
Synonym: mudslide (if mud), collapse
Common Mistake: Confusing with “landmark.”
Volcanologist
/ˌvɒlkəˈnɒlədʒɪst/ (BrE), /ˌvɑlkəˈnɑlədʒɪst/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
volcanologist + studies/observes/monitors
Definition:
A scientist who studies volcanoes.
Example:
Volcanologists use special equipment to measure volcanoes. (= Volcano expert.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Calling them “volcanic scientists.”
Emissions
/ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (usually plural)
Word Pattern:
emissions + of + gas/smoke/light
Definition:
The act of sending out gas, light, heat, etc.
Example:
Volcanologists observe gas emissions. (= Gases coming out.)
Synonym: release, output
Common Mistake: Using as a verb.
Phenomenon
/fəˈnɒmɪnən/ (BrE), /fəˈnɑmɪnɑn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural: phenomena)
Word Pattern:
phenomenon + of/in/that
Definition:
A fact, event, or situation that can be seen or observed, especially something unusual or interesting.
Example:
Volcanoes are a natural phenomenon. (= Amazing event in nature.)
Synonym: occurrence
Common Mistake: Using “phenomenons” as the plural.
20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Level up your academic English! Explore these challenging expressions—hover over each for a gentle animated glow.
Shape the Earth’s landscape
/ʃeɪp ðiː ɜːθs ˈlændskeɪp/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
shape + the/our/their + landscape
Definition:
To have a strong influence on the appearance and features of the Earth's surface.
Example:
Volcanoes have helped shape the Earth’s landscape. (= Changed how land looks.)
Synonym: form the land
Common Mistake: Using “landscaping” instead of “landscape.”
Opening in the Earth’s surface
/ˈəʊpənɪŋ ɪn ðiː ɜːθs ˈsɜːfɪs/
Parts of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
opening in + the surface of + thing
Definition:
A hole or gap in the outer layer of the Earth where material can come out.
Example:
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface. (= A hole in the ground.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “on” instead of “in.”
Release magma, gases, and ash
/rɪˈliːs ˈmæɡmə ˈɡæsɪz ənd æʃ/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
release + noun/nouns
Definition:
To send out or let something go, such as hot melted rock, gases, or ash.
Example:
Volcanoes can release magma, gases, and ash. (= Let out these materials.)
Synonym: emit
Common Mistake: Saying “release out.”
Build up pressure
/bɪld ʌp ˈprɛʃə/
Parts of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
build up + pressure/tension/strength
Definition:
To gradually increase force inside something, often until a change occurs.
Example:
Pressure builds up as more magma enters the chamber. (= Increases over time.)
Synonym: accumulate pressure
Common Mistake: Using “build pressure up.”
Push its way upward
/pʊʃ ɪts weɪ ˈʌpwəd/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
push one's way + adverb/preposition
Definition:
To move with force towards a higher position.
Example:
The magma pushes its way upward through the crust. (= Moves up strongly.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Leaving out “way.”
Clouds of ash
/klaʊdz ɒv æʃ/
Parts of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
clouds of + noun (ash, smoke, dust)
Definition:
Large amounts of ash in the air, appearing like a cloud.
Example:
Volcanoes send out clouds of ash. (= A lot of ash in the sky.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “clouds for ash.”
Spread over a wide area
/sprɛd ˈəʊvə ə waɪd ˈɛəriə/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
spread (over/across) + area/region
Definition:
To move or be sent out so that it covers a large space.
Example:
Ash can spread over a wide area. (= Go far in every direction.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “in” instead of “over.”
Depend on the chemistry of the magma
/dɪˈpɛnd ɒn ðə ˈkɛmɪstri ɒv ðə ˈmæɡmə/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
depend on + noun/wh-clause
Definition:
To be influenced or determined by the chemical makeup of the magma.
Example:
The eruption depends on the chemistry of the magma. (= The chemical content matters.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “depends of.”
Slow-moving lava flows
/sləʊ ˈmuːvɪŋ ˈlɑːvə fləʊz/
Parts of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
slow/fast-moving + noun + flows
Definition:
Lava that moves slowly along the ground.
Example:
Shield volcanoes produce slow-moving lava flows. (= Lava that moves slowly.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “slow-move.”
Have a major impact
/hæv ə ˈmeɪdʒər ˈɪmpækt/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
have/make an impact + on + noun
Definition:
To affect something or someone in a very important or serious way.
Example:
Eruptions can have a major impact on people. (= Cause big changes.)
Synonym: strongly affect
Common Mistake: Saying “do an impact.”
Block sunlight
/blɒk ˈsʌnlaɪt/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
block + noun (light, way, entrance)
Definition:
To prevent light from the sun from reaching a place.
Example:
Ash can block sunlight for days. (= Stop the sun's light.)
Synonym: cover, shade
Common Mistake: Saying “stop the sunlight.”
Cause landslides, mudflows, and floods
/kɔːz ˈlændslaɪdz ˈmʌdfləʊz ənd flʌdz/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
cause + multiple nouns
Definition:
To make dangerous movements of earth, mud, or water happen.
Example:
Eruptions can cause landslides, mudflows, and floods. (= Lead to disasters.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “create” instead of “cause.”
Play an important role
/pleɪ ən ɪmˈpɔːtənt rəʊl/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
play a/an + role + in
Definition:
To have a significant effect or function in a process or situation.
Example:
Volcanoes play an important role in making soil fertile. (= Are very important.)
Synonym: be key in
Common Mistake: Saying “make a role.”
Add nutrients to the soil
/æd ˈnjuːtrɪənts tuː ðə sɔɪl/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
add nutrients/minerals + to + noun
Definition:
To supply the soil with substances that help plants grow.
Example:
Eruptions add nutrients to the soil. (= Make land good for plants.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “on the soil.”
Located along boundaries
/ləʊˈkeɪtɪd əˈlɒŋ ˈbaʊndəriz/
Parts of Speech:
adjective phrase
Word Pattern:
located + along/near + boundaries/borders
Definition:
Situated at or near the dividing lines between areas or plates.
Example:
Most volcanoes are located along boundaries. (= Found near edges.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “in” instead of “along.”
Predict when a volcano is likely to erupt
/prɪˈdɪkt wen ə vɒlˈkeɪnəʊ ɪz ˈlaɪkli tuː ɪˈrʌpt/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
predict + when/if + clause
Definition:
To use information to say when an eruption will probably happen.
Example:
Scientists can predict when a volcano is likely to erupt. (= Say before it happens.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “predict that when.”
Early warning systems
/ˈɜːli ˈwɔːnɪŋ ˈsɪstəmz/
Parts of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
early warning + system/signal
Definition:
Technology used to alert people before a dangerous event.
Example:
Early warning systems help people prepare for eruptions. (= Technology that warns.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “first warning systems.”
Attract visitors and tourists
/əˈtrækt ˈvɪzɪtəz ənd ˈtʊərɪsts/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
attract + visitors/tourists/attention
Definition:
To draw people who come to see something interesting.
Example:
Some eruptions attract visitors and tourists. (= Make people come to see.)
Synonym: draw in
Common Mistake: Using “invite” instead of “attract.”
Produce geothermal energy
/prəˈdjuːs ˌdʒiːəʊˈθɜːməl ˈɛnədʒi/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
produce + geothermal/solar/wind + energy
Definition:
To create energy using heat from inside the Earth.
Example:
Volcanoes help produce geothermal energy. (= Make energy from Earth's heat.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “make” instead of “produce.”
Block sunlight and cause temperatures to drop
/blɒk ˈsʌnlaɪt ənd kɔːz ˈtɛmpərətjʊərz tuː drɒp/
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
block + sunlight/light + and + cause + noun + to + verb
Definition:
To stop sunlight and make it become colder.
Example:
Ash clouds can block sunlight and cause temperatures to drop. (= Make it colder by blocking the sun.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Leaving out “to.”
Practice Exercise 1: Master the Words & Expressions!
Choose the best answer for each sentence. You’ll get an instant, detailed explanation after each choice. Ready? Let’s boost your volcano vocabulary!
Practice Exercise 2: Deepen Your Word & Phrase Skills!
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence. Get instant explanations to make every choice a learning moment!
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