Meaning: "literally" means exactly true, not figurative.

Wrong options:

• literaly: It leaves out the "l". Write "literally". Only the exact spelling gets the mark.
• literal: "literal" is missing the ending. The speaker says "literally", with "ly" at the end.

Correct answer: starve

Explanation: On the recording you hear "what happens is you starve the good bugs". You need an action word happening now, not a past form.

Meaning: "starve" means to make someone or something lack food.

Wrong options:

• starv: It leaves out the "e". Check the letters: "starve". A small spelling mistake loses the mark.
• stave: It sounds similar but it means something different.

Correct answer: mucus

Explanation: Listen again to "degrading the mucus layer". It comes after "the", so you need a word for a thing.

Meaning: "mucus" means the slimy layer that lines and protects the gut.

Wrong options:

• mucsus: It adds an extra "s". Write "mucus". Only the exact spelling gets the mark.
• mucous: This is a different form and not the exact word the speaker used.

Correct answer: degrade

Explanation: Here you hear "what happens when they degrade, that they open". You need an action word that starts with de and ends in e.

Meaning: "degrade" means to break down or wear away something.

Wrong options:

• degarde: Two letters are in the wrong order. Check the letters: "degrade". A small spelling mistake loses the mark.

Correct answer: intestinal

Explanation: The speaker says "And that's the intestinal permeability". It comes before "permeability", so a describing word for the gut is needed.

Meaning: "intestinal" means relating to the intestine or the gut.

Wrong options:

• intestine: "intestine" is a close word, but it ends in "e". The speaker says "intestinal", which ends in "al".

Correct answer: integrity

Explanation: You hear "maintaining that gut integrity is crucial". It follows "gut", so you need a word for the wholeness or health of it.

Meaning: "integrity" means the state of being whole and healthy.

Wrong options:

• integer: "integer" is a close word, but it ends in "er". The speaker says "integrity", which ends in "rity".

Correct answer: repaired

Explanation: Listen for "keeping that mucus layer repaired". You need a word that ends in ed to show the state is done or kept.

Meaning: "repaired" means fixed or kept in good condition.

Wrong options:

• repaierd: Two letters are in the wrong order. The right spelling is "repaired". Every letter must be correct to get the mark.
• repair: "repair" is missing the ending. The speaker says "repaired", with "ed" at the end.