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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 3
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August 4, 2025
Negative Factual Information Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Simple Ecosystems)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to identify information that is NOT mentioned or NOT TRUE according to the passage. They often use words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. You must find which choice is NOT directly supported by the text, even if it sounds possible. Mastering this skill helps you pay close attention to details and avoid common traps in reading exams!
These questions test your ability to identify information that is NOT mentioned or NOT TRUE according to the passage. They often use words like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE in the question. You must find which choice is NOT directly supported by the text, even if it sounds possible. Mastering this skill helps you pay close attention to details and avoid common traps in reading exams!
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Very Carefully:
Notice words like NOT or EXCEPT—these change what the question is asking. Underline or highlight these words!
Example: “Which of the following is NOT true about ecosystems?”
Notice words like NOT or EXCEPT—these change what the question is asking. Underline or highlight these words!
Example: “Which of the following is NOT true about ecosystems?”
2
Identify Key Information in Each Answer Choice:
Carefully read each option and underline the main idea or fact being tested. This helps you know what to look for in the passage.
Example: “All ecosystems have animals.” (Is this said in the passage or not?)
Carefully read each option and underline the main idea or fact being tested. This helps you know what to look for in the passage.
Example: “All ecosystems have animals.” (Is this said in the passage or not?)
3
Scan the Passage for Evidence:
Search for the main idea of each choice. Look for sentences or phrases that directly support (or do not support) each option.
Search for the main idea of each choice. Look for sentences or phrases that directly support (or do not support) each option.
4
Check Which Choices are Clearly Stated:
Decide which options are directly supported by the passage. Make a note if the information is clearly present.
Decide which options are directly supported by the passage. Make a note if the information is clearly present.
5
Eliminate the TRUE Statements:
Cross out options that are mentioned or supported in the passage. This helps you narrow down the choices.
Cross out options that are mentioned or supported in the passage. This helps you narrow down the choices.
6
Find the One That is NOT in the Passage:
The correct answer will be the fact that is not supported or is directly contradicted. It may sound reasonable, but it is not mentioned in the text.
The correct answer will be the fact that is not supported or is directly contradicted. It may sound reasonable, but it is not mentioned in the text.
7
Double-Check for Traps:
Watch out for choices that use similar words from the passage but change the meaning. Make sure your answer is not just similar—it must truly be NOT supported.
Watch out for choices that use similar words from the passage but change the meaning. Make sure your answer is not just similar—it must truly be NOT supported.
8
Confirm Your Answer:
Review the question and your choice. Make sure you have chosen the only answer that is NOT in the passage. Don’t pick an answer just because it “sounds correct.”
Review the question and your choice. Make sure you have chosen the only answer that is NOT in the passage. Don’t pick an answer just because it “sounds correct.”
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following is NOT true about simple ecosystems?”
Choices:
(A) They include living and non-living things.
(B) All ecosystems have large animals.
(C) Plants can be a part of an ecosystem.
(D) Non-living things can affect living things.
Correct Answer: (B) All ecosystems have large animals.
Explanation: The passage says some ecosystems have no animals, or only small ones. Large animals are not required in every ecosystem. Only (B) is NOT true.
“Which of the following is NOT true about simple ecosystems?”
Choices:
(A) They include living and non-living things.
(B) All ecosystems have large animals.
(C) Plants can be a part of an ecosystem.
(D) Non-living things can affect living things.
Correct Answer: (B) All ecosystems have large animals.
Explanation: The passage says some ecosystems have no animals, or only small ones. Large animals are not required in every ecosystem. Only (B) is NOT true.
Reading Passage: Simple Ecosystems
Paragraph 1:
The natural world is made up of many different systems, and one of the most important of these is the ecosystem. A simple ecosystem can be as small as a puddle or as large as a field. An ecosystem is a community of living things, such as plants and animals, together with the non-living things, like water, air, and soil, that interact with them. Even the simplest ecosystem shows how all living and non-living things are connected.
The natural world is made up of many different systems, and one of the most important of these is the ecosystem. A simple ecosystem can be as small as a puddle or as large as a field. An ecosystem is a community of living things, such as plants and animals, together with the non-living things, like water, air, and soil, that interact with them. Even the simplest ecosystem shows how all living and non-living things are connected.
Paragraph 2:
In a simple ecosystem, each living thing plays a specific role. Plants, for example, use sunlight to make their own food in a process called photosynthesis. They take in carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which animals and people need to breathe. Animals, on the other hand, often eat plants or other animals to survive. Some animals, like insects, help plants by spreading their pollen or by breaking down dead leaves and other materials on the ground.
In a simple ecosystem, each living thing plays a specific role. Plants, for example, use sunlight to make their own food in a process called photosynthesis. They take in carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which animals and people need to breathe. Animals, on the other hand, often eat plants or other animals to survive. Some animals, like insects, help plants by spreading their pollen or by breaking down dead leaves and other materials on the ground.
Paragraph 3:
Not all ecosystems have many different types of plants or animals. Sometimes, only a few kinds can survive in a certain place. For instance, a pond might have only a few types of water plants, some insects, and a couple of fish. The number of living things is often limited by non-living parts of the system, such as the amount of sunlight or the quality of the water. These factors decide which plants can grow, and what animals can live there.
Not all ecosystems have many different types of plants or animals. Sometimes, only a few kinds can survive in a certain place. For instance, a pond might have only a few types of water plants, some insects, and a couple of fish. The number of living things is often limited by non-living parts of the system, such as the amount of sunlight or the quality of the water. These factors decide which plants can grow, and what animals can live there.
Paragraph 4:
Non-living things are just as important as living things in an ecosystem. Without water, plants would not grow. Without sunlight, there would be no energy for life. The soil provides minerals and a place for roots to grow. Temperature, too, can affect how well plants and animals survive. Even a small change in a non-living factor can affect the whole system.
Non-living things are just as important as living things in an ecosystem. Without water, plants would not grow. Without sunlight, there would be no energy for life. The soil provides minerals and a place for roots to grow. Temperature, too, can affect how well plants and animals survive. Even a small change in a non-living factor can affect the whole system.
Paragraph 5:
The relationships between living things in an ecosystem are called food chains. A simple food chain starts with a plant, which is eaten by a small animal, which is then eaten by a larger animal. For example, grass in a field can be eaten by a grasshopper, which is then eaten by a bird. Each part of this chain depends on the others. If one part is lost, the whole chain can be affected.
The relationships between living things in an ecosystem are called food chains. A simple food chain starts with a plant, which is eaten by a small animal, which is then eaten by a larger animal. For example, grass in a field can be eaten by a grasshopper, which is then eaten by a bird. Each part of this chain depends on the others. If one part is lost, the whole chain can be affected.
Paragraph 6:
Some simple ecosystems are very sensitive to changes. If too many animals eat the plants, there may not be enough food left for others. If the water in a pond becomes dirty or polluted, plants might die and fish could disappear. Human actions can also have a big effect. For example, when people use chemicals on farms or build roads through fields, they can harm the plants and animals that live there.
Some simple ecosystems are very sensitive to changes. If too many animals eat the plants, there may not be enough food left for others. If the water in a pond becomes dirty or polluted, plants might die and fish could disappear. Human actions can also have a big effect. For example, when people use chemicals on farms or build roads through fields, they can harm the plants and animals that live there.
Paragraph 7:
Despite being simple, these ecosystems show balance. Each living thing gets what it needs from the environment and also gives something back. Plants take in sunlight and give off oxygen. Animals use oxygen and return nutrients to the soil when they die or produce waste. Even bacteria, which are so small they cannot be seen without a microscope, play an important part by breaking down waste and returning useful materials to the earth.
Despite being simple, these ecosystems show balance. Each living thing gets what it needs from the environment and also gives something back. Plants take in sunlight and give off oxygen. Animals use oxygen and return nutrients to the soil when they die or produce waste. Even bacteria, which are so small they cannot be seen without a microscope, play an important part by breaking down waste and returning useful materials to the earth.
Paragraph 8:
Some simple ecosystems can survive for a long time if the balance is not disturbed. In a small forest clearing, for example, a few kinds of trees, birds, and insects might live together for many years. However, if something major changes—like a drought, a flood, or pollution—the balance can be broken, and the ecosystem may struggle to recover.
Some simple ecosystems can survive for a long time if the balance is not disturbed. In a small forest clearing, for example, a few kinds of trees, birds, and insects might live together for many years. However, if something major changes—like a drought, a flood, or pollution—the balance can be broken, and the ecosystem may struggle to recover.
Paragraph 9:
People can help protect simple ecosystems in many ways. Planting trees, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and keeping rivers and lakes clean are all helpful actions. Learning about how ecosystems work can help people make better decisions and avoid damaging these important systems.
People can help protect simple ecosystems in many ways. Planting trees, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and keeping rivers and lakes clean are all helpful actions. Learning about how ecosystems work can help people make better decisions and avoid damaging these important systems.
Paragraph 10:
In conclusion, even the smallest ecosystem is a network of connections between living and non-living things. Every member, from the tiniest bacterium to the largest plant, plays a role. By understanding and respecting the delicate balance in nature, humans can help keep ecosystems healthy and strong for future generations.
In conclusion, even the smallest ecosystem is a network of connections between living and non-living things. Every member, from the tiniest bacterium to the largest plant, plays a role. By understanding and respecting the delicate balance in nature, humans can help keep ecosystems healthy and strong for future generations.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Select the answer that is NOT 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 below with clear steps and logic. Learn how to analyze, compare, and confirm information NOT in the passage!
Q1: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a part of a simple ecosystem?
Step 1: Read the question and note the keyword NOT.
Step 2: Review the passage for all components of a simple ecosystem.
Step 3: The text includes living things (plants, animals, insects) and non-living things (water, soil, air).
Step 4: Machines and electronic devices are never mentioned as part of any ecosystem in the passage.
Step 5: Choices (A), (B), and (D) are supported by the passage. Only (C) is not mentioned.
Step 6: Correct answer: (C) Machines and electronic devices.
Q2: (B)
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT given as a reason for the balance in a simple ecosystem?
Step 1: Check for reasons the passage gives for ecosystem balance.
Step 2: The passage describes different needs for living things, bacteria breaking down waste, and animals returning nutrients.
Step 3: The passage never says “all plants and animals use the same food”—it highlights different roles and food sources.
Step 4: (A), (C), and (D) are all supported by details in the text.
Step 5: Only (B) is not supported, so (B) is correct.
Step 6: Remember: sometimes a choice “sounds possible,” but you must choose what is not in the text.
Q3: (C)
Which of the following is NOT described in the passage as a possible danger to simple ecosystems?
Step 1: Scan for dangers and threats listed in the passage.
Step 2: The passage lists floods, droughts, pollution, and chemicals as dangers.
Step 3: There is no mention of “competition from very large animals like elephants” in any context.
Step 4: Choices (A), (B), and (D) are mentioned; (C) is not.
Step 5: The correct answer is (C) Competition from very large animals like elephants.
Step 6: Always choose the fact that is missing or unmentioned, not just unlikely.
Q4: (C)
Which statement about non-living factors in an ecosystem is NOT supported by the passage?
Step 1: Review what the passage says about sunlight, water, soil, and temperature.
Step 2: The passage says temperature can affect both plants and animals in an ecosystem.
Step 3: (C) states “Temperature never affects animals”—this is the opposite of what’s in the passage.
Step 4: (A), (B), and (D) are directly supported by details in the passage.
Step 5: So (C) is not supported, and is the correct answer.
Step 6: Be careful with “never/always” words—they often signal a false statement in these question types.
Q5: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to help protect simple ecosystems?
Step 1: Identify actions in the passage that protect ecosystems.
Step 2: The passage lists planting trees, reducing chemicals, and keeping water clean as ways to help.
Step 3: It never mentions “introducing new species of animals.”
Step 4: (A), (B), and (D) are all supported by the text.
Step 5: Therefore, (C) is correct—this idea is not mentioned.
Step 6: Choose the answer that is truly absent, even if it sounds positive.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore challenging vocabulary from the passage! For each word: see phonetics, parts of speech, patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and common mistakes.
Hover over a card for a glow effect.
Hover over a card for a glow effect.
Ecosystem
/ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ (BrE) /ˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
ecosystem + of/in + place/type
Definition:
A community of living and non-living things that interact in a specific environment.
Example:
A simple ecosystem can be as small as a puddle.
Synonym: environment (less precise)
Common Mistake: Saying “eco-system” (hyphen not needed).
Community
/kəˈmjuː.nɪ.ti/ (BrE) /kəˈmjuː.nə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
community + of + living things/people
Definition:
A group of living things living together or interacting in a shared environment.
Example:
An ecosystem is a community of living things.
Synonym: group, population
Common Mistake: Using only for people (it can be for plants/animals too).
Interact
/ˌɪn.təˈrækt/ (BrE) /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈækt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
interact + with + noun
Definition:
To act together or influence each other.
Example:
Non-living things interact with plants and animals.
Synonym: communicate, connect
Common Mistake: Missing the preposition “with”.
Photosynthesis
/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ (BrE) /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
photosynthesis + of/in/by + plant
Definition:
The process by which green plants make their own food using sunlight.
Example:
Plants use photosynthesis to make food from sunlight.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Spelling as “photosinthesis”.
Release
/rɪˈliːs/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
release + noun (gas, energy, etc.)
Definition:
To let something go out into the environment.
Example:
Plants release oxygen into the air.
Synonym: emit, let out
Common Mistake: Saying “release out” (double preposition).
Pollen
/ˈpɒl.ən/ (BrE) /ˈpɑː.lən/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
pollen + of/from + flower/plant
Definition:
The powder produced by flowers needed for plant reproduction.
Example:
Insects help plants by spreading their pollen.
No close synonym
Common Mistake: Confusing with “pollution”.
Limited
/ˈlɪm.ɪ.tɪd/ (BrE) /ˈlɪm.ə.t̬ɪd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
limited + by/to + noun
Definition:
Not very great in number, amount, or ability.
Example:
The number of living things is often limited by sunlight.
Synonym: restricted
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to limited”).
Quality
/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/ (BrE) /ˈkwɑː.lə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
quality + of + noun
Definition:
How good or bad something is.
Example:
The quality of the water affects the plants.
Synonym: standard
Common Mistake: Using for quantity (“the quality of water” vs “the amount of water”).
Factor
/ˈfæk.tər/ (BrE) /ˈfæk.tɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
factor + in/of/for + noun
Definition:
One of several things that influence a result.
Example:
Sunlight is a factor in plant growth.
Synonym: element, cause
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to factor” in general English).
Mineral
/ˈmɪn.ər.əl/ (BrE) /ˈmɪn.ɚ.əl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
mineral + in/of + soil/food
Definition:
A substance that is naturally found in the earth and is important for living things.
Example:
The soil provides minerals for plants.
No exact synonym (closest: nutrient)
Common Mistake: Using for vitamins (different nutrients).
Sensitive
/ˈsen.sɪ.tɪv/ (BrE) /ˈsen.sə.t̬ɪv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
sensitive + to + noun
Definition:
Easily affected or changed by something.
Example:
Some ecosystems are very sensitive to changes.
Synonym: vulnerable
Common Mistake: Using as a noun (“a sensitive” means a person, not a thing).
Polluted
/pəˈluː.tɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective (from verb: pollute)
Word Pattern:
polluted + water/air/environment
Definition:
Made dirty or unsafe by harmful substances.
Example:
If the water becomes polluted, plants might die.
Synonym: contaminated
Common Mistake: Using “pollute” as an adjective.
Waste
/weɪst/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
waste + of + noun / produce waste
Definition:
Unwanted materials left after using something.
Example:
Animals return nutrients when they produce waste.
Synonym: garbage, refuse
Common Mistake: Using only as a verb (“to waste” time).
Bacteria
/bækˈtɪə.ri.ə/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural, singular: bacterium)
Word Pattern:
bacteria + in/on/inside + noun
Definition:
Very small living things that break down waste and are important for nature.
Example:
Bacteria play an important part by breaking down waste.
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Using “bacteria” as singular (“a bacteria” is incorrect).
Recover
/rɪˈkʌv.ər/ (BrE) /rɪˈkʌv.ɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
recover + from + noun
Definition:
To return to a normal state after a problem or change.
Example:
An ecosystem may struggle to recover after pollution.
Synonym: heal, bounce back
Common Mistake: Using without “from” (recover something = get back an object, recover from = get better).
Delicate
/ˈdel.ɪ.kət/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
delicate + balance/situation/structure
Definition:
Easily broken or harmed; needing to be handled with care.
Example:
Humans must respect the delicate balance in nature.
Synonym: fragile
Common Mistake: Using “delicate” for people’s feelings only.
Harmful
/ˈhɑːm.fəl/ (BrE) /ˈhɑːrm.fəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
harmful + to/for + noun
Definition:
Causing damage, injury, or negative effects.
Example:
Harmful chemicals can affect plants and animals.
Synonym: dangerous
Common Mistake: Forgetting the preposition (“harmful to plants”).
Despite
/dɪˈspaɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
preposition
Word Pattern:
despite + noun/verb-ing
Definition:
Used to say that something happens even though there is a problem or difficulty.
Example:
Despite being simple, these ecosystems show balance.
Synonym: although (used differently in sentences)
Common Mistake: Using “despite of” (incorrect, say “despite” only).
Disturbed
/dɪˈstɜːbd/ (BrE) /dɪˈstɝːbd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective (from verb: disturb)
Word Pattern:
disturbed + by/when + noun/verb
Definition:
Interrupted or changed in a way that upsets balance or normal state.
Example:
Ecosystems can survive if the balance is not disturbed.
Synonym: disrupted
Common Mistake: Using “disturb” as an adjective.
Future generations
/ˈfjuː.tʃər ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃənz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
for/to future generations
Definition:
People or living things who will exist after the present time.
Example:
Keep ecosystems strong for future generations.
Synonym: descendants
Common Mistake: Writing as “futures generation”.
20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Explore advanced phrases and expressions! For each: phonetics, parts of speech, word patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and common mistakes.
Hover over a card for an animated glow effect.
Hover over a card for an animated glow effect.
Made up of
/meɪd ʌp ɒv/ (BrE) /meɪd ʌp ʌv/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
be made up of + noun(s)
Definition:
Composed or formed from different things.
Example:
The natural world is made up of many systems.
Synonym: consists of
Common Mistake: Saying “made from of”.
As small as
/æz smɔːl æz/ (BrE) /æz smɑːl æz/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
comparative phrase
Word Pattern:
as + adjective + as + noun
Definition:
Used to show how little or big something can be.
Example:
An ecosystem can be as small as a puddle.
Synonym: equal to in size
Common Mistake: Using “so small as”.
Interact with
/ˌɪn.tərˈækt wɪð/ (BrE) /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈækt wɪθ/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
interact with + noun
Definition:
To act together or influence each other.
Example:
Soil interacts with plants in an ecosystem.
Synonym: connect with
Common Mistake: Dropping the preposition “with”.
Play a role
/pleɪ ə rəʊl/ (BrE) /pleɪ ə roʊl/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
phrase (verb)
Word Pattern:
play a/an/the role + in/of + noun/gerund
Definition:
To have a particular effect or influence in a situation.
Example:
Plants play a role in photosynthesis.
Synonym: contribute
Common Mistake: Using as “make a role”.
In a process called
/ɪn ə ˈprəʊ.ses kɔːld/ (BrE) /ɪn ə ˈprɑː.ses kɑːld/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
phrase
Word Pattern:
in a process called + noun
Definition:
Describes how something happens by naming the specific method.
Example:
Plants make food in a process called photosynthesis.
Synonym: by means of
Common Mistake: Using “with a process named”.
Take in
/teɪk ɪn/ (BrE & AmE)
Parts of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
take in + noun
Definition:
To absorb or bring into the body or system.
Example:
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air.
Synonym: absorb
Common Mistake: Using “take on” (different meaning).
Limited by
/ˈlɪm.ɪ.tɪd baɪ/ (BrE) /ˈlɪm.ə.t̬ɪd baɪ/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase (passive)
Word Pattern:
be limited by + noun
Definition:
Restricted or controlled by something.
Example:
The number of fish is limited by water quality.
Synonym: restricted by
Common Mistake: Using “limited to” when meaning “because of”.
Just as important as
/dʒʌst æz ɪmˈpɔː.tənt æz/ (BrE) /dʒʌst æz ɪmˈpɔːr.tənt æz/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
comparative phrase
Word Pattern:
just as + adjective + as + noun
Definition:
Equally important compared to something else.
Example:
Non-living things are just as important as living things.
Synonym: equally important
Common Mistake: Saying “as just important as”.
A place for roots to grow
/ə pleɪs fə ruːts tuː ɡrəʊ/ (BrE) /ə pleɪs fər ruːts tuː ɡroʊ/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
a place for + noun + to + verb
Definition:
A location that allows something to develop or exist.
Example:
The soil provides a place for roots to grow.
Synonym: base for development
Common Mistake: Saying “a place where roots grow” (slightly different meaning).
Each part of this chain depends on the others
/iːtʃ pɑːt ɒv ðɪs tʃeɪn dɪˈpɛndz ɒn ði ˈʌðəz/ (BrE) /iːtʃ pɑːrt ʌv ðɪs tʃeɪn dɪˈpɛndz ɑːn ði ˈʌðərz/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
sentence phrase
Word Pattern:
each part + depends on + noun
Definition:
Everything in a group needs the others to work well.
Example:
Each part of this chain depends on the others.
Synonym: interconnected
Common Mistake: Using “relies of” instead of “depends on”.
Struggle to recover
/ˈstrʌɡ.əl tuː rɪˈkʌv.ər/ (BrE) /ˈstrʌɡ.əl tuː rɪˈkʌv.ɚ/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
struggle to + verb
Definition:
To have difficulty becoming normal again after a problem.
Example:
The ecosystem may struggle to recover after pollution.
Synonym: have trouble recovering
Common Mistake: Using “struggle for recover”.
Keep rivers and lakes clean
/kiːp ˈrɪv.əz ənd leɪks kliːn/ (BrE) /kiːp ˈrɪv.ɚz ənd leɪks kliːn/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
keep + noun + adjective
Definition:
To prevent water from becoming dirty or polluted.
Example:
People can help by keeping rivers and lakes clean.
Synonym: maintain water cleanliness
Common Mistake: Using “make rivers clean” instead of “keep”.
Return nutrients to the soil
/rɪˈtɜːn ˈnjuː.tri.ənts tuː ðə sɔɪl/ (BrE) /rɪˈtɝːn ˈnuː.tri.ənts tuː ðə sɔɪl/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
return + noun + to + noun
Definition:
To put back useful substances into the ground.
Example:
Animals return nutrients to the soil when they die.
Synonym: recycle nutrients
Common Mistake: Using “return back” (redundant).
Gives something back
/ɡɪvz ˈsʌm.θɪŋ bæk/ (BrE & AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
give(s) + noun + back
Definition:
To provide a benefit in return to something or someone.
Example:
Each living thing gives something back to the environment.
Synonym: return (something)
Common Mistake: Using “gives back something” (less common word order).
Helps protect
/hɛlps prəˈtɛkt/ (BrE & AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
help(s) + (to) protect + noun
Definition:
To assist in keeping something safe.
Example:
People can help protect ecosystems by planting trees.
Synonym: contribute to saving
Common Mistake: Using “helping to protection”.
Reduce the use of
/rɪˈdjuːs ðə juːs ɒv/ (BrE) /rɪˈduːs ðə juːs ʌv/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
reduce + the use of + noun
Definition:
To use less of something, especially something harmful.
Example:
We can help by reducing the use of harmful chemicals.
Synonym: cut down on
Common Mistake: Using “reduce using of”.
By understanding
/baɪ ˌʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ/ (BrE) /baɪ ˌʌn.dɚˈstæn.dɪŋ/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
by + verb-ing
Definition:
As a result of doing something; because of.
Example:
By understanding ecosystems, we can help protect them.
Synonym: through understanding
Common Mistake: Using “with understanding” instead of “by”.
Help keep ecosystems healthy
/hɛlp kiːp ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təmz ˈhɛl.θi/ (BrE) /hɛlp kiːp ˈiː.koʊˌsɪs.təmz ˈhɛl.θi/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
help + keep + noun + adjective
Definition:
Assist in maintaining good condition.
Example:
We can help keep ecosystems healthy and strong.
Synonym: support the health of
Common Mistake: Using “help to keeping”.
For future generations
/fɔː ˈfjuː.tʃər ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃənz/ (BrE) /fɔːr ˈfjuː.tʃɚ ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃənz/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Word Pattern:
for + noun phrase
Definition:
To benefit people or living things in the years to come.
Example:
We must protect nature for future generations.
Synonym: for those who come after us
Common Mistake: Writing “for futures generations”.
Network of connections
/ˈnɛt.wɜːk ɒv kəˈnɛk.ʃənz/ (BrE) /ˈnɛt.wɝːk ʌv kəˈnɛk.ʃənz/ (AmE)
Parts of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
network of + noun(s)
Definition:
A system where many things are linked together.
Example:
Even the smallest ecosystem is a network of connections.
Synonym: web, system
Common Mistake: Writing “network connections” (missing “of”).
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Interactive Exercise 2: Advanced Vocabulary & Expressions
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