Vocabulary for IELTS - Lesson 9 - The natural world

Vocabulary for IELTS - Lesson 9 - The natural world

​Flora and fauna, agriculture

by Ngọc Minh Nguyễn

Open Ended

1.1     How many plants and animals do you know? Can you name as many as you know:

A. animals found in Africa?

Open Ended

1.1     How many plants and animals do you know? Can you name as many as you know:

B. different types of flower?

Open Ended

1.1     How many plants and animals do you know? Can you name as many as you know:

C. different types of fruit?

Open Ended

1.1     How many plants and animals do you know? Can you name as many as you know:

D. animals found in Australia?

Open Ended

1.1     How many plants and animals do you know? Can you name as many as you know:

E. different types of tree?

Open Ended

1.1     How many plants and animals do you know? Can you name as many as you know:

F. different types of vegetable?

Open Ended

1.2 Are these words associated with plants or animals? Put the words into the correct column.

flora, fauna, vegetation, branch, twig, root, coat, predator, beak, trunk, fur, hide, scales, feathers, paw, claw, thorn, petal, horn

ANIMALS:

Open Ended

1.2 Are these words associated with plants or animals? Put the words into the correct column. Which word can go in both categories?

flora, fauna, vegetation, branch, twig, root, coat, predator, beak, trunk, fur, hide, scales, feathers, paw, claw, thorn, petal, horn

PLANTS

​1.2 Answer key

​​ANIMALS: coat, claw, beak, fauna, fur, feathers, hide, horn, paw, predator, scales, trunk

​PLANTS: branch, flora, petal, root, thorn, twig, trunk, vegetation

​​A trunk can be part of a tree or on an elephant.

Open Ended

1.2 Which five words in the animal column are connected to their skin or covering?

flora, fauna, vegetation, branch, twig, root, coat, predator, beak, trunk, fur, hide, scales, feathers, paw, claw, thorn, petal, horn

​1.2 Answer key

Coat, feathers, fur, hide and scales are all associated with the skin or covering of animals.

​Error warning

​We say we must take care of nature. NOT We must take care of the nature. Natural is the adjective form: It is a natural process. NOT It is a nature process.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

1. It's human

to want to find a solution to our problems.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

2. Vegans do not use or eat any

products.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

3. I would rather be served by a

being than by a computer.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

4. I am constantly amazed by how beautiful and how destructive mother

can be.

​mother nature (n)

​/ˌmʌðər ˈneɪtʃər/

​the natural world, when you consider it as a force that affects the world and humans

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

5. Man is said to be the most dangerous creature of all the

 kingdom.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

6. Animals are much happier living in their

 habitat.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

7. Man-made disasters such as chemical spills can destroy the

balance.

Fill in the Blanks

1.3 COMPOUND NOUNS Complete the sentences by adding one of these words animal, human, nature, natural .

8. In some countries prisoners are denied basic

 rights.

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Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• rose

• tulip

• daisy

• weed

Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• plant

• grow

• cultivate

• soil

Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• crop

• plant

• shrub

• bush

Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• organic

• natural

• chemical

• biological

Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• tropical

• subtropical

• humid

• arid

Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• arid

• desert

• semi-arid

• tropical

Multiple Choice

2.1 Which is the odd one out? Circle the word which is different from the others and say why.

• endemic

• native

• introduced

• local

​2.1 Answer key

1. rose tulip daisy weed (We want to grow the others

2. plant grow cultivate soil (the others are verbs)

3. crop plant shrub bush (the others are single plants)

4. organic natural chemical biological (the others mean without chemicals)

5. tropical subtropical humid arid (the others are all wet climates)

6. arid desert semi-arid tropical (the others are all dry climates)

7. endemic native introduced local (the others all refer to things that naturally belong to an area)

Multiple Choice

2.2 Read the text and then decide if the statements below are true or false.

1. Farmers do not like using chemicals to kill pests.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Fill in the Blanks

2.2 Find words in the text which mean the same or the opposite of the underlined words.

1. Farmers do not like using chemicals to kill pests.

Multiple Choice

2.2 Read the text and then decide if the statements below are true or false.

2. The prickly pear was planted as a type of barrier between fields.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Fill in the Blanks

2.2 Find words in the text which mean the same or the opposite of the underlined words.

2. The prickly pear was planted as a type of barrier between fields.

Multiple Choice

2.2 Read the text and then decide if the statements below are true or false.

3. The Cactoblastis moth killed off nearly all prickly pear plants.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Fill in the Blanks

2.2 Find words in the text which mean the same or the opposite of the underlined words.

3. The Cactoblastis moth killed off nearly all prickly pear plants.

Multiple Choice

2.2 Read the text and then decide if the statements below are true or false.

4. The cane toad was a native species to Australia.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Fill in the Blanks

2.2 Find words in the text which mean the same or the opposite of the underlined words.

4. The cane toad was a native species to Australia.

Multiple Choice

2.2 Read the text and then decide if the statements below are true or false.

5. Using the cane toad was very successful.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Fill in the Blanks

2.2 Find words in the text which mean the same or the opposite of the underlined words.

5. Using the cane toad was very successful.

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

1.      at risk

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

2. negative effects

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

3. to stop being affected by something

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

4. at risk of dying out

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

5. no longer existing

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

6. crops whose genes have been scientifically changed

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

7. extremely bad or unsuccessful

Fill in the Blanks

2.3 Now read the rest of the text and match the underlined words to the definitions below.

Other introduced species have proved similarly disastrous among native Australian animals. Since the introduction of the cat, the fox and the rabbit from Europe, 19 species of native animals have become extinct and a further 250 species are considered to be either endangered or vulnerable. The modern-day approach to the biological control of pests is through genetically modified crops. It remains to be seen whether this controversial method will have any long-term repercussions, particularly in regards to the ecological balance of the environment where they are grown. Some fear that insects may become resistant to these new crops and therefore become even more difficult to control.

8. the relationship between plants, animals, land, air, and water

​ecological balance (n.p)

​/(iːkəlɒdʒɪkəl bæləns/

​Ex: Bees play an important role in the ecological balance, and their demise has serious effects on the food chain.

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Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the ⁷earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may ¹⁰ stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.

Fill in the Blanks

3     Improve the text by replacing the underlined words with a suitable word or phrase from this unit.

Some farmers believe that growing ¹ fruit and vegetables that have been ² changed so that their genes are different is a good way to ³ totally stop pests and improve the quality of their produce. However, this type of ⁴farming has both advantages and disadvantages.

One of the advantages is that farmers can grow plants that produce a poison that is harmful to ⁵ small animals like flies and caterpillars. This means that farmers will not have to use ⁶ chemicals to kill these animals and so this should be better for the surrounding environment and the' earth that plants grow in. As a result, it could help to protect other ⁸ plants as well as the ⁹ living space of any animals in the area.

On the other hand, farmers usually only spray their fields once or twice per year but these new plants would be toxic all year round. Furthermore, it is possible that over time the pests may stop being killed by the toxins and so the problem would be worse than ever. The toxins may also be poisonous to other plants and animals and this would upset the ¹¹ way plants and animals live and grow together and may lead to more animals becoming ¹² at risk of extinction.