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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 3
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July 25, 2025
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – How Plants Make Food)
What are Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your skill to find details that are directly and clearly stated in the passage. You must locate facts and information from the text, not make guesses or use your own knowledge. Practicing this type is essential for improving your reading accuracy and ability to find specific details!
These questions test your skill to find details that are directly and clearly stated in the passage. You must locate facts and information from the text, not make guesses or use your own knowledge. Practicing this type is essential for improving your reading accuracy and ability to find specific details!
How to Answer Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Focus on what information the question asks about. Look for keywords like what, where, how, or why. These help you know exactly what to search for.
Example: “What do plants need to make food?”
Focus on what information the question asks about. Look for keywords like what, where, how, or why. These help you know exactly what to search for.
Example: “What do plants need to make food?”
2
Underline or Note Key Words:
Highlight the main words in both the question and answer choices. This will help you focus when looking for details in the passage.
Example: Key words: “plants,” “need,” “make food.”
Highlight the main words in both the question and answer choices. This will help you focus when looking for details in the passage.
Example: Key words: “plants,” “need,” “make food.”
3
Scan the Passage:
Move your eyes quickly over the text, searching for the key words or similar ideas. Do not read every word—just try to locate where the information is found.
Move your eyes quickly over the text, searching for the key words or similar ideas. Do not read every word—just try to locate where the information is found.
4
Read Closely and Compare:
When you find the right part, read carefully. Check which answer matches the facts exactly as stated in the passage.
When you find the right part, read carefully. Check which answer matches the facts exactly as stated in the passage.
5
Eliminate Incorrect Options:
Remove any answers that are not mentioned, not true, or say something different from the passage. Keep only the options that match what you read.
Remove any answers that are not mentioned, not true, or say something different from the passage. Keep only the options that match what you read.
6
Select the Best Answer:
Choose the answer that most closely matches what the passage says. Do not guess or use your outside knowledge—pick only what is clearly in the text.
Choose the answer that most closely matches what the passage says. Do not guess or use your outside knowledge—pick only what is clearly in the text.
7
Double-Check for Traps:
Sometimes a wrong answer uses words from the text but changes the meaning. Make sure your answer is fully supported by the passage—not just by a few similar words.
Sometimes a wrong answer uses words from the text but changes the meaning. Make sure your answer is fully supported by the passage—not just by a few similar words.
8
Confirm Your Choice:
Review the question and your answer to be sure it directly matches the passage. Only the best, most direct answer should be chosen.
Review the question and your answer to be sure it directly matches the passage. Only the best, most direct answer should be chosen.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which process helps plants make their own food?”
Choices:
(A) Respiration
(B) Photosynthesis
(C) Digestion
(D) Germination
Correct Answer: (B) Photosynthesis
Explanation: The passage states that photosynthesis is the process plants use to make food. The other options are not related to how plants produce their own food.
“Which process helps plants make their own food?”
Choices:
(A) Respiration
(B) Photosynthesis
(C) Digestion
(D) Germination
Correct Answer: (B) Photosynthesis
Explanation: The passage states that photosynthesis is the process plants use to make food. The other options are not related to how plants produce their own food.
Reading Passage: How Plants Make Food (Photosynthesis Basics)
Paragraph 1:
Have you ever wondered how plants, which cannot walk or eat like animals, can make their own food? The answer to this question lies in an amazing process called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is one of the most important processes on Earth because it allows plants to make food for themselves—and for all other living things that depend on them. Without photosynthesis, life as we know it could not exist.
Have you ever wondered how plants, which cannot walk or eat like animals, can make their own food? The answer to this question lies in an amazing process called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is one of the most important processes on Earth because it allows plants to make food for themselves—and for all other living things that depend on them. Without photosynthesis, life as we know it could not exist.
Paragraph 2:
Plants are very special because they can create food from simple things found in their environment: sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil. Plants do not eat food like animals do. Instead, they use their green leaves to capture sunlight. Inside the leaves are tiny parts called chloroplasts, which contain a green substance known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps plants absorb energy from the sun.
Plants are very special because they can create food from simple things found in their environment: sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil. Plants do not eat food like animals do. Instead, they use their green leaves to capture sunlight. Inside the leaves are tiny parts called chloroplasts, which contain a green substance known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps plants absorb energy from the sun.
Paragraph 3:
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide through small openings on their leaves called stomata. At the same time, their roots absorb water from the ground. Sunlight provides the energy needed for the plant to change these two things—water and carbon dioxide—into a kind of sugar called glucose. Glucose is the main food for the plant. As a result of this process, plants also release oxygen into the air, which is important for humans and animals to breathe.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide through small openings on their leaves called stomata. At the same time, their roots absorb water from the ground. Sunlight provides the energy needed for the plant to change these two things—water and carbon dioxide—into a kind of sugar called glucose. Glucose is the main food for the plant. As a result of this process, plants also release oxygen into the air, which is important for humans and animals to breathe.
Paragraph 4:
The process of photosynthesis can be explained with a simple formula:
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen
This means that plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen. It is a very efficient way for plants to produce everything they need to grow, make flowers, fruits, and seeds, and stay healthy.
The process of photosynthesis can be explained with a simple formula:
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen
This means that plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen. It is a very efficient way for plants to produce everything they need to grow, make flowers, fruits, and seeds, and stay healthy.
Paragraph 5:
Photosynthesis happens mostly in the leaves, but some plants, like cacti, can perform this process in their green stems as well. Leaves are shaped to catch as much sunlight as possible. Their wide, flat surfaces help them gather light, and their green color comes from the chlorophyll inside. On a sunny day, millions of plants around the world are working hard, using photosynthesis to make food and give off oxygen.
Photosynthesis happens mostly in the leaves, but some plants, like cacti, can perform this process in their green stems as well. Leaves are shaped to catch as much sunlight as possible. Their wide, flat surfaces help them gather light, and their green color comes from the chlorophyll inside. On a sunny day, millions of plants around the world are working hard, using photosynthesis to make food and give off oxygen.
Paragraph 6:
Water is essential for photosynthesis. Roots pull water up from the soil and send it to the leaves. If there is not enough water, photosynthesis slows down and the plant cannot make enough food. This is why plants wilt and look unhealthy during dry periods. On the other hand, too much water can also be harmful because it might drown the roots and stop them from getting enough air.
Water is essential for photosynthesis. Roots pull water up from the soil and send it to the leaves. If there is not enough water, photosynthesis slows down and the plant cannot make enough food. This is why plants wilt and look unhealthy during dry periods. On the other hand, too much water can also be harmful because it might drown the roots and stop them from getting enough air.
Paragraph 7:
Carbon dioxide is another important ingredient for photosynthesis. Plants get carbon dioxide from the air around them. People and animals breathe out carbon dioxide, which plants then use. This creates a natural cycle—plants provide oxygen for us to breathe, and we provide carbon dioxide for them. This cycle helps balance gases in the atmosphere and is very important for life on Earth.
Carbon dioxide is another important ingredient for photosynthesis. Plants get carbon dioxide from the air around them. People and animals breathe out carbon dioxide, which plants then use. This creates a natural cycle—plants provide oxygen for us to breathe, and we provide carbon dioxide for them. This cycle helps balance gases in the atmosphere and is very important for life on Earth.
Paragraph 8:
Light is also necessary for photosynthesis. Without enough sunlight, plants cannot make food. This is why plants often grow towards the light and why they need to be placed in sunny locations. Some plants, like those living in the shade of large trees, have special ways to collect as much light as possible. If plants do not get enough light, their leaves may turn yellow and they may stop growing.
Light is also necessary for photosynthesis. Without enough sunlight, plants cannot make food. This is why plants often grow towards the light and why they need to be placed in sunny locations. Some plants, like those living in the shade of large trees, have special ways to collect as much light as possible. If plants do not get enough light, their leaves may turn yellow and they may stop growing.
Paragraph 9:
Photosynthesis does more than just feed plants. It helps keep our planet healthy. The oxygen that plants release during photosynthesis makes up the air that animals and humans need to survive. Forests, grasslands, and even fields of crops act like “green lungs” for our world. They clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and providing fresh oxygen.
Photosynthesis does more than just feed plants. It helps keep our planet healthy. The oxygen that plants release during photosynthesis makes up the air that animals and humans need to survive. Forests, grasslands, and even fields of crops act like “green lungs” for our world. They clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and providing fresh oxygen.
Paragraph 10:
Photosynthesis is not only important for plants and animals, but also for people’s food. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts all come from plants that have used photosynthesis to grow. Even animals that eat other animals depend on plants somewhere in the food chain. When you eat bread, fruit, or even meat, you are really eating energy that started with the sun and was made into food by plants.
Photosynthesis is not only important for plants and animals, but also for people’s food. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts all come from plants that have used photosynthesis to grow. Even animals that eat other animals depend on plants somewhere in the food chain. When you eat bread, fruit, or even meat, you are really eating energy that started with the sun and was made into food by plants.
Paragraph 11:
In summary, photosynthesis is the basic process that lets plants make their own food and provide oxygen for all living things. It is a silent but powerful action happening every day, everywhere plants grow. The next time you see a green leaf, remember the amazing science happening inside it—and how it supports life on our entire planet.
In summary, photosynthesis is the basic process that lets plants make their own food and provide oxygen for all living things. It is a silent but powerful action happening every day, everywhere plants grow. The next time you see a green leaf, remember the amazing science happening inside it—and how it supports life on our entire planet.
Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is directly stated in 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 help you learn how to locate, compare, and confirm factual information in the passage!
Q1: (B)
What is the main process that plants use to make their own food?
Step 1: The question asks about the specific process that allows plants to create food.
Step 2: Scan the passage for the term "make food" or any mention of food production in plants.
Step 3: In Paragraph 1, the text directly states that photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their food.
Step 4: Respiration, digestion, and fermentation are mentioned as different biological processes but not as the way plants produce food.
Step 5: The answer is (B) Photosynthesis because the passage says it is "one of the most important processes on Earth" and describes it as the way plants make food for themselves.
Step 6: Always choose the process directly linked to food production, as shown by the text.
Q2: (B)
Which part of the plant is mainly responsible for capturing sunlight for photosynthesis?
Step 1: The question focuses on the part of the plant that captures sunlight.
Step 2: Look for words like "sunlight," "capture," and "leaves" in the passage.
Step 3: Paragraph 2 clearly says, "plants use their green leaves to capture sunlight."
Step 4: The passage also mentions that chlorophyll, found in leaves, helps absorb sunlight. Roots, flowers, and seeds are not described as capturing sunlight for food-making.
Step 5: The answer is (B) Leaves, because they are the main organ for collecting sunlight in photosynthesis, according to the text.
Step 6: Always look for direct references in the text when matching plant parts to their functions.
Q3: (A)
According to the passage, which THREE things do plants need to perform photosynthesis?
Step 1: The question asks for three things necessary for photosynthesis.
Step 2: Paragraph 2 and 4 mention "sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil."
Step 3: The formula given in Paragraph 4 also lists these three as the starting ingredients: "Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight."
Step 4: Other options like oxygen, minerals, soil, sugar, or fruit are not required for photosynthesis (oxygen is a product, not a reactant).
Step 5: The answer is (A) Sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, as this matches the directly stated ingredients in the passage and formula.
Step 6: Matching list questions? Use any formulas or lists the passage provides for support.
Q4: (C)
What important gas do plants release during photosynthesis?
Step 1: The question asks what gas is released by plants as a result of photosynthesis.
Step 2: Paragraph 3 and 9 both mention that "plants also release oxygen into the air" and "oxygen that plants release during photosynthesis makes up the air that animals and humans need."
Step 3: The formula in Paragraph 4 also lists oxygen as a product of photosynthesis.
Step 4: Nitrogen and methane are not mentioned as products of photosynthesis; carbon dioxide is used by plants, not released during this process.
Step 5: The answer is (C) Oxygen, as this is the gas released according to the passage and the photosynthesis formula.
Step 6: Focus on what is produced and released, not just used or absorbed by the plant.
Q5: (C)
What might happen to a plant if it does NOT get enough water for photosynthesis?
Step 1: The question wants you to find the effect of water shortage on plants during photosynthesis.
Step 2: Paragraph 6 states that "if there is not enough water, photosynthesis slows down and the plant cannot make enough food."
Step 3: The text adds, "This is why plants wilt and look unhealthy during dry periods."
Step 4: The other options (growing faster, greener leaves, more oxygen) are not mentioned and do not make sense in context; wilting is the only described effect.
Step 5: The answer is (C) The plant may wilt and look unhealthy, which is directly supported by the passage.
Step 6: Always look for direct cause-and-effect explanations in the text to answer factual consequence questions.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore the most challenging vocabulary from this reading! Each card includes phonetics, parts of speech, word patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and typical learner mistakes. Hover over a card for a glowing effect.
Photosynthesis
/ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/ (BrE) /ˌfoʊtoʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
photosynthesis of/in + plant
Definition:
The process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food and produce oxygen.
Example:
Photosynthesis is the reason plants can survive without eating.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Spelling errors, e.g. "photosyntesis".
Chlorophyll
/ˈklɒr.ə.fɪl/ (BrE) /ˈklɔːr.ə.fɪl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
chlorophyll in + plant/leaf
Definition:
The green substance in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.
Example:
Leaves get their green color from chlorophyll.
No exact synonym
Common Mistake: Confusing with "chloroplast".
Chloroplast
/ˈklɒr.ə.plæst/ (BrE) /ˈklɔːr.ə.plæst/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
chloroplast in + plant cell
Definition:
A part of a plant cell that contains chlorophyll and where photosynthesis takes place.
Example:
Chloroplasts are found mainly in the cells of green leaves.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using "chloroplast" for all green parts of plants.
Stomata
/stəʊˈmɑːtə/ (BrE) /stoʊˈmɑːtə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural)
Word Pattern:
stomata on + leaf/surface
Definition:
Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow gases like carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit.
Example:
Plants take in carbon dioxide through stomata.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying "stomatas" (incorrect plural).
Glucose
/ˈɡluː.kəʊz/ (BrE) /ˈɡluː.koʊs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
glucose for/in + living thing
Definition:
A simple sugar produced during photosynthesis, used by plants as food.
Example:
Plants change water and carbon dioxide into glucose.
Sugar
Common Mistake: Thinking glucose and oxygen are the same.
Oxygen
/ˈɒksɪdʒən/ (BrE) /ˈɑːksədʒən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
oxygen from/for + plant/animal
Definition:
A gas released by plants during photosynthesis; needed by humans and animals to breathe.
Example:
Photosynthesis releases oxygen into the air.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Mixing up with "carbon dioxide."
Absorb
/əbˈzɔːb/ (BrE) /əbˈzɔːrb/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
absorb + noun (energy/light/water)
Definition:
To take in or soak up (energy, light, or liquid).
Example:
Chlorophyll helps plants absorb sunlight.
Take in, soak up
Common Mistake: Using "absorb" instead of "observe."
Efficient
/ɪˈfɪʃənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
efficient at/in + noun/doing sth
Definition:
Working well and quickly without wasting energy or resources.
Example:
Photosynthesis is a very efficient process for plants.
Effective
Common Mistake: Confusing with "sufficient" (meaning "enough").
Ingredient
/ɪnˈɡriːdiənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
ingredient for/of/in + noun
Definition:
A substance or thing used to make something, especially in cooking or in a process.
Example:
Water is an important ingredient for photosynthesis.
Component, element
Common Mistake: Using only for food/cooking contexts.
Absorb
/əbˈzɔːb/ (BrE) /əbˈzɔːrb/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
absorb + noun (energy/light/water)
Definition:
To take in or soak up (energy, light, or liquid).
Example:
Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight in leaves.
Take in
Common Mistake: See above.
Wilting
/ˈwɪltɪŋ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb (wilting = present participle)
Word Pattern:
wilt/wilting + due to/because of
Definition:
To become limp, soft, or weak because of lack of water or heat.
Example:
Plants start wilting when there is not enough water.
Drooping, withering
Common Mistake: Using for all unhealthy plants, even if not dry.
Essential
/ɪˈsɛnʃl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
essential for/to + noun/doing sth
Definition:
Absolutely necessary; extremely important.
Example:
Water is essential for photosynthesis.
Necessary, vital
Common Mistake: Confusing with "optional".
Roots
/ruːts/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural)
Word Pattern:
roots of/in/for + plant/tree
Definition:
The part of the plant that grows underground and takes in water and nutrients.
Example:
Roots absorb water from the soil for the plant.
No exact synonym
Common Mistake: Using for all plant parts under the soil.
Atmosphere
/ˈætməsfɪər/ (BrE) /ˈætməsfɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
atmosphere of + Earth/planet
Definition:
The mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth or another planet.
Example:
Photosynthesis helps balance gases in the atmosphere.
Air (informal)
Common Mistake: Using as a verb ("to atmosphere").
Balance
/ˈbæl.əns/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
balance of/between + noun
Definition:
A state where different things exist in equal or correct amounts; to keep things equal or steady.
Example:
Photosynthesis helps balance gases in the air.
Stabilize, equalize
Common Mistake: "Balance" vs. "equilibrium" (more formal).
Efficient
/ɪˈfɪʃənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
efficient at/in + noun/doing sth
Definition:
Using resources or energy well, without waste.
Example:
Plants are efficient at making food from sunlight.
Productive, effective
Common Mistake: See above for "efficient" vs. "sufficient".
Nutrient
/ˈnjuː.tri.ənt/ (BrE) /ˈnuː.tri.ənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
nutrient in/of/for + noun
Definition:
A substance that provides nourishment for growth or life.
Example:
Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Mineral
Common Mistake: "Nutrition" (general process) vs. "nutrient" (substance).
Formula
/ˈfɔː.mjʊ.lə/ (BrE) /ˈfɔːr.mjə.lə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
formula for/of + noun
Definition:
A set of symbols showing how something is made or works, especially in science.
Example:
The formula for photosynthesis includes sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Equation, recipe (in cooking)
Common Mistake: Writing "formule" (incorrect spelling).
Cycle
/ˈsaɪ.kəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
cycle of/in + noun; cycle through
Definition:
A series of events that are repeated in the same order.
Example:
The natural cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen keeps life balanced.
Sequence, loop
Common Mistake: Confusing "cycle" with "circle".
Summary
/ˈsʌməri/ (BrE) /ˈsʌməri/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
summary of/in + noun
Definition:
A short statement that gives the main points or ideas of something.
Example:
The last paragraph gives a summary of photosynthesis.
Outline, overview
Common Mistake: Using "summery" (meaning "like summer").
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!
Make food
/meɪk fuːd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
make + food/drink/meal
Definition:
To produce or create food, especially in the context of plants making their own nutrients through photosynthesis.
Example:
Plants make food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Produce food
Common Mistake: Using "cook food" for plants.
Depend on
/dɪˈpɛnd ɒn/ (BrE) /dɪˈpɛnd ɑːn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
depend on/upon + noun
Definition:
To need or rely on something or someone for support or survival.
Example:
All animals depend on plants for food and oxygen.
Rely on, need
Common Mistake: Using "depend of" (wrong preposition).
Found in
/faʊnd ɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (passive)
Word Pattern:
found in + place/part
Definition:
Located inside or present within something.
Example:
Chlorophyll is found in plant leaves.
Located in
Common Mistake: Confusing "find in" (active) and "found in" (passive).
Take in
/teɪk ɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
take in + noun
Definition:
To absorb or bring something inside; in plants, to let in gases or water.
Example:
Leaves take in carbon dioxide through stomata.
Absorb, bring in
Common Mistake: Using "take on" (different meaning).
Provide for
/prəˈvaɪd fɔː/ (BrE) /prəˈvaɪd fɔːr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
provide for + noun/person
Definition:
To supply what is needed for someone or something to survive or succeed.
Example:
Photosynthesis provides food for all living things.
Supply, give to
Common Mistake: Using "provide to".
As a result of
/əz ə rɪˈzʌlt ɒv/ (BrE) /əz ə rɪˈzʌlt ʌv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
as a result of + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
Because of something that has happened; due to.
Example:
Oxygen is released as a result of photosynthesis.
Because of, due to
Common Mistake: Using "as result of" (missing "a").
Stay healthy
/steɪ ˈhɛlθi/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
stay/remain + healthy/fit
Definition:
To continue to be in good physical condition; not becoming sick or weak.
Example:
Plants need sunlight and water to stay healthy.
Remain healthy
Common Mistake: Using "be healthy" for ongoing state.
Gather light
/ˈɡæðə laɪt/ (BrE) /ˈɡæðər laɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
gather + light/information
Definition:
To collect or receive as much light as possible.
Example:
Leaves are shaped to gather light for photosynthesis.
Collect light
Common Mistake: Using "catch" (less formal for plants).
Act like
/ækt laɪk/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
act like + noun
Definition:
To perform the function of or behave in the way of something else.
Example:
Forests act like "green lungs" for the planet.
Function as, serve as
Common Mistake: Using "act as like" (redundant).
Wilt and look unhealthy
/wɪlt ənd lʊk ʌnˈhɛlθi/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
wilt/look unhealthy + when/if
Definition:
To lose strength and appear weak or sick, especially because of lack of water.
Example:
Plants wilt and look unhealthy during dry periods.
Wither, droop
Common Mistake: Saying "fall" or "die" instead of "wilt".
Release into the air
/rɪˈliːs ˈɪntuː ði ɛə/ (BrE) /rɪˈlis ˈɪntu ði ɛr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
release + into + place
Definition:
To send or let something go out into the atmosphere.
Example:
Plants release oxygen into the air during photosynthesis.
Emit, send out
Common Mistake: Saying "release to air" (wrong preposition).
Perform this process
/pəˈfɔːm ðɪs ˈprəʊsɛs/ (BrE) /pərˈfɔrm ðɪs ˈproʊses/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
perform + process/task/action
Definition:
To carry out or do a particular scientific or technical action.
Example:
Cacti perform this process in their green stems.
Do, carry out
Common Mistake: Using "make" for "perform".
Grow towards the light
/ɡrəʊ təˈwɔːdz ðə laɪt/ (BrE) /ɡroʊ təˈwɔrdz ðə laɪt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
grow + towards/to + place
Definition:
To move or develop in the direction of light, especially plants seeking sunlight.
Example:
Plants often grow towards the light.
Lean towards, bend towards
Common Mistake: Using "grow to the light" (wrong preposition).
Placed in sunny locations
/pleɪst ɪn ˈsʌni ləʊˈkeɪʃənz/ (BrE) /pleɪst ɪn ˈsʌni loʊˈkeɪʃənz/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (passive)
Word Pattern:
placed/put + in/on + location
Definition:
Put in areas that get a lot of sunlight.
Example:
Plants need to be placed in sunny locations.
Kept in the sun
Common Mistake: Using "on" instead of "in".
Turn yellow
/tɜːn ˈjɛləʊ/ (BrE) /tɜrn ˈjɛloʊ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
turn + color/adjective
Definition:
Change color to yellow, often because of a problem or lack of nutrients.
Example:
Leaves may turn yellow if plants do not get enough light.
Become yellow
Common Mistake: Using "make yellow".
Provide oxygen
/prəˈvaɪd ˈɒksɪdʒən/ (BrE) /prəˈvaɪd ˈɑːksədʒən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
provide + noun (object/thing)
Definition:
To give oxygen, especially as a result of a process like photosynthesis.
Example:
Plants provide oxygen for all living things.
Give, supply oxygen
Common Mistake: Using "provide with oxygen" (correct, but different meaning).
Feed plants
/fiːd plɑːnts/ (BrE) /fid plænts/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
feed + plant/animal
Definition:
To supply plants with nutrients or food.
Example:
Photosynthesis feeds plants with glucose.
Nourish, supply
Common Mistake: Using only in animal context.
Food chain
/fuːd tʃeɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
in/through the food chain
Definition:
A series of living things in which each one eats the one below it in the chain.
Example:
Even animals that eat other animals depend on plants somewhere in the food chain.
Food web
Common Mistake: Using "food chain" for a single meal.
Silent but powerful action
/ˈsaɪlənt bʌt ˈpaʊəfʊl ˈækʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
a (adj) but (adj) + noun
Definition:
Something that has a strong effect but happens without making noise or being easily seen.
Example:
Photosynthesis is a silent but powerful action happening daily.
Invisible force
Common Mistake: Mixing "silent" with "secret".
Supports life
/səˈpɔːts laɪf/ (BrE) /səˈpɔrts laɪf/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
support + life/growth/existence
Definition:
To provide the conditions or necessities needed for living things to exist.
Example:
Photosynthesis supports life on Earth.
Sustain, maintain
Common Mistake: Using "support lives" (less natural).
Exercise 1: Practice with Key Words & Expressions
Test your understanding! Choose the best answer for each vocabulary or phrase question. Get instant explanations with each answer.
Exercise 2: Practice More Words & Phrases
Try these new questions! Choose the best answer for each item and get instant feedback.
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