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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 7
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August 4, 2025
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Forest Fires and Recovery)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions ask you to identify which piece of information is NOT stated in the passage. You must carefully read and find details that are not mentioned, not true, or are the opposite of what is written. Mastering this type will greatly improve your ability to read for detail and avoid common traps!
These questions ask you to identify which piece of information is NOT stated in the passage. You must carefully read and find details that are not mentioned, not true, or are the opposite of what is written. Mastering this type will greatly improve your ability to read for detail and avoid common traps!
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Very Carefully:
Look for negative words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. These signal that you must find the answer that is NOT true according to the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a result of forest fires?”
Look for negative words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. These signal that you must find the answer that is NOT true according to the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a result of forest fires?”
2
Underline Key Words:
Highlight key words in the question and answer options. Focus on the negative word and what each option is saying.
Example: Key words: “NOT mentioned,” “result,” “forest fires.”
Highlight key words in the question and answer options. Focus on the negative word and what each option is saying.
Example: Key words: “NOT mentioned,” “result,” “forest fires.”
3
Read Each Option and Scan the Passage:
For each answer choice, check if the information is directly stated in the passage. Quickly scan the text for words and phrases from the options.
For each answer choice, check if the information is directly stated in the passage. Quickly scan the text for words and phrases from the options.
4
Eliminate Stated Information:
Remove answer choices that are clearly mentioned or supported by the passage. These are NOT the correct answer for this type of question!
Remove answer choices that are clearly mentioned or supported by the passage. These are NOT the correct answer for this type of question!
5
Find the One That Is Not Stated:
The correct answer is the only one that is not mentioned, not true, or is the opposite of what the passage says. Double-check that the information really does NOT appear in the text.
The correct answer is the only one that is not mentioned, not true, or is the opposite of what the passage says. Double-check that the information really does NOT appear in the text.
6
Be Careful of Traps:
Wrong answers often use words from the passage but change the meaning. Only choose an answer if you are sure that information is not found in the passage.
Wrong answers often use words from the passage but change the meaning. Only choose an answer if you are sure that information is not found in the passage.
7
Check Your Logic:
Ask yourself: “Is this answer really NOT mentioned in the passage, or did I just overlook it?” Go back to the text to confirm.
Ask yourself: “Is this answer really NOT mentioned in the passage, or did I just overlook it?” Go back to the text to confirm.
8
Confirm Your Choice:
Make sure the answer you select is the only option that is not stated, not true, or is the opposite of what’s written.
Make sure the answer you select is the only option that is not stated, not true, or is the opposite of what’s written.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of forest fires?”
Choices:
(A) Lightning strikes
(B) Human activities
(C) Strong winds
(D) Volcanic eruptions
Correct Answer: (D) Volcanic eruptions
Explanation: The passage explains that lightning and human activities can cause forest fires, and strong winds can make fires worse. Volcanic eruptions are not mentioned as a cause, so (D) is correct.
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of forest fires?”
Choices:
(A) Lightning strikes
(B) Human activities
(C) Strong winds
(D) Volcanic eruptions
Correct Answer: (D) Volcanic eruptions
Explanation: The passage explains that lightning and human activities can cause forest fires, and strong winds can make fires worse. Volcanic eruptions are not mentioned as a cause, so (D) is correct.
Reading Passage: Forest Fires and Recovery
Paragraph 1:
Forests are some of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They are home to millions of plant and animal species and help regulate the planet’s climate. However, forests are often affected by natural events such as forest fires. While forest fires can cause destruction, they are also a natural part of the life cycle of many forests around the world.
Forests are some of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They are home to millions of plant and animal species and help regulate the planet’s climate. However, forests are often affected by natural events such as forest fires. While forest fires can cause destruction, they are also a natural part of the life cycle of many forests around the world.
Paragraph 2:
A forest fire, sometimes called a wildfire, is an uncontrolled fire that spreads quickly through trees and undergrowth. Forest fires can start for many reasons. Some fires begin naturally, such as when lightning strikes a tree during a storm. Others are caused by people, either by accident—like leaving a campfire burning—or on purpose. In some parts of the world, farmers use fire to clear land, but these fires can get out of control and spread into wild forests.
A forest fire, sometimes called a wildfire, is an uncontrolled fire that spreads quickly through trees and undergrowth. Forest fires can start for many reasons. Some fires begin naturally, such as when lightning strikes a tree during a storm. Others are caused by people, either by accident—like leaving a campfire burning—or on purpose. In some parts of the world, farmers use fire to clear land, but these fires can get out of control and spread into wild forests.
Paragraph 3:
When a forest fire burns, it can move very quickly, especially if the weather is hot, dry, and windy. Dry leaves, branches, and grass act as fuel, helping the fire spread. Some fires are small and burn only a few trees, but others can cover thousands of hectares and last for many days or even weeks. Large forest fires can create huge clouds of smoke that travel long distances and affect the air quality in nearby towns and cities.
When a forest fire burns, it can move very quickly, especially if the weather is hot, dry, and windy. Dry leaves, branches, and grass act as fuel, helping the fire spread. Some fires are small and burn only a few trees, but others can cover thousands of hectares and last for many days or even weeks. Large forest fires can create huge clouds of smoke that travel long distances and affect the air quality in nearby towns and cities.
Paragraph 4:
The immediate effects of a forest fire are often easy to see. Trees are burned, animals may lose their homes, and the ground can be covered with ash. Some animals can escape the fire, but others may be injured or killed. People living near forests may have to leave their homes to stay safe. Forest fires can also damage roads, power lines, and buildings, making it hard for communities to recover quickly.
The immediate effects of a forest fire are often easy to see. Trees are burned, animals may lose their homes, and the ground can be covered with ash. Some animals can escape the fire, but others may be injured or killed. People living near forests may have to leave their homes to stay safe. Forest fires can also damage roads, power lines, and buildings, making it hard for communities to recover quickly.
Paragraph 5:
Despite the damage they cause, forest fires are not always harmful in the long run. In fact, fires play an important role in maintaining the health of some forests. Many tree species, such as certain types of pine, need fire to release their seeds. The heat from the fire opens the cones and allows seeds to fall to the ground. Fire also helps to clear away dead plants and old leaves, making space for new growth.
Despite the damage they cause, forest fires are not always harmful in the long run. In fact, fires play an important role in maintaining the health of some forests. Many tree species, such as certain types of pine, need fire to release their seeds. The heat from the fire opens the cones and allows seeds to fall to the ground. Fire also helps to clear away dead plants and old leaves, making space for new growth.
Paragraph 6:
After a fire, the forest goes through a recovery process. The first plants to grow back are usually grasses and small bushes. These are followed by young trees and wildflowers. Over time, as the soil recovers and nutrients return, the forest begins to look green again. Animals return as food and shelter become available. This process can take just a few years for small fires, but large, intense fires may require decades for the forest to fully recover.
After a fire, the forest goes through a recovery process. The first plants to grow back are usually grasses and small bushes. These are followed by young trees and wildflowers. Over time, as the soil recovers and nutrients return, the forest begins to look green again. Animals return as food and shelter become available. This process can take just a few years for small fires, but large, intense fires may require decades for the forest to fully recover.
Paragraph 7:
Scientists and forest managers work to understand the best ways to manage forest fires. In some regions, controlled or “prescribed” burns are used to remove dead wood and prevent larger, more dangerous fires in the future. By burning small areas under safe conditions, experts can reduce the amount of fuel and protect the forest and nearby communities.
Scientists and forest managers work to understand the best ways to manage forest fires. In some regions, controlled or “prescribed” burns are used to remove dead wood and prevent larger, more dangerous fires in the future. By burning small areas under safe conditions, experts can reduce the amount of fuel and protect the forest and nearby communities.
Paragraph 8:
Climate change is making forest fires more frequent and severe in many parts of the world. Hotter temperatures and long periods without rain mean forests dry out more quickly, creating perfect conditions for fires to start and spread. Some countries have experienced record-breaking wildfire seasons in recent years, leading to major challenges for people, wildlife, and the environment.
Climate change is making forest fires more frequent and severe in many parts of the world. Hotter temperatures and long periods without rain mean forests dry out more quickly, creating perfect conditions for fires to start and spread. Some countries have experienced record-breaking wildfire seasons in recent years, leading to major challenges for people, wildlife, and the environment.
Paragraph 9:
Forest fires do not only affect plants and animals—they can also impact the air we breathe. Smoke from wildfires contains tiny particles that can make it hard to breathe and cause health problems, especially for children and older adults. Sometimes, smoke travels hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, affecting people far from the fire itself.
Forest fires do not only affect plants and animals—they can also impact the air we breathe. Smoke from wildfires contains tiny particles that can make it hard to breathe and cause health problems, especially for children and older adults. Sometimes, smoke travels hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, affecting people far from the fire itself.
Paragraph 10:
Communities living near forests often prepare for fire season by clearing dry vegetation around homes, creating emergency plans, and listening for warnings from authorities. Firefighters use helicopters, airplanes, and ground teams to control fires and protect people and property. Advanced technology, such as satellite images and weather forecasting, helps experts predict where fires might start and how they might spread.
Communities living near forests often prepare for fire season by clearing dry vegetation around homes, creating emergency plans, and listening for warnings from authorities. Firefighters use helicopters, airplanes, and ground teams to control fires and protect people and property. Advanced technology, such as satellite images and weather forecasting, helps experts predict where fires might start and how they might spread.
Paragraph 11:
Education also plays an important role in preventing dangerous forest fires. Schools, governments, and community groups teach people how to use fire safely and what to do if a fire starts. Simple actions, like making sure campfires are fully out and not throwing cigarettes on the ground, can help stop many fires before they begin.
Education also plays an important role in preventing dangerous forest fires. Schools, governments, and community groups teach people how to use fire safely and what to do if a fire starts. Simple actions, like making sure campfires are fully out and not throwing cigarettes on the ground, can help stop many fires before they begin.
Paragraph 12:
In summary, forest fires are both destructive and necessary for the life cycle of some forests. They can cause harm to people, animals, and the environment, but they can also help forests stay healthy by clearing away dead material and making way for new growth. As our climate changes, it is important for everyone to understand how forest fires work and what can be done to protect forests for future generations.
In summary, forest fires are both destructive and necessary for the life cycle of some forests. They can cause harm to people, animals, and the environment, but they can also help forests stay healthy by clearing away dead material and making way for new growth. As our climate changes, it is important for everyone to understand how forest fires work and what can be done to protect forests for future generations.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. For each one, select 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!
When you select an answer, you will instantly see a detailed explanation!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Review each answer with detailed steps below. These explanations help you learn how to analyze, compare, and confirm what is NOT mentioned in the passage!
Q1: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why forest fires start?
Step 1: Read the question for the word NOT. You need to find the cause that is not mentioned in the passage.
Step 2: Scan the passage for each choice. Lightning strikes (A), people leaving campfires burning (B), and farmers using fire to clear land (D) are all mentioned as possible causes.
Step 3: Check option (C): The passage does not mention animals knocking over trees as a reason for fire.
Step 4: Eliminate all answers found in the passage. Only (C) is not found—this is your answer.
Step 5: Double-check for traps—sometimes options use familiar words but are not supported by the text.
Q2: (C)
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT an immediate effect of a forest fire?
Step 1: Focus on "immediate effect" and "NOT"—you need to find the effect that does not happen right after a fire.
Step 2: The passage lists burned trees (A), animals losing homes (B), and people leaving their homes (D).
Step 3: "Forest soil turns to stone" (C) is not mentioned anywhere as an effect of fire.
Step 4: Confirm that (C) is not found in the text, making it the correct answer.
Step 5: Eliminate the other choices—they are all directly stated in the passage.
Q3: (B)
Which statement about forest recovery is NOT supported by the passage?
Step 1: Look for "NOT supported." Only one choice is not confirmed in the text.
Step 2: Grasses and bushes (A) are the first to grow back, and animals return (C) as food and shelter return. Recovery after large fire may take decades (D) is also mentioned.
Step 3: The passage never says "some forests never recover after a fire" (B)—in fact, it describes how forests eventually recover, even if it takes time.
Step 4: The answer is (B)—it is NOT supported by the passage.
Step 5: When in doubt, look for the choice that goes beyond or contradicts the information in the text.
Q4: (B)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to manage or prevent forest fires?
Step 1: The question asks for a method that is NOT given in the passage.
Step 2: Controlled burns (A), clearing dry vegetation (C), and teaching fire safety (D) are all described in the text.
Step 3: The passage never mentions planting special fire-resistant trees (B) as a strategy.
Step 4: Confirm B is not discussed—this is the correct answer.
Step 5: If an answer sounds possible but is not in the passage, it is correct for this question type.
Q5: (C)
Which of the following is NOT given as a result of climate change on forest fires in the passage?
Step 1: Look for what is NOT stated about climate change and fires.
Step 2: The passage says fires are more frequent (A), more severe (B), and that some countries have record-breaking fire seasons (D).
Step 3: It does NOT say there is more rain in forests (C)—in fact, it describes hotter, drier conditions.
Step 4: The answer is (C)—this is NOT mentioned as a result of climate change.
Step 5: Always double-check for opposite or missing information when choosing your answer.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore the most challenging vocabulary from this passage! For each word: see phonetics, parts of speech, patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and top learner mistakes. Hover over a card for a glow effect.
Ecosystem
/ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ (BrE) /ˈikoʊˌsɪstəm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
ecosystem + of/for + noun
Definition:
A community of living things and their environment, interacting together.
Example:
Forests are important ecosystems on Earth. (= Living communities in nature)
Synonym: environment, biome
Common Mistake: Spelling as “ecosistem.”
Regulate
/ˈreɡjʊleɪt/ (BrE) /ˈrɛɡjəˌleɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
regulate + noun/thing
Definition:
To control or manage something by rules or regular action.
Example:
Forests help regulate the planet’s climate. (= Control or manage)
Synonym: control, manage
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“a regulate”).
Destruction
/dɪˈstrʌkʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
destruction + of + noun
Definition:
Serious damage that ruins something completely.
Example:
Forest fires can cause destruction. (= Great damage)
Synonym: damage, ruin
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to destruction something”).
Uncontrolled
/ˌʌnkənˈtrəʊld/ (BrE) /ˌʌnkənˈtroʊld/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
uncontrolled + noun
Definition:
Not limited or managed by anyone; out of control.
Example:
A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire. (= Out of control)
Synonym: wild, out of control
Common Mistake: Confusing with “uncontrollable.”
Undergrowth
/ˈʌndəɡrəʊθ/ (BrE) /ˈʌndərˌɡroʊθ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
undergrowth + of/in + place
Definition:
Small bushes and plants that grow under tall trees in a forest.
Example:
Fire spreads quickly through undergrowth. (= Low plants beneath trees)
Synonym: brush, shrubbery
Common Mistake: Pluralizing (“undergrowths”).
Fuel
/ˈfjʊəl/ (BrE) /ˈfjuːəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
fuel + for/of + noun; fuel (v) + fire/growth
Definition:
Material that can be burned to produce heat or energy.
Example:
Dry leaves act as fuel for the fire. (= Material burned by fire)
Synonym: energy source
Common Mistake: Saying “fuels” when not countable.
Hectare
/ˈhɛk.teər/ (BrE) /ˈhɛkˌtɛr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (measurement)
Word Pattern:
number + hectares + of + noun
Definition:
A unit for measuring land area, equal to 10,000 square meters.
Example:
Some fires can cover thousands of hectares. (= Large area of land)
No simple synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “hectares” for things, not land.
Ash
/æʃ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
ash + from/of + noun
Definition:
The soft, gray powder left after something is burned.
Example:
The ground can be covered with ash. (= Burned remains)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to ash the ground”).
Recover
/rɪˈkʌvə/ (BrE) /rɪˈkʌvər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
recover + from/after + noun
Definition:
To return to a normal state after a problem or difficulty.
Example:
The forest goes through a recovery process. (= Returns to normal)
Synonym: heal, get better
Common Mistake: Confusing with “discover.”
Nutrient
/ˈnjuː.tri.ənt/ (BrE) /ˈnuː.tri.ənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
nutrient + for/in + noun
Definition:
A substance that plants or animals need to live and grow.
Example:
Soil recovers and nutrients return. (= Substances needed for growth)
Synonym: nourishment
Common Mistake: Using as an adjective (“nutrient food” instead of “nutritious food”).
Process
/ˈprəʊ.ses/ (BrE) /ˈprɑː.ses/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
process + of/for + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
A series of actions or steps that lead to a result.
Example:
The forest goes through a recovery process. (= Series of steps to recover)
Synonym: procedure, series
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “process” (like “pro-cess” in AmE vs “proh-sess” in BrE).
Intense
/ɪnˈtɛns/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
intense + noun (e.g., fire, heat, feeling)
Definition:
Very strong, powerful, or extreme.
Example:
Large, intense fires may require decades for the forest to fully recover. (= Very strong or severe)
Synonym: extreme, severe
Common Mistake: Using “intensive” for “intense.”
Prescribed
/prɪˈskraɪbd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
prescribed + noun (e.g., burn, medicine)
Definition:
Officially suggested or planned, especially by an expert.
Example:
Controlled or “prescribed” burns are used. (= Planned burns)
Synonym: planned, recommended
Common Mistake: Pronouncing the “b” at the end (“prescrib-ed”).
Community
/kəˈmjuːnɪti/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
community + of/for + noun; in the community
Definition:
A group of people living in the same area or sharing interests.
Example:
Communities living near forests often prepare for fire season. (= Group of people in one place)
Synonym: society, group
Common Mistake: Confusing with “commune” (a small group living together).
Technology
/tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/ (BrE) /tɛkˈnɑlədʒi/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
technology + for/in/of + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
Example:
Advanced technology helps experts predict where fires might start. (= Tools and machines for a purpose)
Synonym: equipment, tools (contextual)
Common Mistake: Using “technologies” for the general concept.
Forecasting
/ˈfɔː.kɑːstɪŋ/ (BrE) /ˈfɔrˌkæstɪŋ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb (forecast)
Word Pattern:
forecasting + of/for + noun/thing
Definition:
The act of predicting what will happen in the future using information and science.
Example:
Weather forecasting helps experts predict fires. (= Predicting the weather)
Synonym: prediction
Common Mistake: Writing “forecasting of weather” (better: “weather forecasting”).
Emergency
/ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi/ (BrE) /ɪˈmɝːdʒənsi/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
emergency + plan/exit/number
Definition:
A serious, unexpected situation needing quick action.
Example:
Communities create emergency plans for fire season. (= Urgent situation)
Synonym: crisis
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to emergency something”).
Satellite
/ˈsætəlaɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
satellite + image/TV/system
Definition:
An object that moves around a planet, especially one made by people and sent into space for a purpose.
Example:
Experts use satellite images to track fires. (= Machine in space for signals/images)
No exact synonym
Common Mistake: Pronouncing “satellite” as “sat-el-lite.”
Severe
/sɪˈvɪə/ (BrE) /səˈvɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
severe + noun (e.g., fire, weather, problem)
Definition:
Very bad, serious, or extreme.
Example:
Fires have become more severe in many places. (= More serious or dangerous)
Synonym: serious, extreme
Common Mistake: Saying “sever” for “severe.”
Generation
/ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
generation + of + noun; for generations
Definition:
All the people (or animals) born and living at about the same time; or a period of time.
Example:
Protect forests for future generations. (= People in the future)
Synonym: age group
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to generation something”).
20 Hardest Phrases/Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Explore challenging expressions from the reading! Each card includes phonetics, grammar info, usage patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and common mistakes. Hover to see elegant motion graphics.
life cycle of many forests
/laɪf ˈsaɪkəl əv ˈmeni ˈfɒrɪsts/
Part(s) of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
the life cycle of + noun
Definition:
All the stages in the life of a forest, from beginning to end.
Example:
Forest fires are part of the life cycle of many forests. (= natural changes over time)
Synonym: natural process
Common Mistake: Writing “cycle of life forests.”
spread quickly through
/sprɛd ˈkwɪkli θruː/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
spread quickly through + noun
Definition:
To move fast from one part to another part of something.
Example:
Fires spread quickly through trees and undergrowth. (= move fast everywhere)
Synonym: move rapidly across
Common Mistake: Omitting “through.”
get out of control
/ɡɛt aʊt əv kənˈtrəʊl/
Part(s) of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
get out of control
Definition:
To become impossible to manage or stop.
Example:
Fires can get out of control and spread. (= become wild)
Synonym: become unmanageable
Common Mistake: Using “go” instead of “get” (go out of control).
burn only a few trees
/bɜːn ˈəʊnli ə fjuː triːz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
burn only + number + noun
Definition:
Destroying just a small number of trees by fire.
Example:
Some fires are small and burn only a few trees. (= only some trees burn)
Synonym: affect a few trees
Common Mistake: Saying “burn some only trees.”
cover thousands of hectares
/ˈkʌvə ˈθaʊzəndz əv ˈhɛktɛəz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
cover + number + of + unit (area)
Definition:
To extend over a very large area of land.
Example:
Others can cover thousands of hectares. (= very big area)
Synonym: spread across a large area
Common Mistake: Missing “of” in the phrase.
affect the air quality
/əˈfɛkt ði ɛə ˈkwɒlɪti/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
affect + noun phrase
Definition:
To change how clean or dirty the air is.
Example:
Smoke can affect the air quality in nearby towns. (= change the quality of air)
Synonym: impact air cleanliness
Common Mistake: “Effect” used as a verb instead of “affect.”
lose their homes
/luːz ðɛə həʊmz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
lose + possessive pronoun + home(s)
Definition:
To have no place to live because of something bad happening.
Example:
Animals may lose their homes in fires. (= have no more home)
Synonym: become homeless
Common Mistake: “Loose” instead of “lose.”
covered with ash
/ˈkʌvəd wɪð æʃ/
Part(s) of Speech:
adjective phrase
Word Pattern:
covered with + noun
Definition:
Having a layer of ash on the surface.
Example:
The ground can be covered with ash. (= ash on the ground)
Synonym: blanketed in ash
Common Mistake: Using “covered by ash.”
make space for new growth
/meɪk speɪs fə njuː ɡrəʊθ/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
make space for + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
To create a place for something new to grow or develop.
Example:
Fire clears dead plants to make space for new growth. (= allow new plants to grow)
Synonym: create room for
Common Mistake: Missing “for” in the phrase.
look green again
/lʊk ɡriːn əˈɡɛn/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
look + color + again
Definition:
To appear green once more, after being brown or gray.
Example:
The forest begins to look green again. (= green returns after fire)
Synonym: return to a healthy state
Common Mistake: Saying “looks like green again.”
controlled or “prescribed” burns
/kənˈtrəʊld ɔː ˈprɪskraɪbd bɜːnz/
Part(s) of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
controlled/prescribed + burn(s)
Definition:
Fires that are started and managed by people for safety or science.
Example:
Experts use controlled or “prescribed” burns. (= safe, planned fire)
Synonym: planned burns
Common Mistake: Using “prescripted.”
under safe conditions
/ˈʌndə seɪf kənˈdɪʃənz/
Part(s) of Speech:
adverbial phrase
Word Pattern:
under + adjective + conditions
Definition:
In a way that is not dangerous.
Example:
Small areas are burned under safe conditions. (= not risky)
Synonym: safely
Common Mistake: Writing “in safe conditions.”
create perfect conditions
/kriˈeɪt ˈpɜːfɪkt kənˈdɪʃənz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
create + adjective + noun
Definition:
To cause the best possible situation for something to happen.
Example:
Hotter temperatures create perfect conditions for fires. (= ideal situation for fires)
Synonym: set up ideal situations
Common Mistake: Saying “make perfect conditions.”
impact the air we breathe
/ɪmˈpækt ði ɛə wiː briːð/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
impact + noun phrase
Definition:
To have an effect on the air people use for breathing.
Example:
Fires can impact the air we breathe. (= change air quality)
Synonym: affect the air
Common Mistake: Using “impact on” as a verb (“impact on the air”).
cause health problems
/kɔːz hɛlθ ˈprɒbləmz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
cause + noun phrase
Definition:
To make sicknesses or health issues happen.
Example:
Smoke can cause health problems. (= make people sick)
Synonym: result in illness
Common Mistake: Saying “make health problems.”
clear dry vegetation
/klɪə draɪ ˌvɛdʒɪˈteɪʃən/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
clear + adjective + noun
Definition:
To remove plants that are not green or fresh.
Example:
People clear dry vegetation around homes. (= remove dry plants)
Synonym: remove dry plants
Common Mistake: Using “clean” instead of “clear.”
create emergency plans
/kriˈeɪt ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi plænz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
create + noun phrase (plan)
Definition:
To make plans for unexpected, serious situations.
Example:
Communities create emergency plans. (= make plans for disaster)
Synonym: make emergency plans
Common Mistake: Using “do” or “build” plans.
ground teams
/ɡraʊnd tiːmz/
Part(s) of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
ground teams (plural only)
Definition:
Groups of people working on the ground, not in the air.
Example:
Firefighters use ground teams to control fires. (= people working on land)
Synonym: land crews
Common Mistake: Writing “team ground.”
satellite images
/ˈsætəlaɪt ˈɪmɪdʒɪz/
Part(s) of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
satellite images of + noun/place
Definition:
Pictures taken from space by a machine orbiting the Earth.
Example:
Experts use satellite images to predict fires. (= space photos)
Synonym: space photos
Common Mistake: Saying “images satellite.”
protect forests for future generations
/prəˈtɛkt ˈfɒrɪsts fə ˈfjuːtʃə ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz/
Part(s) of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
protect + noun + for + noun
Definition:
To keep forests safe so people in the future can enjoy them.
Example:
We should protect forests for future generations. (= keep forests for later)
Synonym: conserve forests for the future
Common Mistake: Missing “for” in the phrase.
Interactive Exercise 1: Practice Words & Expressions
Test your understanding! Choose the best answer for each sentence. When you select, see a detailed explanation and learn instantly. (Covers vocabulary & phrases from previous sections)
Interactive Exercise 2: More Practice (Words & Phrases)
Test your skills again! Choose the best answer for each sentence. You’ll get a full explanation after every question, so you can master this vocabulary and these expressions.
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