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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 5
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August 4, 2025
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – The Four Seasons)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions ask you to identify information that is NOT stated, NOT true, or is contradicted in the reading passage. Instead of finding what is present, your goal is to spot what is missing or false. Practicing this question type builds your attention to detail and helps you avoid traps!
These questions ask you to identify information that is NOT stated, NOT true, or is contradicted in the reading passage. Instead of finding what is present, your goal is to spot what is missing or false. Practicing this question type builds your attention to detail and helps you avoid traps!
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Very Carefully:
Look for negative words in the question like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE. These words mean you should look for information not found in the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a feature of spring?”
Look for negative words in the question like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE. These words mean you should look for information not found in the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a feature of spring?”
2
Underline Key Negative Words:
Always underline “NOT,” “EXCEPT,” or “FALSE” in the question. This reminds you not to choose something that is in the passage.
Example: Key word: “NOT mentioned”
Always underline “NOT,” “EXCEPT,” or “FALSE” in the question. This reminds you not to choose something that is in the passage.
Example: Key word: “NOT mentioned”
3
Read All Answer Choices:
Quickly read every answer. Some will be directly stated in the passage. One (or more) will not be in the text or will contradict it.
Quickly read every answer. Some will be directly stated in the passage. One (or more) will not be in the text or will contradict it.
4
Scan the Passage for Each Choice:
Use your eyes to check the passage for each answer. If you find the information, mark it as “stated.” If you cannot find it or the passage says the opposite, that is a “not stated” or “false” answer.
Use your eyes to check the passage for each answer. If you find the information, mark it as “stated.” If you cannot find it or the passage says the opposite, that is a “not stated” or “false” answer.
5
Eliminate Clearly Mentioned Choices:
Remove any answer that is clearly given in the passage. Focus on the choice that is not mentioned or is contradicted.
Remove any answer that is clearly given in the passage. Focus on the choice that is not mentioned or is contradicted.
6
Watch for Tricky Language:
Some incorrect options use similar words but change the meaning. Make sure every word in the answer matches the passage.
Some incorrect options use similar words but change the meaning. Make sure every word in the answer matches the passage.
7
Select the Best “NOT TRUE” Answer:
Choose the option that is not stated or is false according to the passage—not what you “think” or already know!
Choose the option that is not stated or is false according to the passage—not what you “think” or already know!
8
Double-Check with the Passage:
Go back and confirm the information for the answer you picked. If you’re not sure, review the paragraph again to be confident.
Go back and confirm the information for the answer you picked. If you’re not sure, review the paragraph again to be confident.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a typical feature of summer?”
Choices:
(A) Longer daylight hours
(B) High temperatures
(C) Trees lose their leaves
(D) People go swimming
Correct Answer: (C) Trees lose their leaves
Explanation: The passage mentions longer days, hot weather, and swimming as typical summer activities, but trees losing their leaves is not stated for summer—this happens in autumn!
“Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a typical feature of summer?”
Choices:
(A) Longer daylight hours
(B) High temperatures
(C) Trees lose their leaves
(D) People go swimming
Correct Answer: (C) Trees lose their leaves
Explanation: The passage mentions longer days, hot weather, and swimming as typical summer activities, but trees losing their leaves is not stated for summer—this happens in autumn!
Reading Passage: The Four Seasons
Paragraph 1:
All around the world, people experience the passage of time through changes in nature. These changes are called the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its own unique weather, natural events, and activities. The seasons affect not only the environment, but also the daily lives, traditions, and feelings of people everywhere.
All around the world, people experience the passage of time through changes in nature. These changes are called the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its own unique weather, natural events, and activities. The seasons affect not only the environment, but also the daily lives, traditions, and feelings of people everywhere.
Paragraph 2:
The cycle of the seasons is caused by the way the Earth moves around the Sun. Because the Earth is tilted on its axis, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, it enjoys the warmth of summer, while the Southern Hemisphere has winter. As the Earth continues its journey, the situation reverses, creating a natural rhythm that repeats every year.
The cycle of the seasons is caused by the way the Earth moves around the Sun. Because the Earth is tilted on its axis, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, it enjoys the warmth of summer, while the Southern Hemisphere has winter. As the Earth continues its journey, the situation reverses, creating a natural rhythm that repeats every year.
Paragraph 3:
Spring is a time of new beginnings. After the cold and quiet of winter, the world seems to wake up. In many regions, temperatures become milder, and daylight hours grow longer. Snow melts, rivers fill with fresh water, and the ground becomes soft. Plants begin to grow, and flowers bloom in gardens and forests. Trees develop new leaves, painting the landscape in fresh shades of green. Birds return from warmer countries, filling the air with song, and many animals have their young during this season.
Spring is a time of new beginnings. After the cold and quiet of winter, the world seems to wake up. In many regions, temperatures become milder, and daylight hours grow longer. Snow melts, rivers fill with fresh water, and the ground becomes soft. Plants begin to grow, and flowers bloom in gardens and forests. Trees develop new leaves, painting the landscape in fresh shades of green. Birds return from warmer countries, filling the air with song, and many animals have their young during this season.
Paragraph 4:
People often feel more energetic in spring. After months of staying indoors, families go outside to walk, play sports, or work in gardens. Many cultures celebrate spring with festivals that symbolize renewal, hope, and growth. For example, the Persian New Year, called Nowruz, takes place on the first day of spring and marks a time for cleaning, visiting family, and preparing for a successful year.
People often feel more energetic in spring. After months of staying indoors, families go outside to walk, play sports, or work in gardens. Many cultures celebrate spring with festivals that symbolize renewal, hope, and growth. For example, the Persian New Year, called Nowruz, takes place on the first day of spring and marks a time for cleaning, visiting family, and preparing for a successful year.
Paragraph 5:
Summer is usually the warmest season. In most places, the days are long and full of sunlight. The air is hot, and people wear lighter clothing to stay cool. Many children enjoy a school holiday during summer, so families often travel or visit parks, lakes, or the seaside. Swimming, playing games, and having picnics are popular activities. In farming areas, crops like wheat, corn, and sunflowers reach their full height, preparing to be harvested later in the year.
Summer is usually the warmest season. In most places, the days are long and full of sunlight. The air is hot, and people wear lighter clothing to stay cool. Many children enjoy a school holiday during summer, so families often travel or visit parks, lakes, or the seaside. Swimming, playing games, and having picnics are popular activities. In farming areas, crops like wheat, corn, and sunflowers reach their full height, preparing to be harvested later in the year.
Paragraph 6:
One of the best parts of summer is the chance to spend time outdoors. People eat meals outside, have barbecues with friends, and enjoy the fresh taste of fruits like strawberries, melons, and cherries. In some countries, festivals celebrate the sun with music, dancing, and fireworks. Although summer is a time of fun, it can also bring challenges, such as heatwaves, strong storms, or the risk of wildfires in dry areas.
One of the best parts of summer is the chance to spend time outdoors. People eat meals outside, have barbecues with friends, and enjoy the fresh taste of fruits like strawberries, melons, and cherries. In some countries, festivals celebrate the sun with music, dancing, and fireworks. Although summer is a time of fun, it can also bring challenges, such as heatwaves, strong storms, or the risk of wildfires in dry areas.
Paragraph 7:
As summer ends, autumn arrives with cooler air and shorter days. The most famous sign of autumn in many places is the changing color of leaves. Trees that were green all summer turn yellow, orange, and red before dropping their leaves to the ground. This process is called “fall” in North America because of the falling leaves. Animals start preparing for winter by growing thicker fur or gathering food to store.
As summer ends, autumn arrives with cooler air and shorter days. The most famous sign of autumn in many places is the changing color of leaves. Trees that were green all summer turn yellow, orange, and red before dropping their leaves to the ground. This process is called “fall” in North America because of the falling leaves. Animals start preparing for winter by growing thicker fur or gathering food to store.
Paragraph 8:
Autumn is also harvest season. Farmers pick apples, grapes, pumpkins, and other crops. Markets are full of fresh produce, and people celebrate with harvest festivals. In some cultures, autumn is a time to give thanks for the year’s food and to share with neighbors and family. As the weather becomes cooler, people begin to wear warmer clothes and spend more evenings inside.
Autumn is also harvest season. Farmers pick apples, grapes, pumpkins, and other crops. Markets are full of fresh produce, and people celebrate with harvest festivals. In some cultures, autumn is a time to give thanks for the year’s food and to share with neighbors and family. As the weather becomes cooler, people begin to wear warmer clothes and spend more evenings inside.
Paragraph 9:
Winter is the coldest season for many regions. Days are short, and the nights are long. Snow may cover the ground, turning the world white and quiet. Rivers and lakes can freeze, making travel more difficult. Most trees have lost their leaves, except for evergreens like pine or fir. Some animals, such as bears, go into a deep sleep called hibernation, while others, like deer, search for food in the snowy forest.
Winter is the coldest season for many regions. Days are short, and the nights are long. Snow may cover the ground, turning the world white and quiet. Rivers and lakes can freeze, making travel more difficult. Most trees have lost their leaves, except for evergreens like pine or fir. Some animals, such as bears, go into a deep sleep called hibernation, while others, like deer, search for food in the snowy forest.
Paragraph 10:
Winter is a time for rest and reflection. People stay inside to keep warm, often gathering with family and friends for meals, games, and stories. In many places, people celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, or Lunar New Year during winter, bringing light and happiness to the darkest part of the year. In cities, lights and decorations make the nights bright and cheerful even when it is cold outside.
Winter is a time for rest and reflection. People stay inside to keep warm, often gathering with family and friends for meals, games, and stories. In many places, people celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, or Lunar New Year during winter, bringing light and happiness to the darkest part of the year. In cities, lights and decorations make the nights bright and cheerful even when it is cold outside.
Paragraph 11:
Not all places in the world experience the four seasons in the same way. Near the equator, temperatures are warm all year, and people may only notice a rainy season and a dry season. In the far north or south, some places have days in summer when the sun never sets, or nights in winter when it never rises. But in most of the world, the changing seasons are a natural part of life that shape culture, work, and even emotions.
Not all places in the world experience the four seasons in the same way. Near the equator, temperatures are warm all year, and people may only notice a rainy season and a dry season. In the far north or south, some places have days in summer when the sun never sets, or nights in winter when it never rises. But in most of the world, the changing seasons are a natural part of life that shape culture, work, and even emotions.
Paragraph 12:
The four seasons teach us about change and the cycles of nature. Each one brings its own beauty and challenges. Spring is a promise of new life, summer is full of energy, autumn brings a peaceful ending, and winter invites us to slow down and rest. By noticing the seasons, people connect with the world around them and remember that every change is part of a bigger story.
The four seasons teach us about change and the cycles of nature. Each one brings its own beauty and challenges. Spring is a promise of new life, summer is full of energy, autumn brings a peaceful ending, and winter invites us to slow down and rest. By noticing the seasons, people connect with the world around them and remember that every change is part of a bigger story.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is NOT stated or is contradicted 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 eliminate choices, confirm details, and spot “NOT TRUE” options with confidence!
Q1: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a change that occurs during spring?
Step 1: Notice the question asks for what is NOT mentioned about spring.
Step 2: Review the passage’s spring description (Paragraphs 3–4): milder temperatures, animals having young, trees growing new leaves.
Step 3: Choices (A), (B), and (D) are directly stated as spring changes.
Step 4: Choice (C), “People stay indoors to keep warm,” is associated with winter, not spring.
Step 5: The passage says people go outside in spring because of better weather; (C) is not mentioned for spring—so (C) is the correct answer.
Q2: (D)
Which of the following is NOT a typical activity described for summer?
Step 1: The question asks for an activity NOT described as typical for summer.
Step 2: Read Paragraphs 5–6 for summer activities: swimming, picnics, barbecues, spending time outdoors.
Step 3: Choices (A), (B), and (C) are all found in these paragraphs.
Step 4: Choice (D), “Building snowmen in the park,” is a winter activity and is not mentioned for summer.
Step 5: Eliminate activities connected with the wrong season—here, (D) is the “NOT TRUE” answer.
Q3: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a sign of autumn?
Step 1: The question asks for a detail NOT mentioned about autumn.
Step 2: Paragraphs 7–8 describe autumn: leaves changing and falling, farmers harvesting crops, animals preparing for winter.
Step 3: Choices (A), (B), and (D) are all given as signs of autumn.
Step 4: Choice (C), “Nights become much shorter than days,” is not mentioned; in fact, days get shorter, so nights get longer.
Step 5: Watch for facts that contradict the passage: here, (C) is the correct answer.
Q4: (C)
Which of the following is NOT stated as a feature of winter?
Step 1: Focus on winter’s features in Paragraphs 9–10.
Step 2: Short days, long nights, freezing rivers/lakes, and animal hibernation are all mentioned.
Step 3: Choice (C), “People have more time for gardening outdoors,” is not stated; gardening is associated with spring and summer, not winter.
Step 4: The passage describes people staying indoors during winter.
Step 5: Eliminate all features given in the text—(C) is “NOT TRUE.”
Q5: (A)
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true about the seasons near the equator?
Step 1: Paragraph 11 explains how seasons work at the equator: warm all year, rainy/dry seasons, less weather change.
Step 2: (B), (C), and (D) all fit the information in the passage.
Step 3: (A), “There are four clear seasons every year,” is NOT true—this is specifically contradicted in the passage.
Step 4: Always choose the option not matching the text; here, (A) is the correct answer.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Explore the most challenging vocabulary from this passage! For each word: see phonetics, parts of speech, patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and top learner mistakes. Hover over a card for a glow effect.
axis
/ˈæksɪs/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
axis of/around
Definition:
An imaginary line through the center of an object, around which it rotates.
Example:
The Earth is tilted on its axis. (= The line Earth spins around.)
No common synonym
Common Mistake: Saying "axes" for plural but pronouncing like "ax".
hemisphere
/ˈhemɪsfɪə(r)/ (BrE) /ˈhemɪsfɪr/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
hemisphere + of
Definition:
One half of the Earth, usually divided into northern and southern parts.
Example:
When the Northern Hemisphere has summer, the Southern Hemisphere has winter.
Half (of the globe)
Common Mistake: Spelling as "hemmisphere".
tilt
/tɪlt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
tilt + of/toward(s)
Definition:
To move or make something move into a sloping position; the state of being not upright.
Example:
The tilt of the Earth causes the seasons. (= The angle of the planet.)
Slope, lean
Common Mistake: Mixing up "tilt" (angle) and "turn".
rhythm
/ˈrɪðəm/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
rhythm of/in
Definition:
A regular, repeated pattern of movement, sound, or change.
Example:
The seasons create a natural rhythm that repeats every year.
Pattern, cycle
Common Mistake: Pronounced incorrectly as "rythm".
bloom
/bluːm/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Word Pattern:
bloom + in/on
Definition:
When a flower opens; to produce flowers.
Example:
Flowers bloom in gardens and forests in spring. (= Start to open.)
Flower (verb)
Common Mistake: Using as noun for “many flowers” (“blooms” is the plural noun).
milder
/ˈmaɪldə(r)/ (BrE) /ˈmaɪldər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective (comparative)
Word Pattern:
milder than, become milder
Definition:
Less cold or severe; more gentle in temperature.
Example:
Temperatures become milder in spring. (= Not as cold as before.)
Warmer, gentler
Common Mistake: Used for personality instead of weather.
renewal
/rɪˈnjuːəl/ (BrE) /rɪˈnuːəl/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
renewal of
Definition:
The process of becoming new, fresh, or strong again.
Example:
Festivals symbolize renewal and growth. (= A new beginning.)
Revival, rebirth
Common Mistake: Confusing with "new" (adjective).
harvest
/ˈhɑːvɪst/ (BrE) /ˈhɑːrvɪst/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
harvest + of/crop
Definition:
The process or time of gathering crops from the fields.
Example:
Autumn is harvest season for many crops. (= Picking what is grown.)
Gather, reap
Common Mistake: Using as an adjective ("harvest festival," not "harvested festival").
produce
/prəˈdjuːs/ (BrE) /prəˈduːs/ (AmE) [verb]
/ˈprɒdjuːs/ (BrE) /ˈprɑːduːs/ (AmE) [noun]
/ˈprɒdjuːs/ (BrE) /ˈprɑːduːs/ (AmE) [noun]
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
produce + noun; fresh produce
Definition:
Verb: To make or create something; Noun: fresh fruits and vegetables.
Example:
Markets are full of fresh produce in autumn.
Make (verb), crops (noun)
Common Mistake: Confusing pronunciation for verb vs noun.
hibernation
/ˌhaɪbəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
in hibernation; period of hibernation
Definition:
A deep sleep that some animals enter in winter to save energy.
Example:
Bears go into hibernation during winter.
Dormancy (biology)
Common Mistake: Used for humans ("I go into hibernation").
reflection
/rɪˈflekʃ(ə)n/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
reflection on/of
Definition:
Serious and careful thought about something; also the image seen in a mirror.
Example:
Winter is a time for rest and reflection.
Thinking, consideration
Common Mistake: Mixing up “reflection” (thought) and “refraction” (science).
equator
/ɪˈkweɪtə(r)/ (BrE) /ɪˈkweɪtər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
at/near the equator
Definition:
An imaginary line around the middle of the Earth, equally distant from the poles.
Example:
Near the equator, temperatures are warm all year.
No direct synonym
Common Mistake: Confusing with “equator” (mathematics).
distinct
/dɪˈstɪŋkt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
distinct from; distinct seasons/types
Definition:
Clearly different and separate.
Example:
Some places do not have four distinct seasons.
Different, separate
Common Mistake: Using “distinct” as “extinct”.
phenomenon
/fəˈnɒmɪnən/ (BrE) /fəˈnɑːmɪnɑːn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
phenomenon of/in
Definition:
Something that happens or exists and can be observed.
Example:
The changing seasons are a natural phenomenon.
Event, occurrence
Common Mistake: Plural is “phenomena,” not “phenomenons.”
cycle
/ˈsaɪkl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
cycle of/in
Definition:
A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order.
Example:
The cycle of the seasons is caused by the Earth’s movement.
Circle, pattern
Common Mistake: “Cycle” for riding a bike is less common in American English.
reflection
/rɪˈflekʃ(ə)n/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
reflection on/of
Definition:
Serious thought about something; also an image in a mirror.
Example:
Winter is a time for rest and reflection.
Consideration, thought
Common Mistake: Confusing with “refraction.”
tradition
/trəˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
tradition of/in
Definition:
A belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time.
Example:
Traditions and feelings are shaped by the seasons.
Custom, practice
Common Mistake: Plural is “traditions.”
gather
/ˈɡæðə(r)/ (BrE) /ˈɡæðər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
gather + together/with
Definition:
To come together in one place, or to collect things.
Example:
People gather for meals and celebrations in winter.
Assemble, collect
Common Mistake: Using “gather” with “to” wrongly (“gather to with”).
reflection
/rɪˈflekʃ(ə)n/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
reflection on/of
Definition:
Serious and careful thought about something; also the image seen in a mirror.
Example:
Winter is a time for rest and reflection.
Thinking, consideration
Common Mistake: Mixing up “reflection” (thought) and “refraction” (science).
invite
/ɪnˈvaɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
invite + someone + to + place/event
Definition:
To ask someone to come to a place or event; to encourage an action or feeling.
Example:
Winter invites us to slow down and rest. (= Encourages.)
Encourage, ask
Common Mistake: Using "invite for" instead of "invite to".
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!
passage of time
/ˈpæsɪdʒ əv taɪm/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
the passage of time
Definition:
The process of time moving forward; how time goes by.
Example:
People experience the passage of time through nature’s changes.
progress of time
Common Mistake: Using "passing time" when "passage of time" is needed.
cycle of the seasons
/ˈsaɪkl əv ðə ˈsiːzənz/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
cycle of + noun
Definition:
The repeating pattern of seasonal changes every year.
Example:
The cycle of the seasons is caused by the Earth’s movement.
seasonal pattern
Common Mistake: Saying "season cycle."
tilted on its axis
/ˈtɪltɪd ɒn ɪts ˈæksɪs/
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase
Word Pattern:
be tilted on + possessive + axis
Definition:
Not straight but slanted; the Earth is not upright as it rotates.
Example:
The Earth is tilted on its axis, causing the seasons.
slanted, at an angle
Common Mistake: "Tilted at its axis."
wake up
/weɪk ʌp/
Part of Speech:
phrasal verb
Word Pattern:
wake up + (to something)
Definition:
To become active after being quiet, still, or asleep.
Example:
After winter, the world seems to wake up.
come to life
Common Mistake: Using in the past ("waked up" instead of "woke up").
develop new leaves
/dɪˈvɛləp njuː liːvz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
develop + new + noun
Definition:
To grow fresh leaves in spring after winter.
Example:
Trees develop new leaves in spring.
grow new leaves
Common Mistake: Using "make" instead of "develop."
full of sunlight
/fʊl əv ˈsʌnlaɪt/
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase
Word Pattern:
be full of + noun
Definition:
Very bright because of much sunlight.
Example:
Days are long and full of sunlight in summer.
sunny
Common Mistake: "Full with sunlight."
reach their full height
/riːtʃ ðeə fʊl haɪt/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
reach + one's + full + noun
Definition:
Grow as tall or as large as possible.
Example:
Crops reach their full height in summer.
become fully grown
Common Mistake: "Get full height" instead of "reach."
risk of wildfires
/rɪsk əv ˈwaɪldfaɪəz/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
risk of + noun
Definition:
The possibility that wildfires may happen.
Example:
Summer can bring the risk of wildfires.
chance of fire
Common Mistake: Saying "risk for wildfires."
turn yellow, orange, and red
/tɜːn ˈjɛləʊ ˈɒrɪndʒ ənd rɛd/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
turn + colour
Definition:
Change from green to other colours, especially in autumn.
Example:
Leaves turn yellow, orange, and red in autumn.
change color
Common Mistake: "Become to" instead of "turn."
drop their leaves
/drɒp ðeə liːvz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
drop + noun
Definition:
Leaves fall off trees, especially in autumn.
Example:
Trees drop their leaves to the ground.
lose their leaves
Common Mistake: "Lose off" their leaves.
preparing for winter
/prɪˈpeərɪŋ fə ˈwɪntə/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
prepare for + noun
Definition:
Getting ready for the cold season.
Example:
Animals start preparing for winter in autumn.
get ready for
Common Mistake: "Prepare to winter."
harvest season
/ˈhɑːvɪst ˈsiːzn/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
harvest season for + noun
Definition:
The time of year when crops are collected from fields.
Example:
Autumn is harvest season for apples and pumpkins.
gathering season
Common Mistake: Using as verb (“to harvest season”).
give thanks for
/ɡɪv θæŋks fə/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
give thanks for + noun
Definition:
Express gratitude for something.
Example:
People give thanks for the year’s food in autumn.
be grateful for
Common Mistake: "Say thanks to" instead of "give thanks for."
spend more evenings inside
/spɛnd mɔːr ˈiːvnɪŋz ɪnˈsaɪd/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
spend + time + inside
Definition:
Stay indoors during the evening, especially when it’s cold.
Example:
People spend more evenings inside as the weather cools.
stay indoors at night
Common Mistake: "Pass more evenings at inside."
turning the world white
/ˈtɜːnɪŋ ðə wɜːld waɪt/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
turn + noun + adjective
Definition:
Make everything look white, especially because of snow.
Example:
Snow may cover the ground, turning the world white.
covering in snow
Common Mistake: "Making the world in white."
go into a deep sleep
/ɡəʊ ˈɪntuː ə diːp sliːp/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
go into + noun
Definition:
Begin a long period of sleep, like hibernation for animals.
Example:
Bears go into a deep sleep in winter.
hibernate
Common Mistake: "Go to a deep sleep."
gathering with family and friends
/ˈɡæðərɪŋ wɪð ˈfæmɪli ənd frɛndz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
gathering with + noun(s)
Definition:
Meeting with loved ones, especially during holidays or cold weather.
Example:
People gather with family and friends for meals and stories.
meet up with
Common Mistake: "Gathering by family."
bring light and happiness
/brɪŋ laɪt ənd ˈhæpinəs/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
bring + noun + and + noun
Definition:
Cause feelings of joy and hope, especially during difficult times.
Example:
People celebrate holidays to bring light and happiness in winter.
create joy
Common Mistake: "Give light and happiness" (less natural).
shape culture
/ʃeɪp ˈkʌltʃə(r)/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Word Pattern:
shape + noun
Definition:
To have an important influence on the traditions and habits of people.
Example:
The changing seasons shape culture and work.
influence, affect
Common Mistake: "Make culture."
part of a bigger story
/pɑːt əv ə ˈbɪɡə ˈstɔːri/
Part of Speech:
noun phrase
Word Pattern:
be part of + noun phrase
Definition:
A small event in a much larger sequence of events.
Example:
Every change is part of a bigger story.
piece of a whole
Common Mistake: "Piece of bigger story" (missing article "a").
Interactive Vocabulary & Phrase Exercise 1
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Interactive Vocabulary & Phrase Exercise 2
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