IELTSListeningÖva58

The answer is 500. The script mentions that the aguacate, which refers to the avocado, "had been a staple food in Mexico, and Central and South America since 500 BC." This provides a clear chronological starting point for the popularity of avocados in Mexico, making 500 the correct answer.

Associated Text:
The aguacate, a pebbly-skinned, pear-shaped fruit, had been a staple food in Mexico, and Central and South America since 500 BC.

The answer is commercially. The script states that "Until the early 1900s, the aguacate had never been grown commercially in the United States." This indicates that in the early 1900s, American farmers began growing avocados in a commercial manner, making 'commercially' the correct answer.

Associated Text:
Until the early 1900s, the aguacate had never been grown commercially in the United States.

The answer is pronounce. According to the script, one marketing problem was that "'aguacate' was too hard for Americans to pronounce." This directly addresses why the original name was changed, confirming that 'pronounce' is the correct answer.

Associated Text:
First, 'aguacate' was too hard for Americans to pronounce.

The answer is sweet. The script explains that E.J. Wilson predicted little interest from the American market because "it contained no sugar, and fruits were supposed to be sweet — the sweeter the better." This highlights the idea that Wilson thought avocados were not sweet enough to become popular, with 'sweet' being the correct answer.

Associated Text:
E.J. Wilson, a Berkeley horticulturalist, predicted little interest from the American market, saying that it contained no sugar, and fruits were supposed to be sweet — the sweeter the better.

The answer is sliced. The script notes that "its flesh is unlike any other: buttery, not sweet, somewhat nutty and oily in flavour; firm enough to be sliced or diced, yet pliable enough to be mashed into a paste or puree." This shows that avocados can be prepared by being sliced, which is the answer needed.

Associated Text:
firm enough to be sliced or diced, yet pliable enough to be mashed into a paste or puree.

The answer is smaller. The script describes the Hass avocado as having "a thicker skin and smaller body than other varieties." Thus, compared to other varieties, the Hass avocado is smaller, making 'smaller' the correct answer.

Associated Text:
the distinctive purplish-black fruit has a thicker skin and smaller body than other varieties.

The answer is nutty. The script indicates that the Hass avocado's "higher oil content and good nutty flavour appealed to customers." This shows the nutty flavour is why consumers prefer Hass avocados, making 'nutty' the correct answer.

Associated Text:
its higher oil content and good nutty flavour appealed to customers.

The answer is drinks. The script states, "Indonesians blend them into drinks with sweet condensed milk." This directly shows that avocados are used to make drinks in Indonesia, making 'drinks' the answer.

Associated Text:
Indonesians blend them into drinks with sweet condensed milk.

The answer is oily. The script explains that "the beauty of avocados is not so much its flavour but its oily consistency." This identifies the 'oily' consistency as a key part of the avocado's appeal, so 'oily' is correct.

Associated Text:
But the beauty of avocados is not so much its flavour but its oily consistency.

The answer is flavour. The script notes, "Mash an avocado with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil, and you'll find it adds flavour to nearly any meal." This directly answers the question about what avocado adds to almost any meal, confirming 'flavour' as correct.

Associated Text:
Mash an avocado with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil, and you'll find it adds flavour to nearly any meal.