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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No.2
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August 3, 2025
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Recycling and the Environment)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to identify information that is NOT true or NOT mentioned in the reading passage. You must find which answer choice is NOT directly stated or is contradicted by the text. This question type is often signaled by words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. Mastering this skill helps you read with accuracy and avoid common traps!
These questions test your ability to identify information that is NOT true or NOT mentioned in the reading passage. You must find which answer choice is NOT directly stated or is contradicted by the text. This question type is often signaled by words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. Mastering this skill helps you read with accuracy and avoid common traps!
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Very Carefully:
Notice words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. These words change what the question is asking. Underline or highlight them!
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of recycling?”
Notice words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. These words change what the question is asking. Underline or highlight them!
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of recycling?”
2
Identify Key Words in the Answer Choices:
Underline or take note of the main ideas in each choice. This will help you search for them in the passage.
Example: “reduces landfill waste,” “saves energy,” “creates pollution,” “protects natural resources.”
Underline or take note of the main ideas in each choice. This will help you search for them in the passage.
Example: “reduces landfill waste,” “saves energy,” “creates pollution,” “protects natural resources.”
3
Scan the Passage for Each Answer Choice:
Look for sentences or paragraphs in the passage that talk about each idea. If an idea is directly stated, it is NOT the correct answer (since the question asks for what is NOT true or NOT mentioned).
Look for sentences or paragraphs in the passage that talk about each idea. If an idea is directly stated, it is NOT the correct answer (since the question asks for what is NOT true or NOT mentioned).
4
Eliminate True Statements:
If the answer choice is clearly mentioned or supported in the passage, cross it out. You are looking for the option that is not in the text.
If the answer choice is clearly mentioned or supported in the passage, cross it out. You are looking for the option that is not in the text.
5
Check for Contradicted or Opposite Information:
Sometimes an answer choice says the opposite of what the passage states. If so, it is also a correct answer for this question type.
Sometimes an answer choice says the opposite of what the passage states. If so, it is also a correct answer for this question type.
6
Select the Answer that is NOT True or NOT Mentioned:
The correct answer is the one that is either absent from the passage or directly contradicted by it.
The correct answer is the one that is either absent from the passage or directly contradicted by it.
7
Double-Check Each Option:
Go back to the passage and make sure your answer choice really is NOT mentioned or is FALSE, not just hard to find.
Go back to the passage and make sure your answer choice really is NOT mentioned or is FALSE, not just hard to find.
8
Watch for Tricky Wording:
Be careful with distractors! Some answers use similar words but do not match the actual facts in the passage.
Be careful with distractors! Some answers use similar words but do not match the actual facts in the passage.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a material that can be recycled?”
Choices:
(A) Glass
(B) Paper
(C) Plastic
(D) Wood
Correct Answer: (D) Wood
Explanation: If the passage only talks about recycling glass, paper, and plastic, but never mentions wood, then “wood” is the correct answer. Always check if each material is really stated in the passage!
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a material that can be recycled?”
Choices:
(A) Glass
(B) Paper
(C) Plastic
(D) Wood
Correct Answer: (D) Wood
Explanation: If the passage only talks about recycling glass, paper, and plastic, but never mentions wood, then “wood” is the correct answer. Always check if each material is really stated in the passage!
Reading Passage: Recycling and the Environment
Paragraph 1:
Every year, the amount of waste created by people around the world increases. Rubbish fills landfills, pollutes rivers and oceans, and can harm both people and wildlife. For many communities, finding solutions to the problem of waste is more important than ever. Recycling, which means turning used materials into new products, has become one of the main ways to help protect the environment.
Every year, the amount of waste created by people around the world increases. Rubbish fills landfills, pollutes rivers and oceans, and can harm both people and wildlife. For many communities, finding solutions to the problem of waste is more important than ever. Recycling, which means turning used materials into new products, has become one of the main ways to help protect the environment.
Paragraph 2:
Recycling helps reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills and burning centers. Instead of throwing everything away, items like glass bottles, paper, plastic, and some metals can be collected, cleaned, and processed to make new things. This not only saves space in landfills, but also helps to save natural resources such as trees, water, and minerals.
Recycling helps reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills and burning centers. Instead of throwing everything away, items like glass bottles, paper, plastic, and some metals can be collected, cleaned, and processed to make new things. This not only saves space in landfills, but also helps to save natural resources such as trees, water, and minerals.
Paragraph 3:
The process of recycling usually starts with people separating their rubbish at home, school, or work. Many towns have bins for different types of waste: one for glass, one for paper, one for plastic, and another for regular waste. When people use these bins correctly, it makes recycling much more efficient. After collection, the recyclable materials are taken to special centers where they are cleaned and sorted.
The process of recycling usually starts with people separating their rubbish at home, school, or work. Many towns have bins for different types of waste: one for glass, one for paper, one for plastic, and another for regular waste. When people use these bins correctly, it makes recycling much more efficient. After collection, the recyclable materials are taken to special centers where they are cleaned and sorted.
Paragraph 4:
Once sorted, materials like glass and metal are melted, and plastic is broken down into small pieces. Paper is washed and mixed with water to create pulp. These raw materials are then used to create new products, such as newspapers, bottles, cans, and even clothing. Sometimes, recycled materials are turned into very different items from their original form.
Once sorted, materials like glass and metal are melted, and plastic is broken down into small pieces. Paper is washed and mixed with water to create pulp. These raw materials are then used to create new products, such as newspapers, bottles, cans, and even clothing. Sometimes, recycled materials are turned into very different items from their original form.
Paragraph 5:
Recycling has many benefits for the environment. It reduces the need to cut down trees, dig for minerals, or drill for oil. Using recycled materials often uses less energy than making products from new resources. For example, making aluminum cans from recycled metal saves up to 95% of the energy needed to make them from raw material. This helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Recycling has many benefits for the environment. It reduces the need to cut down trees, dig for minerals, or drill for oil. Using recycled materials often uses less energy than making products from new resources. For example, making aluminum cans from recycled metal saves up to 95% of the energy needed to make them from raw material. This helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Paragraph 6:
In addition to protecting natural resources and saving energy, recycling helps keep cities cleaner and more beautiful. Landfills can smell bad, attract pests, and take up valuable land that could be used for homes, parks, or farms. By recycling more, communities can improve their quality of life.
In addition to protecting natural resources and saving energy, recycling helps keep cities cleaner and more beautiful. Landfills can smell bad, attract pests, and take up valuable land that could be used for homes, parks, or farms. By recycling more, communities can improve their quality of life.
Paragraph 7:
However, recycling is not perfect. Some materials cannot be recycled easily or safely, and some products are made from a mix of materials that are hard to separate. Also, recycling itself requires energy, water, and transportation, which can create pollution if not managed well. Sometimes, recycled products are more expensive than those made from new materials, so businesses and governments must decide how much they are willing to invest in recycling programs.
However, recycling is not perfect. Some materials cannot be recycled easily or safely, and some products are made from a mix of materials that are hard to separate. Also, recycling itself requires energy, water, and transportation, which can create pollution if not managed well. Sometimes, recycled products are more expensive than those made from new materials, so businesses and governments must decide how much they are willing to invest in recycling programs.
Paragraph 8:
Another challenge is that not everyone recycles. People may not know which items can be recycled, or they may not have recycling bins nearby. In some places, there is not enough support from local government, or there may be no recycling centers at all. To be truly effective, recycling needs everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals—to work together and take responsibility.
Another challenge is that not everyone recycles. People may not know which items can be recycled, or they may not have recycling bins nearby. In some places, there is not enough support from local government, or there may be no recycling centers at all. To be truly effective, recycling needs everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals—to work together and take responsibility.
Paragraph 9:
Some countries have become leaders in recycling. For example, Germany and South Korea have high recycling rates thanks to strong laws and good education. In these places, it is common to see people carefully sorting their rubbish every day. Companies are also required to make products and packaging that are easier to recycle.
Some countries have become leaders in recycling. For example, Germany and South Korea have high recycling rates thanks to strong laws and good education. In these places, it is common to see people carefully sorting their rubbish every day. Companies are also required to make products and packaging that are easier to recycle.
Paragraph 10:
Scientists and engineers are constantly looking for new ways to improve recycling. There are now machines that use robots and artificial intelligence to sort waste more quickly and accurately than people. Some companies are making new types of plastic that break down naturally in the environment, while others are developing ways to recycle more complicated materials, such as electronics or clothing made from mixed fabrics.
Scientists and engineers are constantly looking for new ways to improve recycling. There are now machines that use robots and artificial intelligence to sort waste more quickly and accurately than people. Some companies are making new types of plastic that break down naturally in the environment, while others are developing ways to recycle more complicated materials, such as electronics or clothing made from mixed fabrics.
Paragraph 11:
Despite its challenges, recycling is an important step toward a more sustainable world. By recycling, people can save resources, protect wildlife, and reduce pollution. It also teaches us to be more thoughtful about what we use and throw away. If everyone makes small changes, such as recycling more or buying recycled products, it can have a big positive effect on the planet.
Despite its challenges, recycling is an important step toward a more sustainable world. By recycling, people can save resources, protect wildlife, and reduce pollution. It also teaches us to be more thoughtful about what we use and throw away. If everyone makes small changes, such as recycling more or buying recycled products, it can have a big positive effect on the planet.
Paragraph 12:
In conclusion, recycling is not a perfect solution, but it is a powerful tool for helping the environment. As technology improves and more people learn about recycling, the world can become a cleaner and healthier place for future generations. Everyone can help—by recycling at home, at school, and in the community, we can all make a difference.
In conclusion, recycling is not a perfect solution, but it is a powerful tool for helping the environment. As technology improves and more people learn about recycling, the world can become a cleaner and healthier place for future generations. Everyone can help—by recycling at home, at school, and in the community, we can all make a difference.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Select the answer that is NOT mentioned, is NOT true, or is contradicted by the passage. You’ll see a detailed explanation instantly after you select!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Review each answer with detailed steps below. These explanations show exactly how to find, eliminate, and confirm the correct “NOT TRUE/NOT MENTIONED” option!
Q1: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of recycling in the passage?
Step 1: Notice the question is asking for what is not mentioned as a benefit.
Step 2: Scan the passage for all listed benefits of recycling.
Step 3: Find “saving natural resources” (A), “reducing air pollution” (B), and “keeping cities cleaner” (D)—all clearly stated.
Step 4: (C) “Making products less expensive” is not mentioned as a benefit. The text actually says sometimes recycled products are more expensive.
Step 5: Eliminate choices that are clearly listed; (C) is the correct “not mentioned” benefit.
Step 6: Always look for exact words/ideas; do not assume logical benefits unless stated.
Q2: (D)
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a material that is commonly recycled?
Step 1: The question is about “not” commonly recycled materials.
Step 2: Identify which materials the passage lists as commonly recycled.
Step 3: The passage mentions glass, paper, and plastic.
Step 4: Wood is not mentioned as recyclable; the correct answer is (D).
Step 5: Double-check each material is directly stated—avoid guessing based on outside knowledge.
Q3: (B)
Which statement is NOT true according to the passage?
Step 1: Look for the answer that is directly contradicted by the passage.
Step 2: The passage says that some products/materials are hard to recycle, not all are easy.
Step 3: The other statements are all supported: recycling reduces landfill waste, new products are made, and recycling saves energy.
Step 4: (B) is not true—it is the opposite of what the text says. Choose this option.
Step 5: For negative factual questions, “not true” means either not mentioned or directly contradicted by the passage.
Q4: (C)
Which of the following is NOT a challenge to recycling mentioned in the passage?
Step 1: List challenges given in the passage: lack of centers, people not recycling, hard-to-recycle materials.
Step 2: (C) “Recycling increases air pollution” is not mentioned. In fact, the passage says recycling reduces pollution.
Step 3: Eliminate challenges that are clearly stated. What remains is the correct answer.
Step 4: Check carefully for the word “not” in both the question and the answer choices.
Q5: (C)
Which of the following statements about recycling is NOT supported by the passage?
Step 1: Compare each statement to the passage.
Step 2: (A) Recycling reduces greenhouse gases (supported); (B) Some countries have high rates (supported); (D) Technology is improving recycling (supported).
Step 3: (C) “All recycled products are less expensive than new ones” is not supported; the passage says they are sometimes more expensive.
Step 4: Always double-check for “always” or “all”—these are often traps in negative factual questions!
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore 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 soft glow.
Landfill
/ˈlænd.fɪl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
landfill + site/area/waste
Definition:
A place where waste is buried under the ground.
Example:
Much rubbish ends up in a landfill. (= Buried waste site.)
Synonym: dump, rubbish tip
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to landfill rubbish” is wrong).
Pollute
/pəˈluːt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
pollute + noun/object (air, water, etc.)
Definition:
To make air, water, or land dirty or unsafe by adding harmful substances.
Example:
Factories can pollute rivers. (= Make water dirty.)
Synonym: contaminate
Common Mistake: Using for people (“he is pollute” is wrong).
Recycle
/ˌriːˈsaɪ.kl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
recycle + object (bottles, paper)
Definition:
To process used materials so they can be used again.
Example:
We recycle glass and plastic. (= Use them again.)
No more common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying “recycle it again” (recycle already means again).
Rubbish
/ˈrʌb.ɪʃ/ (BrE) /ˈrʌb.ɪʃ/ (AmE: “trash”, “garbage”)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
rubbish + noun (bin, truck, collection)
Definition:
Things that are thrown away because they are no longer needed or wanted.
Example:
Rubbish fills landfills. (= Unwanted waste.)
Synonym: trash, garbage, waste
Common Mistake: Using as countable (“a rubbish” is incorrect).
Process
/ˈprəʊ.ses/ (BrE) /ˈprɑː.ses/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
process + of/for; process + object
Definition:
A series of actions to achieve a result; to treat or prepare something in a certain way.
Example:
The process of recycling starts at home. (= Set of actions.)
Synonym: procedure, method
Common Mistake: Using “process” as an adjective.
Efficient
/ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
efficient + at/in + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
Doing something in a well-organized way that saves time, energy, or money.
Example:
Sorting rubbish makes recycling more efficient. (= Saves time/effort.)
Synonym: effective, well-organized
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“an efficient” is wrong).
Sort
/sɔːt/ (BrE) /sɔːrt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
sort + by/type/into
Definition:
To arrange things into groups based on type, size, etc.
Example:
Recyclables are sorted at the center. (= Put in groups.)
Synonym: separate, categorize
Common Mistake: Using “sort” as “short.”
Pulp
/pʌlp/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
pulp + of; pulp + noun
Definition:
A soft, wet mass made from paper or wood, used to produce new paper products.
Example:
Paper is turned into pulp. (= Wet mixture for making paper.)
No more common synonym
Common Mistake: Confusing “pulp” with “pulpit” (church).
Raw material
/rɔː məˈtɪə.ri.əl/ (BrE) /rɑː məˈtɪr.i.əl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (usually plural)
Word Pattern:
raw material + for/of
Definition:
A basic substance from which products are made, before any processing.
Example:
Recycled glass is used as a raw material. (= Unprocessed base material.)
Synonym: base material, input
Common Mistake: Saying “raw materials” for finished goods.
Aluminum
/ˌæl.jʊˈmɪn.i.əm/ (BrE) /əˈluː.mə.nəm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
aluminum + can/foil
Definition:
A light, silver-colored metal often used for cans, foil, and packaging.
Example:
Aluminum cans can be recycled many times. (= Metal used for cans.)
No more common synonym
Common Mistake: Pronouncing as “aluminium” (British: “aluminium” /əˌluːˈmɪn.i.əm/).
Emission
/ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
emission + of/from
Definition:
The act of sending out gas, heat, light, etc. into the air.
Example:
Recycling reduces emissions of greenhouse gases. (= Release of gases.)
Synonym: discharge, release
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to emission” is wrong).
Sustainable
/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
sustainable + development/solution
Definition:
Able to continue over a long time without harming the environment.
Example:
Recycling is part of a sustainable world. (= Not harmful, can last.)
Synonym: environmentally friendly
Common Mistake: Saying “sustain” for “sustainable.”
Resource
/rɪˈzɔːs/ (BrE) /ˈriː.sɔːrs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
resource + for/of
Definition:
Something that can be used to make or produce something else (like water, wood, oil).
Example:
Recycling saves natural resources. (= Things nature provides.)
Synonym: supply, asset
Common Mistake: Confusing “resource” (noun) and “resort” (holiday place).
Packaging
/ˈpæk.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
packaging + for/of
Definition:
Materials used to wrap, protect, or present goods.
Example:
Companies try to use less packaging. (= Wrapping or boxes.)
Synonym: wrapping, container
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to packaging” is wrong).
Complicated
/ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪ.tɪd/ (BrE) /ˈkɑːm.plɪ.keɪ.tɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
complicated + noun
Definition:
Difficult to understand or deal with because of having many parts.
Example:
Some materials are complicated to recycle. (= Hard to do.)
Synonym: complex, difficult
Common Mistake: Mixing with “completed” (finished).
Artificial intelligence
/ˌɑː.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/ (BrE) /ˌɑːr.t̬əˈfɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ə.dʒəns/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
artificial intelligence + for/in
Definition:
The use of computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
Example:
Machines use artificial intelligence to sort waste. (= Smart computers.)
Abbreviation: AI
Common Mistake: Using “artificial intelligent.”
Engineer
/ˌen.dʒɪˈnɪə(r)/ (BrE) /ˌen.dʒɪˈnɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
engineer + noun; engineer + object
Definition:
A person who designs or builds machines, systems, or structures.
Example:
Engineers design better recycling methods. (= Technical designer.)
Synonym: designer, builder
Common Mistake: Using as “engine” (machine).
Invest
/ɪnˈvest/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
invest + in/into
Definition:
To put money, time, or effort into something to get benefits in the future.
Example:
Governments invest in recycling programs. (= Spend money for results.)
Synonym: spend (for benefit), fund
Common Mistake: Using “invest to” (should be “invest in”).
Quality
/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/ (BrE) /ˈkwɑː.lə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
quality + of; good/high quality
Definition:
How good or bad something is.
Example:
Recycling can improve quality of life. (= Make life better.)
Synonym: standard, grade
Common Mistake: Mixing with “quantity” (amount).
Generation
/ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
generation + of/for; for generations
Definition:
All people born around the same time; a stage in the development of something.
Example:
A cleaner world for future generations. (= People in the future.)
Synonym: age group, era
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to generation”).
20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Learn the key phrases and expressions! See British/American phonetics, part(s) of speech, patterns, definitions, usage, synonyms, and common mistakes for each. Hover for a glow effect.
Fill landfills
/fɪl ˈlænd.fɪlz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
fill landfills (with sth)
Definition:
To add so much rubbish that a landfill becomes full.
Example:
Plastic waste fills landfills around the world. (= Landfills become full of plastic.)
Synonym: overflow landfills
Common Mistake: Using “fill” as a noun here.
Protect the environment
/prəˈtekt ði ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
protect the environment (from/against)
Definition:
To prevent harm to nature, animals, and natural resources.
Example:
We should recycle to protect the environment. (= Stop harming nature.)
Synonym: conserve nature
Common Mistake: Saying “protect environment” (forgetting "the").
Turn ... into ...
/tɜːn ... ˈɪn.tuː .../
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Pattern:
turn [sth] into [sth]
Definition:
To change something into something else.
Example:
Recycling turns rubbish into useful products. (= Changes rubbish to products.)
Synonym: transform, convert
Common Mistake: Using “turn to” for this meaning.
Save natural resources
/seɪv ˈnætʃ.rəl rɪˈzɔːsɪz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
save + natural resources
Definition:
To prevent the unnecessary use of water, trees, oil, etc.
Example:
Recycling helps save natural resources. (= Use fewer resources.)
Synonym: conserve resources
Common Mistake: Forgetting to use "natural" before "resources."
Reduce pollution
/rɪˈdjuːs pəˈluː.ʃən/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
reduce + noun (pollution, emissions)
Definition:
To make the amount of pollution smaller.
Example:
Using less energy helps reduce pollution. (= Make less pollution.)
Synonym: decrease, cut down on
Common Mistake: Saying “reduce the pollution” without context.
Greenhouse gas emissions
/ˈɡriːn.haʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase (plural)
Pattern:
greenhouse gas + emissions
Definition:
Gases like CO₂ that trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming.
Example:
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions. (= Releases less CO₂.)
Synonym: carbon emissions
Common Mistake: Using as singular (“an emission” for all types).
Quality of life
/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti əv laɪf/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Pattern:
improve/increase quality of life
Definition:
How good or enjoyable people’s lives are.
Example:
Recycling can improve the quality of life. (= Make life better.)
Synonym: standard of living
Common Mistake: Using “life quality.”
Require energy
/rɪˈkwaɪə ˈen.ə.dʒi/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
require + energy/water/time
Definition:
To need energy for something to happen.
Example:
Recycling requires energy and water. (= Needs energy.)
Synonym: need, demand
Common Mistake: Using “require” without object.
Made from
/meɪd frɒm/
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Pattern:
be made from/of (materials)
Definition:
Composed of; formed using a particular material.
Example:
This bag is made from recycled plastic. (= Created with plastic.)
Synonym: composed of, constructed from
Common Mistake: Using “made by” for materials.
Sort waste
/sɔːt weɪst/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
sort + waste/rubbish/trash
Definition:
To separate different types of rubbish for recycling.
Example:
People should sort waste at home. (= Separate rubbish.)
Synonym: separate rubbish
Common Mistake: Using “short” instead of “sort.”
Take responsibility
/teɪk rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
take responsibility (for sth)
Definition:
To accept that you must deal with something or make sure it happens.
Example:
Everyone must take responsibility for recycling. (= Accept duty.)
Synonym: be accountable
Common Mistake: Using “get responsibility.”
Work together
/wɜːk təˈɡeð.ər/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
work together (with sb)
Definition:
To cooperate; do something as a team.
Example:
Businesses and governments must work together. (= Cooperate.)
Synonym: cooperate
Common Mistake: Using as “together work.”
Leaders in recycling
/ˈliː.dəz ɪn riːˈsaɪ.klɪŋ/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Pattern:
be leaders in [field]
Definition:
Countries, companies, or people that are best or most advanced in recycling.
Example:
Germany is a leader in recycling. (= One of the best.)
Synonym: top, best in field
Common Mistake: Using “leader of recycling.”
Carefully sort
/ˈkeə.fəli sɔːt/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
carefully + sort + noun
Definition:
To separate things with attention and precision.
Example:
People carefully sort their rubbish. (= Sort with care.)
Synonym: meticulously separate
Common Mistake: Omitting “carefully.”
Packaging that is easier to recycle
/ˈpæk.ɪ.dʒɪŋ ðæt ɪz ˈiː.zi.ər tə riːˈsaɪ.kl/
Part of Speech:
noun clause
Pattern:
packaging that is [comparative] to recycle
Definition:
Materials made so that recycling them is less difficult.
Example:
Companies use packaging that is easier to recycle. (= Less difficult to recycle.)
Synonym: simple-to-recycle packaging
Common Mistake: Using “easy to recycle packaging” (missing "that is").
Break down naturally
/breɪk daʊn ˈnætʃ.rə.li/
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Pattern:
break down (sth) naturally
Definition:
To decompose without help from people, usually over time.
Example:
Some plastics break down naturally. (= Decay on their own.)
Synonym: biodegrade
Common Mistake: Using "break" instead of "break down."
Developing ways
/dɪˈvel.ə.pɪŋ weɪz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
developing ways (to do sth)
Definition:
Creating new methods or strategies for a purpose.
Example:
Scientists are developing ways to recycle electronics. (= Creating new methods.)
Synonym: inventing methods
Common Mistake: Using “develop way.”
Step toward
/step təˈwɔːd/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Pattern:
a step toward(s) + noun/gerund
Definition:
An action that moves you closer to a goal.
Example:
Recycling is a step toward a cleaner world. (= An action to reach the goal.)
Synonym: progress, move toward
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to step toward something”).
Have a big positive effect
/hæv ə bɪɡ ˈpɒz.ɪ.tɪv ɪˈfekt/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
have a/an [adj] effect (on sth)
Definition:
To create a strong, good change or result.
Example:
Small changes can have a big positive effect. (= Create big benefits.)
Synonym: make a big difference
Common Mistake: Forgetting “effect” needs “have.”
Make a difference
/meɪk ə ˈdɪf.ər.əns/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
make a difference (to/in sth)
Definition:
To cause a change, often a positive one.
Example:
Recycling can make a difference for the planet. (= Cause positive change.)
Synonym: have an impact
Common Mistake: Using “do a difference.”
Vocabulary & Phrase Exercise 1: Practice with Recycling & the Environment
Choose the best answer for each question. Get instant feedback with explanations after every choice! Hover for motion effects and enjoy smooth, elegant visuals.
Vocabulary & Phrase Exercise 2: More Practice
Choose the best answer for each question. Instantly check your understanding with detailed explanations for every choice. Hover for animation effects!
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