Ambergris - what is it and where does it come from?
Read Ambergris - what is it and where does it come from? and check the IELTS Reading answers. In the ancient world, they waxy grey substance we now refer to as ambergris was highly prized for its medicinal properties, and was widely used as a spice, which was believed to be an aphrodisiac when adde…
Passage preview
In the ancient world, they waxy grey substance we now refer to as ambergris was highly prized for its medicinal properties, and was widely used as a spice, which was believed to be an aphrodisiac when added to food or wine. Ambergris itself is pleasantly aromatic, especially when warmed, and it was also highly valued as a fixing agent in the making of perfume, since it enabled a scent to retain its fragrance for much longer than might otherwise have been possible. Most ambergris was found in the form of lumps floating on the surface of the sea, or washed up on the shores of tropical and temperate oceans. At one time, ambergris was worth its weight in gold, but there was much confusion about its origins.
Vocabulary from this passage
23 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- assimilate verb
To absorb, integrate, and consolidate new information or cultural experiences fully into existing cognitive or physiological frameworks
The human brain requires an extensive period of focused training to fully assimilate intricate music theory principles.
- biomass noun
The total mass of living organisms, including plants and animals, within a specific given area or ecosystem volume
Advanced orbital sensors capture data necessary to calculate changes in organic biomass across vast continental sectors.
- by-product noun
An incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else
For decades, the majority of global ambergris supplies were acquired purely as a by-product of commercial whaling.
- conclusively prove verb
To demonstrate the absolute truth of a hypothesis or statement through undeniable empirical evidence
The scientific paper managed to conclusively prove the anatomical origin of the mysterious marine substance.
- confound verb
To mix up or confuse elements, or to cause surprise and confusion in someone by acting against expectations
Unpredictable seasonal anomalies routinely confound traditional agricultural models that rely entirely on historical weather baselines.
- deplete verb
To severely reduce or exhaust the available supply, quantity, or nutrient value of an essential resource
Intensive agricultural activities over multiple generations run the risk of depleting key nitrogen complexes from local fields.
- electromagnetic radiation noun
Waves of the electromagnetic field propagating through space, carrying electromagnetic radiant energy including infrared and visible light
Satellites analyze the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation bouncing off agricultural fields to monitor internal vegetation health.
- empirical correlation noun
A verified relationship or statistical connection between two distinct variables observed through experimental evidence or field research
The study demonstrated a clear empirical correlation between sustained hours of training and structural neurological updates.
- endow verb
To naturally provide or equip an organism or individual with a specific biological trait, quality, or asset
Neuroscientific data challenges the assumption that elite performers are uniquely endowed with superior cognitive processing structures.
- fixing agent noun
A substance used in perfume manufacturing to reduce the evaporation rate of volatile fragrance components
Historically, ambergris was highly valued as a fixing agent to prolong the scent of premium perfumes.
- imposition noun
The official enforcement or introduction of a restriction, law, ban, or penalty by an authoritative body
The strict imposition of an international whaling ban saved several marine species from imminent commercial extinction.
- innate adjective
Inborn, natural, or existing within an organism from birth rather than being acquired through environmental learning
Psychologists continuously debate whether exceptional artistic capability stems from innate anatomical architectures or deliberate practice.
- irrespective of adverb
Without taking into account or considering; regardless of specified conditions or categorical boundaries
The final cohort achieved exceptional performance evaluations irrespective of their initial pedagogical placement levels.
- odontocete noun
Any marine mammal belonging to the parvorder Odontoceti, characterized by having teeth rather than baleen plates
The sperm whale stands as the largest odontocete navigating the ocean depths today.
- optimal adjective
The most desirable, favorable, or best possible amount or condition for achieving a specific outcome
Agricultural software calculates the optimal volume of nitrogen needed to enhance structural development without damaging the soil.
- pathological adjective
Involving, caused by, or altered by a physical or mental disease or abnormal physiological condition
Biologists debated whether the digestive secretion was a healthy physiological reaction or a pathological response.
- pinpoint verb
To locate, identify, or define with absolute precision and clarity among multiple varying data points
Advanced mapping technologies allow environmental inspectors to pinpoint areas where chemical runoff exceeds permissible institutional limits.
- precision farming noun
An agricultural management concept based on observing, measuring, and responding to inter- and intra-field variability in crops
Implementing precision farming methodologies enables contemporary enterprises to maximize volumetric yield while minimizing resource waste.
- propensity noun
An inherent, natural, or structural inclination or tendency to behave or develop in a particular fashion
It remains scientifically ambiguous whether an individual possesses a genetic propensity for accelerated neural tissue expansion.
- rebuttal noun
A formal counterargument, contradiction, or refutation designed to forge an opposing view against an established premise
Proponents of genetic exceptionalism offer historical child prodigies as a definitive rebuttal to the deliberate practice model.
- succinite noun
The precise mineralogical term for amber, specifically referring to fossilized resin derived from ancient pine trees
Mineralogists classify true amber as succinite, distinguishing it completely from marine substances like ambergris.
- supplant verb
To supersede and replace another substance or entity, especially through force, innovation, or superior utility
Natural compounding elements were eventually supplanted by synthetic alternatives developed in modern industrial chemistry laboratories.
- surveillance noun
The close, systematic, and continuous observation of an area, system, or population using advanced monitoring tools
Satellite-based environmental surveillance offers national agencies unprecedented transparency regarding industrial fertilizer applications.
Answers with explanations
- 1. C
The question asks which substance is classified as very expensive. The text states that **both substances**—ambergris and amber—were **rare and costly**. Since 'costly' is a direct synonym for expensive, this fact applies to **both ambergris and amber**. Therefore, option C is correct, as the text confirms that high value was a shared feature of both items.
- 2. A
The statement describes a substance used as a food flavouring. The passage explicitly notes that **ambergris** was **widely used as a spice** and added to **food or wine**. In contrast, amber is later described as an 'odorless substance' used for pipes, beads, and ornaments, with no mention of edible use. Thus, this refers to **ambergris only** (Option A).
- 2-3: electromagnetic radiation
2: The statement describes a substance used as a food flavouring. The passage explicitly notes that **ambergris** was **widely used as a spice** and added to **food or wine**. In contrast, amber is later described as an 'odorless substance' used for pipes, beads, and ornaments, with no mention of edible use. Thus, this refers to **ambergris only** (Option A).
3: The question mentions being used as currency. Although the text states that **ambergris was worth its weight in gold** and both substances were rare and costly, it never mentions that either substance was actually utilized as a form of money or legal tender. Because this info is completely absent for both, the correct classification is **neither ambergris nor amber** (Option D).
- 3. D
The question mentions being used as currency. Although the text states that **ambergris was worth its weight in gold** and both substances were rare and costly, it never mentions that either substance was actually utilized as a form of money or legal tender. Because this info is completely absent for both, the correct classification is **neither ambergris nor amber** (Option D).
- 3-4: NO
3: The question mentions being used as currency. Although the text states that **ambergris was worth its weight in gold** and both substances were rare and costly, it never mentions that either substance was actually utilized as a form of money or legal tender. Because this info is completely absent for both, the correct classification is **neither ambergris nor amber** (Option D).
4: The question describes something sweet-smelling. The text highlights that **ambergris itself is pleasantly aromatic**, and further describes it as 'highly fragrant.' On the other hand, amber is explicitly characterized as an **odorless substance**. This clearly shows that the sweet-smelling trait belongs to **ambergris only** (Option A).
- 4. A
The question describes something sweet-smelling. The text highlights that **ambergris itself is pleasantly aromatic**, and further describes it as 'highly fragrant.' On the other hand, amber is explicitly characterized as an **odorless substance**. This clearly shows that the sweet-smelling trait belongs to **ambergris only** (Option A).
- 5. C
The statement involves a reference by Herman Melville. The text states that **Herman Melville** discussed these materials in his novel Moby Dick to show that **the two substances are quite distinct**. He proceeds to compare and describe the properties of both materials. Therefore, this fact refers to **both ambergris and amber** (Option C).
- 6. B
The question looks for a substance that can be seen through. The text directly states that **amber is a hard, transparent... substance**. The word 'transparent' means it can be seen through. Conversely, ambergris is defined as a 'waxy grey substance' and is 'soft.' Thus, being transparent applies to **amber only** (Option B).
- 7. beaks
This flow-chart completion task requires a noun that fits the context of whale digestion. The text notes that ambergris stems from problems sperm whales encounter when **digesting the beaks** of giant squid. The word 'beaks' fits grammatically as a plural noun completing the direct object phrase, and accurately conveys the source of intestinal irritation.
- 8. ["vomited","vomited up"]
This completion question requires a passive verb form or participle to describe what happens to the black liquid. The passage notes that large quantities of this substance are **vomited up by the whale** from time to time. The word 'vomited' or the phrase 'vomited up' perfectly completes the passive construction 'is produced and is vomited up' to match the source text.
- 9. hardens
This sentence requires a singular verb in the present tense describing a physical change. The text states that once the liquid is **exposed to air**, the substance **hardens**. The word 'hardens' fulfills the grammatical requirement for a third-person singular verb following 'The liquid' and accurately outlines the final step of ambergris formation.
- 10. TRUE
The statement asserts that in the 20th century, most ambergris came from processing dead whales. The text validates this by noting that in **1963-64** (the 20th century), **over 90 per cent** (most) of the annual total was extracted during the **processing of the whales' carcasses**. This directly supports the statement, making the answer **TRUE**.
- 11. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims that the value of ambergris has increased recently. Although the text tracks the historical worth of ambergris and notes that trade was prohibited by a **1972 Act**, it provides no factual data regarding any recent shifts or trends in its commercial value. Because there is no clear information either way, the answer is **NOT GIVEN**.
- 12. FALSE
The statement states that ambergris remains an important ingredient in perfume. However, the text directly refutes this by asserting that ambergris was **supplanted** in perfumery by alternative natural and synthetic materials. Since 'supplanted' means completely replaced, the claim is directly contradicted by the text, making the answer **FALSE**.
- 13. NOT GIVEN
The statement indicates that new uses have recently been found for ambergris. The text only mentions its classic use in perfume and notes that beachcombers might see it washed ashore as whale populations recover. It never addresses or mentions any **new uses** discovered recently. Therefore, the answer is **NOT GIVEN**.