IELTS Secrets - EXPLANATION

READING 1: WOLF PACK STRUCTURE AND HIERARCHY

Q1: It is at the forefront of the pack when it makes a kill.
Answer: B
Key word(s): forefront of the pack, kill
Cited Sentence: "However, it does not lead the pack into the hunt, for it is far too valuable to risk being injured or killed. That is the responsibility of the beta wolf."
Explanation: The sentence specifies that the alpha does not lead the hunt, and the beta wolf is responsible for leading the pack into the kill. Therefore, the correct answer is the beta wolf, not the alpha.

Q2: It tries to calm tensions and settle disputes between pack members.
Answer: D
Key word(s): calm tensions, settle disputes
Cited Sentence: "but often playing the role of peacemaker by intervening in an intra-pack squabble and defusing the situation by clowning around."
Explanation: The omega wolf is described as resolving conflicts by acting as a peacemaker, which involves calming tensions and settling disputes between pack members.

Q3: It is the wolf in charge and maintains control over the pack.
Answer: A
Key word(s): in charge, maintain control
Cited Sentence: "The supreme leader is a very experienced wolf – the alpha – who has dominance over the whole pack."
Explanation: The alpha wolf is identified as the supreme leader with dominance over the entire pack, hence it is the one in charge and maintains control.

Q4: It warns the leader of potential danger.
Answer: C
Key word(s): warns, leader, potential danger
Cited Sentence: "The tester, a watchful and distrustful character, will alert the alpha if it encounters anything suspicious while it is scouting around looking for signs of trouble."
Explanation: The tester wolf is responsible for alerting the alpha of potential dangers, indicating that this role belongs to the tester wolf.

Q5: It protects the leader of the pack.
Answer: B
Key word(s): protects, leader
Cited Sentence: "It is both the disciplinarian of the pack and the alpha’s bodyguard."
Explanation: The beta wolf acts as the alpha’s bodyguard, directly protecting the leader of the pack.

Q6: It sets up a trial to determine whether a wolf is worthy of its status in the pack.
Answer: C
Key word(s): trial, worthy, status
Cited Sentence: "It does this by creating a situation that tests their bravery and courage, by starting a fight, for instance."
Explanation: The tester wolf creates situations to test the courage and bravery of other pack members, determining their worthiness within the pack hierarchy.

Q7: Wolves are a constant danger to humans.
Answer: FALSE
Key word(s): constant danger, humans
Cited Sentence: "Wolves have earned themselves an undeserved reputation for being ruthless predators and a danger to humans and livestock."
Explanation: The sentence clarifies that wolves have an "undeserved reputation" as a danger to humans, which suggests that they are not a constant danger.

Q8: Crossbred wolves or sick wolves are most likely to blame for attacks on people.
Answer: TRUE
Key word(s): crossbred wolves, sick wolves, attacks on people
Cited Sentence: "It has been suggested that hybrid wolf-dogs or wolves suffering from rabies are actually responsible for many of the historical offences as well as more recent incidents."
Explanation: The text specifically states that hybrid wolf-dogs or sick wolves (e.g., those with rabies) are to blame for attacks on people, making this statement true.

Q9: Canadian wolves prefer to eat fish, namely salmon.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Key word(s): Canadian wolves, prefer to eat fish, salmon
Cited Sentence: "Some wolves in western Canada are known to fish for salmon."
Explanation: The text mentions that some wolves in western Canada fish for salmon, but it does not state that they prefer to eat fish over other foods. Thus, this information is not given.

Q10: The wolf pack leader identifies a particular target for attack by its smell.
Answer: TRUE
Key word(s): pack leader, identifies, target, attack, smell
Cited Sentence: "The alpha wolf picks out a specific animal in a large herd by the scent it leaves behind."
Explanation: The text clearly states that the alpha wolf uses scent to identify a particular target for attack, confirming that the statement is true.

Q11: When wolves attack a herd, they go after the healthiest animal.
Answer: FALSE
Key word(s): attack, herd, healthiest animal
Cited Sentence: "The prey is often a very young, old or injured animal in poor condition."
Explanation: Wolves target the weakest, such as the very young, old, or injured animals, rather than the healthiest ones, making this statement false.

Q12: The piece of a dead animal that a wolf may eat depends on its status in the pack.
Answer: TRUE
Key word(s): piece of animal, eat, depends on status
Cited Sentence: "Every member of the family has a designated spot at the carcass... The alpha wolf eats the prized internal organs while the beta is entitled to the muscle-meat of the rump and thigh, and the omega and other low ranks are assigned the intestinal contents and less desirable parts such as the backbone and ribs."
Explanation: The text clearly states that the part of the animal each wolf eats depends on their rank in the pack, confirming this statement is true.

Q13: A low-ranking wolf must show submission or the dominant wolf will attack it.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Key word(s): low-ranking wolf, submission, dominant wolf, attack
Cited Sentence: "A lesser-ranking wolf must slow down, lower itself, and pass to the side with head averted to show deference; or, in an extreme act of passive submission, it may roll onto its back, exposing its throat and belly."
Explanation: The text explains the submissive behavior of a lower-ranking wolf, but it does not state that the dominant wolf will attack if submission is not shown. Therefore, this is not given in the passage.

READING 2: ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

Q14: an explanation of how population expansion exposes humans to disease

Answer: F
Key word(s): population expansion, exposes humans to disease
Cited Sentence: "Suburban sprawl is seen as more than a socioeconomic problem for it brings an immediate imbalance to the rural ecosystem, increasing population density so people come into closer contact with disease-carrying rodents or other animals."
Explanation: The sentence explains that population expansion, specifically through suburban sprawl, increases human exposure to disease by bringing people into closer contact with disease-carrying animals. This directly matches the question about how population growth leads to greater exposure to disease.

Q15: the idea that each person can react differently to the same risk factors

Answer: D
Key word(s): individual susceptibility, react differently
Cited Sentence: "Individuals may be susceptible to any number of excitants but those exposed to the same risk factors do not necessarily develop the same disease, due in large part to genetic predisposition."
Explanation: This sentence highlights individual susceptibility, explaining that while people may be exposed to the same environmental risk factors, they can react differently based on factors like genetic predisposition. This directly answers the question.

Q16: types of disease-causing agents that move between species

Answer: G
Key word(s): disease-causing agents, move between species
Cited Sentence: "Different types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, cause zoonoses."
Explanation: The sentence clearly lists various types of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) that cause zoonoses, which are diseases transmitted between animals and humans. This is the most relevant information for answering the question.

Q17: examples of professionals working in the sphere of environmental medicine

Answer: B
Key word(s): professionals, environmental medicine
Cited Sentence: "As well as doctors, clinicians and medical researchers, there may be marine and climate biologists, toxicologists, veterinarians, geospatial and landscape analysts, even political scientists and economists."
Explanation: This sentence provides examples of various professionals (doctors, clinicians, biologists, toxicologists, veterinarians, etc.) who are involved in the field of environmental medicine. This directly answers the question.

Q18: a definition of environmental medicine

Answer: A
Key word(s): definition, environmental medicine
Cited Sentence: "In simple terms, environmental medicine deals with the interaction between human and animal health and the environment."
Explanation: This is a clear definition of environmental medicine, explaining that it focuses on the interaction between human and animal health and environmental factors. It directly answers the question.

Q19: how ill health results from an accumulation of environmental stressors

Answer: C
Key word(s): ill health, accumulation, environmental stressors
Cited Sentence: "If a person with numerous and/or chronic exposures to environmental chemicals suffers a psychological upset, for example, this could overburden his immune system and result in actual physical illness."
Explanation: This sentence explains that ill health can occur when a person is exposed to many environmental stressors (like chemicals), leading to overburdened immune systems and physical illness. This directly addresses how environmental stressors accumulate and lead to illness.

Q20: According to Dr Randolph, people get sick because of ……………….. – in other words, a failure to adjust to the modern environment.

Answer: maladaptation
Key word(s): Dr Randolph, sick, failure to adjust
Cited Sentence: "Dr Randolph suggested that our bodies, designed for the Stone Age, have not quite caught up with the modern age and consequently, many people suffer diseases from maladaptation, or an inability to deal with some of the new substances that are now part of our environment."
Explanation: The key word in this sentence is "maladaptation," which refers to the failure to adjust to the modern environment, leading to illness. This directly answers the question.

Q21: Vague, far-off concepts like global warming are made more urgent when ……………….. are studied together.

Answer: environment and health/health and environment
Key word(s): global warming, studied together
Cited Sentence: "Looking at the environment and health together is a way of making distant and nebulous notions, such as global warming, more immediate and important."
Explanation: The sentence clearly explains that global warming becomes more urgent when the connection between the environment and health is studied together. The phrase "environment and health" or "health and environment" is the direct answer.

Q22: Rising temperatures result in more widespread distribution of disease because some insects are able to ……………….. .

Answer: expand their range
Key word(s): rising temperatures, disease distribution, insects
Cited Sentence: "Rising temperatures result in more widespread distribution of disease because some insects are able to expand their range."
Explanation: The sentence directly connects rising temperatures to the spread of disease by stating that insects can expand their range, leading to more widespread disease. This is the answer to the question.

Q23: Large-scale removal of trees forces wildlife from their habitat and brings them into contact with ……………….. .

Answer: domesticated animals
Key word(s): removal of trees, wildlife, habitat, contact
Cited Sentence: "Large-scale removal of trees forces wildlife from their habitat and brings them into contact with domesticated animals."
Explanation: The sentence explains that deforestation displaces wildlife, causing them to come into contact with domesticated animals. This directly answers the question.

Q24: Uncontrollable ……………….. of zoonotic viruses are becoming more numerous.

Answer: outbreaks
Key word(s): uncontrollable, zoonotic viruses
Cited Sentence: "Uncontrollable outbreaks of zoonotic viruses are becoming more numerous."
Explanation: The sentence uses the term "outbreaks" to describe the uncontrollable spread of zoonotic viruses. This is the answer to the question.

Q25: Collaboration between many disciplines is needed to confront the problems of urban development, pollution, ……………….. and new pathogens.

Answer: climate change
Key word(s): collaboration, urban development, pollution, new pathogens
Cited Sentence: "Collaboration between many disciplines is needed to confront the problems of urban development, pollution, climate change and new pathogens."
Explanation: The sentence directly mentions the need for collaboration to address problems like climate change along with urban development, pollution, and new pathogens. This is the answer.

Q26: Environmental medicine should receive more ……………….. to help it meet future demands.

Answer: (government) funds
Key word(s): environmental medicine, future demands
Cited Sentence: "This can only happen if additional government funds are channelled into the study and practice of environmental medicine."
Explanation: The sentence indicates that additional government funds are necessary for environmental medicine to meet future demands. This is the correct answer.

READING 3: TELEVISION AND SPORT

Q27: Paragraph B
Answer: ix
Key word(s): Local game, lower-league teams, fans, top-flight matches, TV
Cited Sentence: "For the majority of fans, who were unable to afford tickets to the top-flight matches, or to travel the long distances required to see them, the only option was to attend a local game instead, where the stakes were much lower."
Explanation: This paragraph explains how the advent of live TV led to fans shifting away from supporting lower-league teams, ultimately causing many to fold. Thus, the heading "Lower-level teams lose out" accurately summarizes the impact of TV on local teams.

Q28: Paragraph C
Answer: ii
Key word(s): Financial rewards, television, athletes, endorsement deals
Cited Sentence: "Television assisted in derailing long-held concerns in many sports about whether athletes should remain amateurs or ‘go pro’, and replaced this system with a new paradigm where nearly all athletes are free to pursue stardom and to make money from their sporting prowess."
Explanation: This paragraph highlights how television enabled athletes to pursue financial rewards through sponsorships and endorsements. The heading "More money-making opportunities" aligns with the increased revenue opportunities for athletes.

Q29: Paragraph D
Answer: viii
Key word(s): Rules changed, television, Winter Olympics, figure skating, football
Cited Sentence: "Ultimately, figures were scrapped in favour of a short programme featuring more telegenic twists and jumps. Other sports are awash with similar regulatory shifts."
Explanation: The paragraph discusses how television influenced the rules of sports to make them more suitable for viewing, as seen in figure skating and football. The heading "Rules changed to please viewers" directly reflects these changes.

Q30: Paragraph E
Answer: xi
Key word(s): TV appeal, individual sports, Tour de France, wrestling, Olympic Games
Cited Sentence: "Wrestling, perhaps due to an image problem that repelled younger (and highly prized) television viewers, was scheduled for removal from the 2020 Olympic Games despite being a founding sport and a fixture of the Olympics since 708 BC."
Explanation: This paragraph examines how the success of sports on TV can influence their success, including events like the Tour de France and wrestling’s removal from the Olympics due to its lack of television appeal. The heading "TV appeal influences sports’ success" captures this dynamic.

Q31: Paragraph F
Answer: vi
Key word(s): Personal narratives, television, human interest stories, competitors
Cited Sentence: "As a result, many viewers are now more familiar with the private agonies of famous athletes than with their record scores or matchday tactics."
Explanation: This paragraph focuses on how television has shifted the focus from athletic performance to personal stories of athletes, which appeals to broader audiences. The heading "Personal stories become the focus" aligns perfectly with the paragraph’s content.

Q32: Paragraph G
Answer: i
Key word(s): Gender bias, female athletes, male demographic
Cited Sentence: "Those sports where women can draw the crowds – beach volleyball, for example – are often those where female participants are encouraged to dress and behave in ways oriented specifically toward a male demographic."
Explanation: The paragraph highlights how female athletes face gender bias in televised sports, particularly when their portrayal is tailored to attract male viewers. The heading "Gender bias in televised sport" accurately reflects this issue.

Q33: Paragraph H
Answer: iii
Key word(s): Influence of television, various stakeholders, benefits, losses
Cited Sentence: "For all those who have lost out – lower-league teams, athletes whose sports lack a certain visual appeal – there are numerous others who have benefitted normously from the partnership between television and sports, and whose livelihoods now depend on it."
Explanation: This paragraph presents a balanced view on the positive and negative impacts of television on sports, depending on the perspective of the stakeholders involved. The heading "Mixed views on TV’s role in sports" fits as it summarizes the diverse opinions on the issue.

Q34: Television networks were slow to recognise opportunities to make money from televised sport.
Answer: NO
Key word(s): Television networks, slow, opportunities, money
Cited Sentence: "Major television stations immediately seized the revenue-generating prospects of televising sports and this has changed everything, from how they are played to who has a chance to watch them."
Explanation: The sentence indicates that television networks quickly recognized and capitalized on the opportunity to profit from sports, contradicting the statement in the question.

Q35: The average sports fan travelled a long way to watch matches before live television broadcasts.
Answer: NO
Key word(s): Sports fan, travelled a long way, live broadcasts
Cited Sentence: "For the majority of fans, who were unable to afford tickets to the top-flight matches, or to travel the long distances required to see them, the only option was to attend a local game instead."
Explanation: The sentence clarifies that many fans could not afford to travel long distances to see top-flight matches, so they attended local games instead, suggesting the statement is incorrect.

Q36: Television has reduced the significance of an athlete’s amateur status.
Answer: YES
Key word(s): Amateur status, television, athletes
Cited Sentence: "Television assisted in derailing long-held concerns in many sports about whether athletes should remain amateurs or ‘go pro’, and replaced this system with a new paradigm where nearly all athletes are free to pursue stardom and to make money from their sporting prowess."
Explanation: This statement directly reflects the shift in the sports industry towards professional athletes as a result of television’s influence, reducing the importance of amateur status.

Q37: The best athletes are now more interested in financial success rather than sporting achievement.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Key word(s): Best athletes, financial success, sporting achievement
Cited Sentence: The passage does not discuss whether top athletes are now more focused on financial success than sporting achievement.
Explanation: While the text mentions the financial rewards for athletes, it does not make a clear statement on their priorities, making this answer impossible to confirm.

Q38: Ice skating – viewers find ‘figures’ boring so they are replaced with a …
Answer: short programme
Key word(s): Ice skating, figures, boring, replaced
Cited Sentence: "Ultimately, figures were scrapped in favour of a short programme featuring more telegenic twists and jumps."
Explanation: The paragraph specifies that the boring 'figures' in ice skating were replaced by a more dynamic "short programme."

Q39: Back-passing banned in football.
Answer: image problem
Key word(s): Back-passing, football, banned
Cited Sentence: "Passing the ball back to the goalkeeper was banned in football after gameplay at the 1990 World Cup was deemed overly defensive by television viewers."
Explanation: The change was prompted by television viewers’ complaints about the overly defensive style, though the specific "image problem" isn't directly stated here.

Q40: Beach volleyball aimed at …
Answer: male demographic
Key word(s): Beach volleyball, aimed, male demographic
Cited Sentence: "Those sports where women can draw the crowds – beach volleyball, for example – are often those where female participants are encouraged to dress and behave in ways oriented specifically toward a male demographic."
Explanation: The sentence clearly states that beach volleyball caters to a male audience, reflecting the “male demographic” in the answer.