Candle Making Vocabulary Quiz
10 questions on candle making terms: wick, wax, hot throw, tunnelling and how candles are made. B1–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Candle Making is actually used in context at B1–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as wick, wax, fragrance load, tunnelling and hot throw, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word. Read the full Candle Making vocabulary guide first if you need a refresher.
Working through all 10 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your candle making vocabulary.
Candle Making Vocabulary — FAQ
What is a wick and why does it matter?
A wick is the braided cord running through a candle that draws up melted wax and burns to create the flame. Choosing the right wick size is essential: too small and the candle will tunnel, too large and it will smoke or burn too fast. Wick choice depends on the wax type, the container's width, and the fragrance load.
What is the difference between soy wax and paraffin wax?
Soy wax is a plant-based wax that generally burns cleaner and more slowly, and many customers prefer it as a natural option. Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax that is affordable, holds fragrance strongly, and is common in pillar candles because it can hold detailed shapes well. Both are widely used, and the choice often depends on burn style and personal preference.
What causes tunnelling in a candle?
Tunnelling happens when a candle burns straight down the centre, leaving a ring of solid wax untouched at the edges. It is usually caused by an undersized wick or by extinguishing the candle before the melted wax pool reaches the container's edge on its first burn. Using the correct wick size and allowing a full first burn helps prevent it.
What is the difference between hot throw and cold throw?
Cold throw is how strongly a candle's scent can be detected when it is unlit, which helps buyers judge fragrance while shopping. Hot throw is how strongly the scent fills a room while the candle is actually burning, which matters most for the finished experience. A candle can have a strong cold throw but a weaker hot throw, or the reverse.
Why do candles need to cure before burning?
To cure a candle means to let it rest, often for about two weeks, after it has been poured. During this time the wax fully hardens and the fragrance oil binds more evenly throughout it, which usually improves the hot throw. Burning a candle too soon after pouring can result in a weaker scent.
What is fragrance load in candle making?
Fragrance load is the percentage of scent oil added relative to the amount of wax in a recipe. Most container candle wax can safely hold a fragrance load of around six to ten percent, though this varies by wax type. Adding too much fragrance oil can prevent the candle from setting properly or cause it to burn unevenly.
What is the difference between a container candle and a pillar candle?
A container candle is poured directly into a jar, tin, or other vessel that holds it as it burns, making it simple and safe for everyday use. A pillar candle is freestanding, made in a mould and removed once set, so it must use a wax firm enough to hold its own shape without support.
Is candle making vocabulary useful for English learners?
Yes, especially for anyone interested in craft, small business, or home décor. This vocabulary appears in tutorials, product descriptions, and craft-market conversations, and terms such as batch, cure, and mould also transfer to other creative hobbies. It is good practice for describing a process and troubleshooting problems in English.
Why is a flashpoint important when adding fragrance oil?
The flashpoint of a fragrance oil is the temperature at which its vapours could ignite, so wax must be cooled below this point before the oil is stirred in. Adding fragrance oil at too high a temperature is a fire risk and can also weaken the scent, since some of the fragrance simply evaporates away.
Which candle making words should I learn first?
Start with the everyday core: wax, wick, mould, pour, and scent. These describe the basic materials and process. At higher levels, add fragrance load, hot throw, cold throw, tunnelling, and flashpoint, which let you discuss quality, troubleshooting, and safety like an experienced maker.