Meaning: Main means 'most important' or 'primary,' indicating that these routes were the key ones used for climbing during that time.

Wrong options:

• real: Real suggests authenticity but does not convey the significance of the routes in this context.
• minor: Minor implies something of lesser importance, which contradicts the idea of key climbing routes.
• firm: Firm suggests stability but does not relate to the importance or prominence of the climbing routes.

Correct answer: discarded

Explanation: The word 'discarded' is appropriate as it indicates that the tents and food packets were thrown away, fitting the context of littering and aligning with the past conditions of the climbing routes.

Meaning: Discarded means 'thrown away' or 'no longer wanted,' referring to the tents and food packets left behind.

Wrong options:

• exhausted: Exhausted means tired and does not relate to the state of the tents and food packets.
• damaged: Damaged implies harm but does not convey the idea of being left behind as waste.
• small: Small refers to size and does not connect to the concept of littering or waste.

Correct answer: pressing

Explanation: The word 'pressing' fits well as it conveys urgency in the coalition's actions towards the government, aligning with the context of environmental advocacy.

Meaning: Pressing means 'urgent' or 'requiring immediate attention,' indicating the coalition's strong push for action.

Wrong options:

• discouraging: Discouraging implies causing someone to lose confidence, which does not fit the context of advocating for change.
• stimulating: Stimulating suggests encouraging growth or activity but lacks the urgency implied in the context.
• manipulating: Manipulating suggests controlling in a deceptive way, which does not align with the positive intent of the coalition.

Correct answer: plan

Explanation: The word 'plan' is suitable as it refers to a strategy or course of action, fitting the context of management for environmental protection.

Meaning: Plan means 'a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something,' indicating the coalition's intention to create a structured approach.

Wrong options:

• method: Method refers to a way of doing something but lacks the broader implication of a comprehensive strategy.
• role: Role suggests a function or position, which does not fit the context of management in this scenario.
• plot: Plot typically refers to a storyline or scheme, which does not align with the context of environmental management.

Correct answer: age

Explanation: The word 'age' fits contextually as it refers to a period characterized by mass tourism, aligning with the overall theme of environmental impact over time.

Meaning: Age means 'a distinct period in history,' indicating the current era of mass tourism affecting the Himalayas.

Wrong options:

• year: Year refers to a single unit of time and does not capture the broader concept of a period or era.
• act: Act implies a specific action or law, which does not relate to the time period being discussed.
• decade: Decade refers to a ten-year period but is too specific compared to the broader term 'age'.

Correct answer: environmental

Explanation: The word 'environmental' is appropriate as it directly relates to ecological concerns, fitting the context of discussing the impact of tourism on nature.

Meaning: Environmental means 'relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on it,' highlighting the ecological issues at stake.

Wrong options:

• biological: Biological pertains to living organisms and does not encompass the broader ecological implications.
• chronological: Chronological relates to time order and does not fit the context of environmental issues.
• factual: Factual refers to facts and does not connect to the ecological concerns raised by tourism.