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TOEFL iBT Reading Sample Test – Negative Factual Information Question Type with deep answer key – Sample No. 8
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August 4, 2025
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions (TOEFL Reading Tutorial – Simple Genetics: Family Traits)
What are Negative Factual Information Questions?
These questions test your ability to recognize information that is NOT true or NOT mentioned in the reading passage. You need to identify details that are specifically contradicted by, or completely missing from, the text. This skill is crucial for avoiding traps and reading carefully for what is actually stated.
These questions test your ability to recognize information that is NOT true or NOT mentioned in the reading passage. You need to identify details that are specifically contradicted by, or completely missing from, the text. This skill is crucial for avoiding traps and reading carefully for what is actually stated.
How to Answer Negative Factual Information Questions – Step by Step
1
Read the Question Carefully:
Look for keywords like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE. These words mean you are searching for information that is not found in the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a family trait?”
Look for keywords like NOT, EXCEPT, or FALSE. These words mean you are searching for information that is not found in the passage.
Example: “Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a family trait?”
2
Underline Key Words:
Highlight or note the most important words in the question and the answer choices. This helps focus your search and avoid confusion.
Example: Key words: “NOT mentioned,” “family trait.”
Highlight or note the most important words in the question and the answer choices. This helps focus your search and avoid confusion.
Example: Key words: “NOT mentioned,” “family trait.”
3
Scan the Passage:
Look for each answer choice in the passage. See if the text directly supports, mentions, or describes them. Make brief notes or mark the relevant sentences.
Look for each answer choice in the passage. See if the text directly supports, mentions, or describes them. Make brief notes or mark the relevant sentences.
4
Check Each Choice:
For every answer, ask: Is this fact clearly stated or supported in the passage? If YES, eliminate it. If NO, keep it as a possible answer.
For every answer, ask: Is this fact clearly stated or supported in the passage? If YES, eliminate it. If NO, keep it as a possible answer.
5
Eliminate Traps:
Many wrong answers use words or phrases similar to the passage but twist the meaning or add outside knowledge. Be careful: only what is directly supported counts as true.
Many wrong answers use words or phrases similar to the passage but twist the meaning or add outside knowledge. Be careful: only what is directly supported counts as true.
6
Select the Correct "NOT True" Option:
The correct answer is the one that is NOT true, NOT mentioned, or is contradicted by the passage. Double-check your reasoning before you choose.
The correct answer is the one that is NOT true, NOT mentioned, or is contradicted by the passage. Double-check your reasoning before you choose.
7
Review for Tricky Wording:
Negative factual questions are often tricky! Carefully reread the question and answer choices to make sure you didn’t miss a small detail or get confused by wording.
Negative factual questions are often tricky! Carefully reread the question and answer choices to make sure you didn’t miss a small detail or get confused by wording.
8
Double-Check with the Passage:
Confirm your answer by finding proof in the passage for each eliminated choice. Only pick the one that is clearly NOT there.
Confirm your answer by finding proof in the passage for each eliminated choice. Only pick the one that is clearly NOT there.
Example Question:
Sample Question:
“According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a way family traits are inherited?”
Choices:
(A) Through genes passed from parents
(B) Through skills learned at school
(C) Through combinations of DNA
(D) Through random mutation
Correct Answer: (B) Through skills learned at school
Explanation: The passage explains that family traits are inherited through genes and DNA (A and C), and sometimes random mutation (D), but it does not say that learning skills at school passes down family traits. That is the “NOT mentioned” fact.
“According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a way family traits are inherited?”
Choices:
(A) Through genes passed from parents
(B) Through skills learned at school
(C) Through combinations of DNA
(D) Through random mutation
Correct Answer: (B) Through skills learned at school
Explanation: The passage explains that family traits are inherited through genes and DNA (A and C), and sometimes random mutation (D), but it does not say that learning skills at school passes down family traits. That is the “NOT mentioned” fact.
Reading Passage: Simple Genetics (Family Traits)
Paragraph 1:
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Maybe you notice that your eyes are the same color as your mother’s, or that your hair has a curl just like your father’s. Family traits are features or characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next. They are the reason why people in the same family may look or even act alike. Understanding why we share these traits brings us to the study of simple genetics.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Maybe you notice that your eyes are the same color as your mother’s, or that your hair has a curl just like your father’s. Family traits are features or characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next. They are the reason why people in the same family may look or even act alike. Understanding why we share these traits brings us to the study of simple genetics.
Paragraph 2:
Genetics is the branch of science that explores how traits are inherited. It explains why brothers and sisters often look similar but are not exactly the same. At the heart of genetics are genes—tiny sections of DNA found inside the cells of all living things. These genes carry the instructions for how our bodies develop, including eye color, hair type, and even the shape of our noses.
Genetics is the branch of science that explores how traits are inherited. It explains why brothers and sisters often look similar but are not exactly the same. At the heart of genetics are genes—tiny sections of DNA found inside the cells of all living things. These genes carry the instructions for how our bodies develop, including eye color, hair type, and even the shape of our noses.
Paragraph 3:
Genes are inherited from our parents. Every person receives half of their genes from their mother and half from their father. This is why you might have your father’s dimples but your mother’s straight hair. Each parent has two copies of every gene, but only one copy from each is passed down to their child at random. This combination helps make each person unique, even among siblings.
Genes are inherited from our parents. Every person receives half of their genes from their mother and half from their father. This is why you might have your father’s dimples but your mother’s straight hair. Each parent has two copies of every gene, but only one copy from each is passed down to their child at random. This combination helps make each person unique, even among siblings.
Paragraph 4:
Some traits are dominant, while others are recessive. Dominant traits appear even if only one parent passes the gene for that trait. For example, if the gene for brown eyes is dominant, a child with one brown-eye gene and one blue-eye gene will have brown eyes. Recessive traits only appear if both parents pass the same gene. That is why blue eyes are less common in some families—they require two blue-eye genes, one from each parent.
Some traits are dominant, while others are recessive. Dominant traits appear even if only one parent passes the gene for that trait. For example, if the gene for brown eyes is dominant, a child with one brown-eye gene and one blue-eye gene will have brown eyes. Recessive traits only appear if both parents pass the same gene. That is why blue eyes are less common in some families—they require two blue-eye genes, one from each parent.
Paragraph 5:
Not all traits are physical. Some genetic traits influence how our bodies work on the inside. For instance, some people inherit the ability to roll their tongue into a tube, while others cannot, no matter how hard they try. Other genetic traits can affect health, such as the ability to taste certain bitter flavors, or the risk of developing particular illnesses. However, lifestyle and environment also play important roles in health, not just genetics.
Not all traits are physical. Some genetic traits influence how our bodies work on the inside. For instance, some people inherit the ability to roll their tongue into a tube, while others cannot, no matter how hard they try. Other genetic traits can affect health, such as the ability to taste certain bitter flavors, or the risk of developing particular illnesses. However, lifestyle and environment also play important roles in health, not just genetics.
Paragraph 6:
Although genetics can explain many similarities, it does not mean that every family member will be identical. Sometimes, traits skip a generation and appear in grandchildren even if they were not obvious in the parents. This happens because genes can be carried silently and only show up when combined with a matching gene from the other parent. In rare cases, new traits can appear because of mutations—sudden changes in the DNA sequence—which are usually harmless but can make a person different from both parents.
Although genetics can explain many similarities, it does not mean that every family member will be identical. Sometimes, traits skip a generation and appear in grandchildren even if they were not obvious in the parents. This happens because genes can be carried silently and only show up when combined with a matching gene from the other parent. In rare cases, new traits can appear because of mutations—sudden changes in the DNA sequence—which are usually harmless but can make a person different from both parents.
Paragraph 7:
Scientists have studied family traits for centuries, but it was Gregor Mendel, a monk in the 1800s, who first discovered the basic rules of inheritance. Mendel’s experiments with pea plants showed that traits could be predicted and followed clear patterns. His work laid the foundation for the science of genetics, helping us understand why we look and behave the way we do.
Scientists have studied family traits for centuries, but it was Gregor Mendel, a monk in the 1800s, who first discovered the basic rules of inheritance. Mendel’s experiments with pea plants showed that traits could be predicted and followed clear patterns. His work laid the foundation for the science of genetics, helping us understand why we look and behave the way we do.
Paragraph 8:
Today, people use their knowledge of genetics for many reasons. Doctors can check for genetic diseases by looking for certain gene patterns. Families can discover their ancestry by sending DNA samples to laboratories. Some scientists even study how genetics affects learning or personality, although these connections are not yet fully understood.
Today, people use their knowledge of genetics for many reasons. Doctors can check for genetic diseases by looking for certain gene patterns. Families can discover their ancestry by sending DNA samples to laboratories. Some scientists even study how genetics affects learning or personality, although these connections are not yet fully understood.
Paragraph 9:
It is important to remember that genetics is not the only reason for differences or similarities among people. Environment, culture, and personal choices all have a strong influence. For example, you might inherit a talent for music, but without practice and encouragement, that talent might not develop. Genetics can give us the potential, but it is up to us—and the world around us—to decide how that potential is used.
It is important to remember that genetics is not the only reason for differences or similarities among people. Environment, culture, and personal choices all have a strong influence. For example, you might inherit a talent for music, but without practice and encouragement, that talent might not develop. Genetics can give us the potential, but it is up to us—and the world around us—to decide how that potential is used.
Paragraph 10:
Learning about genetics can help us appreciate the diversity found in families and the wider world. It reminds us that while we may share traits with our relatives, everyone is unique in their own way. By understanding both our similarities and our differences, we can better respect and support each other in every generation.
Learning about genetics can help us appreciate the diversity found in families and the wider world. It reminds us that while we may share traits with our relatives, everyone is unique in their own way. By understanding both our similarities and our differences, we can better respect and support each other in every generation.
Negative Factual Information Multiple-Choice Questions
Read each question carefully. Choose the answer that is NOT true or NOT mentioned in the passage. When you select an answer, you will instantly see a detailed explanation!
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanations
Check your answers below. Each explanation shows how to find the negative factual information using step-by-step logic.
Q1: (C)
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as an example of a physical family trait?
Step 1: Focus on the question keyword: NOT mentioned.
Step 2: Scan the passage for all listed physical family traits (eye color, hair type, shape of nose).
Step 3: Check each answer: Eye color (A), Hair type (B), and Shape of nose (D) are all specifically mentioned.
Step 4: “Height” (C) is not given anywhere as an example.
Step 5: Therefore, (C) is the correct choice—it is the only one not stated as a physical family trait.
Step 6: When you see a “NOT mentioned” question, always rule out what you can find in the text, and select the option that is missing.
Q2: (B)
According to the passage, which statement about genes is NOT true?
Step 1: This is a “NOT true” question—identify the false or unsupported statement.
Step 2: Review each option: The passage says genes are inside cells (A), passed from parents to children (C), and carry development instructions (D).
Step 3: Does the passage say genes always make siblings identical? No—it says siblings are “not exactly the same.”
Step 4: (B) is the only statement that contradicts the passage, so it’s the answer.
Step 5: For negative factual questions, always look for the one that disagrees with the text.
Step 6: Eliminate the true statements first, then select what’s left.
Q3: (B)
Which of the following is NOT given as a way that genetic traits are inherited?
Step 1: The question wants the option not given as an inheritance method.
Step 2: The passage mentions: genes from both parents (A), random gene combinations (C), and DNA mutations (D).
Step 3: Practice and learning at school (B) is specifically stated not to be a way traits are inherited.
Step 4: (B) is the answer—it is not a genetic inheritance mechanism in the passage.
Step 5: Double-check the text for any mention of learning or school as inheritance—there is none.
Q4: (D)
What is NOT mentioned in the passage as a reason people are different from one another?
Step 1: Scan for all reasons people are different, according to the passage.
Step 2: Genetics, culture, and personal choices (A, B, C) are clearly listed in the later paragraphs.
Step 3: Diet plans from doctors (D) are never mentioned anywhere.
Step 4: Eliminate all options you can directly match to the passage.
Step 5: Choose (D) because it is the only answer not included in the text.
Q5: (C)
Which of the following is NOT stated in the passage as a use of genetics in modern times?
Step 1: Identify which uses of genetics are directly stated in the passage.
Step 2: The text says genetics can help check for diseases (A), trace ancestry (B), and study connections with personality (D).
Step 3: Predicting the weather (C) is never mentioned as a use for genetics.
Step 4: Eliminate what you can prove is in the text, then pick what is missing—here, (C).
Step 5: Always look for the answer outside the passage’s scope for negative factual questions.
20 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Discover and master the most challenging vocabulary!
Each word includes phonetics, patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and top learner mistakes. Hover for a glow effect.
Each word includes phonetics, patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and top learner mistakes. Hover for a glow effect.
Genetics
/dʒəˈnet.ɪks/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
genetics + of/in + noun; study of genetics
Definition:
The scientific study of how traits are inherited from parents to children.
Example:
Simple genetics can explain why families share similar features. (Genetics = science of heredity.)
Synonym: heredity (not exact, but related)
Common Mistake: Writing "genetic" for the science ("genetics" is the noun).
Trait
/treɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
trait + of/in + noun; family trait
Definition:
A particular quality or characteristic of a person or thing.
Example:
Eye color is a family trait. (= Characteristic passed in a family.)
Synonym: characteristic, feature
Common Mistake: Using for temporary states (traits are permanent features).
Inherit
/ɪnˈher.ɪt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb
Word Pattern:
inherit + noun + from + person
Definition:
To receive a trait, property, or money from someone who had it before, especially from a parent or ancestor.
Example:
She inherited her mother’s curly hair. (= Received through genes.)
Synonym: receive (from ancestors)
Common Mistake: Using for skills learned, not genetic traits.
Generation
/ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
generation + of + noun; next generation
Definition:
All people or living things born around the same time; a level in a family tree.
Example:
Traits are passed from one generation to the next. (= From parents to children.)
Synonym: age group, cohort
Common Mistake: Using for short time spans; generations last many years.
DNA
/ˌdiː.enˈeɪ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable, abbreviation)
Word Pattern:
DNA + of/in + noun; DNA sequence
Definition:
The material in cells that carries genetic information.
Example:
Genes are sections of DNA. (= DNA carries the instructions for life.)
Synonym: genetic material
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to DNA” is incorrect).
Dominant
/ˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt/ (BrE) /ˈdɑː.mə.nənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
dominant + trait/gene; dominant over
Definition:
Stronger than others; a trait that shows up even if only one parent passes it on.
Example:
Brown eyes are a dominant trait. (= Appears if only one gene is present.)
Synonym: prevailing, stronger
Common Mistake: Using for people only (also applies to genes).
Recessive
/rɪˈses.ɪv/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
recessive + trait/gene; recessive to
Definition:
A trait that only appears if both parents pass the same gene; hidden when a dominant gene is present.
Example:
Blue eyes are a recessive trait. (= Needs two genes to show.)
Synonym: hidden (in genetics context)
Common Mistake: Using as a verb or for non-genetic features.
Sibling
/ˈsɪb.lɪŋ/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
sibling + of; siblings (plural)
Definition:
A brother or sister.
Example:
Siblings may look similar but are not identical. (= Brothers or sisters.)
Synonym: brother, sister
Common Mistake: Using for cousins or relatives outside immediate family.
Mutation
/mjuːˈteɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
mutation + in/of + noun; genetic mutation
Definition:
A sudden change in DNA that can create new traits.
Example:
Some traits appear due to mutation. (= A DNA change.)
Synonym: alteration, change
Common Mistake: Using only for negative or harmful changes (mutations can be neutral or positive).
Sequence
/ˈsiː.kwəns/ (BrE) /ˈsiː.kwəns/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
sequence + of + noun; DNA sequence
Definition:
A specific order in which things are arranged.
Example:
Mutation means a change in the DNA sequence. (= The order of parts.)
Synonym: order, arrangement
Common Mistake: Using as a verb (“to sequence” exists, but here it’s a noun).
Ancestor
/ˈæn.ses.tər/ (BrE) /ˈæn.ses.tɚ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable)
Word Pattern:
ancestor + of; ancestors (plural)
Definition:
A person from whom one is descended, usually from many generations ago.
Example:
Our ancestors pass down their genes to us. (= Family members from the past.)
Synonym: forebear, predecessor
Common Mistake: Using for living relatives.
Foundation
/faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
foundation + of/for + noun; lay the foundation
Definition:
The base or starting point of something; what supports it.
Example:
Mendel’s work laid the foundation for genetics. (= Provided the base for future science.)
Synonym: basis, groundwork
Common Mistake: Using only for physical buildings (can also be abstract).
Ancestry
/ˈæn.ses.tri/ (BrE) /ˈæn.ses.tri/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
ancestry + of; trace your ancestry
Definition:
Family origin or background; where one’s ancestors came from.
Example:
DNA tests can discover your ancestry. (= Family history.)
Synonym: lineage, heritage
Common Mistake: Confusing with "ancestor" (ancestry = whole family background).
Environment
/ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
environment + of/in; physical/social environment
Definition:
The conditions or surroundings where people or animals live.
Example:
Lifestyle and environment affect health. (= Everything around us.)
Synonym: surroundings, setting
Common Mistake: Using for only nature; it can also mean social surroundings.
Influence
/ˈɪn.flu.əns/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Word Pattern:
influence + on/over; to influence
Definition:
The effect that someone or something has on another.
Example:
Culture has a strong influence on people. (= Has an effect.)
Synonym: effect, impact
Common Mistake: Confusing noun and verb forms.
Personality
/ˌpɜː.sənˈæl.ɪ.ti/ (BrE) /ˌpɝː.sənˈæl.ə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (countable, uncountable)
Word Pattern:
personality + of; have a/an + adjective + personality
Definition:
A person’s character, feelings, and behavior patterns.
Example:
Genetics may affect personality. (= Our character and nature.)
Synonym: character, temperament
Common Mistake: Using only for famous people (it’s for anyone’s character).
Characteristic
/ˌkær.ɪk.təˈrɪs.tɪk/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Word Pattern:
characteristic + of; a characteristic feature
Definition:
A typical quality that makes something or someone different.
Example:
Having dimples is a characteristic of her family. (= A typical feature.)
Synonym: trait, feature
Common Mistake: Mixing up noun and adjective uses.
Potential
/pəˈten.ʃəl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Word Pattern:
potential + for/to; potential (adj.) + noun
Definition:
The possibility to develop or achieve something in the future.
Example:
Genetics can give us potential for certain talents. (= Future ability.)
Synonym: ability, capacity
Common Mistake: Using as a verb.
Unique
/juːˈniːk/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
unique + to; a unique person/thing
Definition:
Being the only one of its kind; different from all others.
Example:
Everyone is unique in their own way. (= No one else is exactly the same.)
Synonym: one-of-a-kind, special
Common Mistake: Saying “very unique” (unique cannot be graded).
Diversity
/daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/ (BrE) /daɪˈvɝː.sə.t̬i/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
diversity + of/in; genetic diversity
Definition:
A range of many different things or people; variety.
Example:
Genetics helps us appreciate diversity in families. (= Many kinds and differences.)
Synonym: variety, multiplicity
Common Mistake: Using “diversities” (plural is rare).
20 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Deepen your knowledge with real English expressions!
Each phrase includes phonetics, usage, definitions, context, synonyms, and common mistakes. Hover for animated glow.
Each phrase includes phonetics, usage, definitions, context, synonyms, and common mistakes. Hover for animated glow.
look in the mirror
/lʊk ɪn ðə ˈmɪr.ər/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
look in the mirror (look at yourself)
Definition:
To look at your reflection in a mirror.
Example:
When you look in the mirror, you may see traits from your parents.
Synonym: see yourself
Common Mistake: Using “look to the mirror”.
passed from one generation to the next
/pɑːst frɒm wʌn ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən tuː ðə nekst/
Part of Speech:
passive verb phrase
Pattern:
be passed from A to B
Definition:
To be transmitted or given from parents to children, then to grandchildren, etc.
Example:
Family traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Synonym: handed down
Common Mistake: Forgetting “to the next”.
at the heart of
/ət ðə hɑːt ɒv/ (BrE) /hɑːrt ʌv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Pattern:
at the heart of + noun
Definition:
At the centre or core of something; most important part.
Example:
At the heart of genetics are genes.
Synonym: central to, core of
Common Mistake: Using “in the heart of” in this sense (it means “in the middle” physically).
carry the instructions
/ˈkæri ði ɪnˈstrʌk.ʃənz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
carry + noun (the instructions)
Definition:
To contain or hold important information or directions.
Example:
Genes carry the instructions for our bodies to develop.
Synonym: contain the information
Common Mistake: Saying “have the instructions”.
inherited from our parents
/ɪnˈherɪtɪd frɒm ˈaʊə ˈpeə.rənts/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (passive)
Pattern:
be inherited from + noun
Definition:
To receive a quality or trait from your mother or father.
Example:
Many features are inherited from our parents.
Synonym: come from, passed down from
Common Mistake: Using “by” instead of “from”.
make each person unique
/meɪk iːʧ ˈpɜː.sən juːˈniːk/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
make + object + adjective
Definition:
To cause every individual to be different from others.
Example:
Gene combinations help make each person unique.
Synonym: give uniqueness, set apart
Common Mistake: Using “makes unique each person”.
at random
/ət ˈræn.dəm/
Part of Speech:
adverbial phrase
Pattern:
at random (after verb)
Definition:
Without any special order or plan; by chance.
Example:
One copy from each parent is passed down at random.
Synonym: by chance
Common Mistake: Using “in random”.
even among siblings
/ˈiː.vən əˈmʌŋ ˈsɪb.lɪŋz/
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Pattern:
even among + group
Definition:
Used to emphasize something is true for all people in a group, including those most similar.
Example:
Gene combinations make each person unique, even among siblings.
Synonym: also between
Common Mistake: Using “between” instead of “among” for groups.
dominant traits appear
/ˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt treɪts əˈpɪər/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
dominant traits + verb
Definition:
Dominant genes show up in the person’s features if present.
Example:
Dominant traits appear even if only one parent passes the gene.
Synonym: show, be visible
Common Mistake: Using “are appear”.
less common
/les ˈkɒm.ən/
Part of Speech:
adjective phrase
Pattern:
less/more common + than
Definition:
Happening or existing less frequently.
Example:
Blue eyes are less common in some families.
Synonym: rarer
Common Mistake: Using “lower common”.
no matter how hard they try
/nəʊ ˈmæt.ər haʊ hɑːd ðeɪ traɪ/
Part of Speech:
conjunction phrase
Pattern:
no matter how + clause
Definition:
Regardless of the effort; even if they try a lot.
Example:
Some people cannot roll their tongue, no matter how hard they try.
Synonym: regardless of effort
Common Mistake: Using “doesn’t matter how hard”.
affect health
/əˈfekt helθ/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
affect + noun
Definition:
To have an influence on someone’s health.
Example:
Genetic traits can affect health.
Synonym: influence, impact
Common Mistake: Using “effect” as a verb.
play important roles
/pleɪ ɪmˈpɔː.tənt rəʊlz/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
play + adjective + role(s)
Definition:
To have an important part or influence in something.
Example:
Lifestyle and environment also play important roles in health.
Synonym: be significant, contribute to
Common Mistake: Using “do” instead of “play” for roles.
skip a generation
/skɪp ə ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
trait + skips a generation
Definition:
When a trait is not visible in the parents but appears in the children’s children.
Example:
Sometimes, traits skip a generation and appear in grandchildren.
Synonym: miss a generation
Common Mistake: Using “miss” incorrectly.
carried silently
/ˈkær.id ˈsaɪ.lənt.li/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (passive)
Pattern:
be carried silently
Definition:
When a gene or trait is present but not visible in someone.
Example:
Some genes are carried silently and only show up later.
Synonym: hidden, not expressed
Common Mistake: Using “keep silently”.
laid the foundation
/leɪd ðə faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase (past tense)
Pattern:
lay the foundation (for)
Definition:
To start or create the basic idea or system for something to develop.
Example:
Mendel’s work laid the foundation for genetics.
Synonym: established the basis, pioneered
Common Mistake: Using “made the foundation”.
trace ancestry
/treɪs ˈæn.ses.tri/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
trace + (your) ancestry
Definition:
To discover information about your family’s past.
Example:
You can trace your ancestry using DNA tests.
Synonym: research family tree
Common Mistake: Using “follow ancestry”.
have a strong influence
/hæv ə strɒŋ ˈɪn.flu.əns/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
have a/an + adjective + influence (on)
Definition:
To affect something or someone in a big way.
Example:
Culture and personal choices have a strong influence.
Synonym: impact, affect
Common Mistake: Using “make” instead of “have” for influence.
up to us
/ʌp tuː ʌs/
Part of Speech:
prepositional phrase
Pattern:
it is up to (someone) + to + verb
Definition:
Depending on us to decide or do something; our responsibility.
Example:
It is up to us to use our potential.
Synonym: our choice, our responsibility
Common Mistake: Using “on us” instead of “up to us”.
appreciate the diversity
/əˈpriː.ʃi.eɪt ðə daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/
Part of Speech:
verb phrase
Pattern:
appreciate + noun
Definition:
To recognize and value the range of different things or people.
Example:
Genetics can help us appreciate the diversity in families.
Synonym: value the variety
Common Mistake: Using “appreciate of” (no “of”).
Interactive Exercise 1: Practice Words & Expressions
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Interactive Exercise 2: More Words & Expressions Practice
Test yourself with another 10 questions on advanced vocabulary and phrases from the passage! Get instant feedback and detailed explanations.
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