A Gentle Giant and a Pint-Sized Bully Reading Answers

Dec 17, 2022

A Gentle Giant and a Pint-Sized Bully Reading Answer has 13 questions that need to be answered in 20 minutes. A Gentle Giant and a Pint-Sized Bully Reading Answers is about a West highland and the Irish wolfhound and what kind of pet they are. A Gentle Giant and a Pint-Sized Bully Reading Answer comprises two types of questions- complete the table and complete the sentences. Candidates are required to choose the correct letter from the given options after reading the IELTS reading passage to complete the table. candidates are required to read To complete the sentences, choose from the given options based on information provided in the IELTS Reading passage. Undertaking IELTS Reading practice papers can help candidates practise and prepare on different topics.

Check: Get 10 Free IELTS Sample Papers
Check: Register for IELTS Coaching - Join for Free Trial Class Now

Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

A Gentle Giant and a Pint-Sized Bully Reading Answer

Though a giant - more horse than dog, some say - the Irish Wolfhound, towering over his canine brethren, makes a surprisingly good pet. Hard as it may be to imagine how a hound bred for wolf-hunting, with muscular limbs, a swift turn of pace, the eyesight of an eagle, the stature of a thoroughbred, primed for, and indeed employed in, battle many times for war-hungry Celtic lords of yore, could possibly cut the mustard as a domestic pet, trust me: looks can be deceiving. In fact, despite his size and reputation, the wolfhound is becoming an increasingly popular pet choice for many families up and down the country.
Why? Well, there are a number of very good reasons. Firstly, the wolfhound is of above-average intelligence, and, therefore, responds very well to obedience training (provided the training is done from an early age, otherwise the animal’s strong prey drive may hinder development in this area). Secondly, he is very good-natured; despite the hound’s reputation as a fierce, battle-hardened animal, he is, in fact, very calm and even-tempered. Thirdly, the Irish Wolfhound is a very social animal and does well with young children. He views himself as a member of the family and so will be fiercely protective of all his ‘siblings’ and will not intentionally let any of them get in harm’s way, though his considerable frame and slight clumsiness can lead to collisions if the little members of the household don’t watch where they are going.
Though the Irish Wolfhound makes an adequate guard dog, he is, surprisingly perhaps, not terribly strong in this department. The hound tends to be aloof with strangers rather than aggressive towards them, and he may not, at least initially, bark at intruders, therefore scoring low in the watchdog department as well by failing to sound the alarm or alert the other members of the household to danger in good time. If he is provoked, however, or if a member of his ‘pack’ is threatened, his primeval instincts kick in. When that happens, intruders better look out!
He is a very needy pet and a large enclosed backyard is a must-have for any prospective owner because though he is easily house-trained, it is simply not fair to keep a dog of his size cooped up inside all day. His appetite is huge and this is one of the practicalities to consider before buying a Wolfhound - can you afford him? His large appetite also means that regular exercise is essential in order for him to remain healthy and at a reasonably good weight. Five-minute walks to the corner shop will not do; this animal needs proper exercise and should be taken out for between one and two hours each day. Another practicality, and also a factor that influences cost (the cost of clean-up), is his tendency to shed. Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot of fur and dog hair will likely be deposited all over the house in vast quantities. If all this is bearable and if you still want a cuddly, affectionate giant anyway, then go for it! The Irish Wolfhound will provide you with many years of loyalty and friendship.
The truth, though, is that not everyone has the space to accommodate such a beast. And, indeed, others would struggle to find the time to devote to this needy creature. The alternative, perhaps, is the comparably tiny little West Highland White Terrier. The Highland and the Wolfhound have one very important thing in common; they are both fantastic with kids. It is here, though, that the similarity ends. The Highland sheds virtually no hair at all, so you won’t be cleaning up after him all the time. He also loves to make noise, making him the perfect watchdog and quick to alert you when anything suspicious occurs. His size limits his ability to respond meaningfully to any real threat discovered though. Compared to the Wolfhound, he is a little more of a challenge in the training department, and must be monitored carefully and shown his place in the ‘pack’, otherwise his aggressive streak may come out and take over.
In almost every way possible, the Highland and the Wolfhound are different characters. The Highland could never be described as placid, and, in fact, is extremely excitable and very energetic. This little fellow suffers from a size complex of sorts, too, which sees him determined to boss those around him and have his way, despite his modest profile. He is not that interested in ‘cuddles’ either, so don’t let his size fool you into suggesting otherwise -this is no toy dog. And he is, in general, not the most affectionate of dogs, being far happier digging up your garden or barking at the neighbor’s cat than lying in the arms of his owner. So, while the Wolfhound is a gentle giant, the West Highland is, well, a little terrier in every sense of the word.
But while their character may differ, their fondness for exercise does not. The Highland is an intelligent breed and needs stimulation; regular walks are essential. He also has a penchant for water and loves to go swimming. And while he is excellent with older kids, toddlers should not be left alone around the Highland as their size, coupled with their noisiness and hyperactivity, may prompt an aggressive response from the dog.
Though both breeds have their strengths and weaknesses as pets, overall, either would make an excellent addition to the family. The West Highland will be content enough indoors, provided he gets regular exercise, but the Wolfhound must have an outdoor play area. And that is the one point I must emphasize; don’t buy a Wolfhound unless you have plenty of room.

Section 2

Solution and Explanation
Questions 1-10
Complete the table below
Choose 10 answers from the box and write the correct letter A-L, next to questions 1-10

Table

Question 1

Question 2
Question 1:

Answer: c
Supporting sentence: Therefore, responds very well to obedience training (providing the training is done from an early age, otherwise the animal's strong prey drive may hinder development in this area).
Keywords: 'responds very well', 'obedience training', 'early age'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line- 3
Explanation: According to the third line of paragraph B, the wolfhound has above-average intellect. Additionally, training is given from a very young age, ensuring that they respond well to "obedience training."

Question 2:

Answer: h
Supporting sentence: Secondly, he is very good natured ; despite the hound's reputation as a fierce, battle hardened animal, he is in fact,very calm and even tempered.
Keywords: 'good natured', 'calm and even tempered'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line- 4
Explanation: Wolfhounds are an extremely violent and savage animal, as stated in the fourth line of paragraph B. However, he is actually quite composed and kind-hearted.

Question 3:

Answer: j
Supporting sentence: therefore, responds very well to obedience training (providing the training is done from an early age, otherwise the animal's strong prey drive may hinder development in this area).
Keywords: 'Obedience training', 'strong prey drive'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line-3
Explanation: The wolfhound reacts exceptionally well to "obedience training," which is started at a very young age, according to the third sentence of paragraph B. In the unlikely event that it is not given at a specified age, the animal's keen hunting instincts may be hampered by late instruction.

Question 4:

Answer: d
Supporting sentence: Thirdly the Irish, Wolfhound is a very social animal and does well with young children. He views himself as a member of the family and so we'll be fiercely protective of all his 'siblings'.
Keywords: 'very social animal', 'member of the family', 'protective'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line - 5 to end.
Explanation: It is said in paragraph B that wolfhounds are sociable, kind animals that get along well with kids. He constantly defends all of the family's young members because he considers himself to be one of them.

Question 5:

Answer: f
Supporting sentence: And will not intentionally let any of them get in harm's way, through his considerable frame and slight clumsiness can lead to collisions if the little members of the household don't watch where they are going.
Keywords: 'slight clumsiness', 'collisions'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph B, Last line.
Explanation: The wolfhound is a very sociable and well-mannered dog that is constantly "protective" of all the family's small children, according to the last sentence of paragraph B. However, his tendency to be clumsy can occasionally put them at risk.

Question 6:

Answer: e
Supporting sentence: The Highland could never be described as placid, and in fact, is extremely excitable and very energetic. He is, in general, not the most affectionate of dogs, being far happier digging up your garden or barking at the neighbor's cat than lying in the arms of his owner.
Keywords: 'extremely excitable', 'energetic', 'digging up', 'barking'
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line- 2 and line- 4.
Explanation: Contrasting the west Highland with the wolfhound, paragraph F claims that the west Highland is a much more vivacious and lively creature.

Question 7:

Answer: g
Supporting sentence: This little fellow suffers from a size complex of sorts, too,which sees him determined to boss those around him and have his way.
Keywords: 'determined to boss'
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line 3
Explanation: The Highlands need to be trained for their position of hierarchy, according to the third line in paragraph F. Otherwise, he makes an effort to dominate others through his own means and is driven to dominate those around him.

Question 8:

Answer: i
Supporting sentence: Compared to the Wolfhound, he is a little more of a challenge in the training department, and must be monitored carefully and shown his place in the 'pack' otherwise his aggressive steak may come out and he will try to take over.
Keywords: 'challenge', 'monitored carefully', 'aggressive steak', 'take over'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, Last line.
Explanation: The last sentence of paragraph E mentions how Highland is a great watchdog and is quick to warn one when anything suspicious happens. Therefore, he needs to be closely watched and trained, or else his aggressive attitude will show through and he'll try to rule.

Question 9:

Answer: a
Supporting sentence: Despite his modest profile, he is not that interested in cuddles either, so don't let his size fool you into suggesting otherwise- this is no toy dog.
Keywords: 'not that interested', 'no toy dog'.
Keyword Location: Paragraph F, Line - 3
Explanation: The Highlands are not intrigued by nor interested in any displays of affection, according to the third line of paragraph F. They are lively, active animals that enjoy digging up gardens and barking at people.

Question 10:

Answer: b
Supporting sentence: And while he is with older kids, toddlers should not be left alone around the Highland as their size, coupled with their noisiness and hyperactivity, may prompt an aggressive response from the dog.
Keywords: 'noisiness and hyperactivity' ,'aggressive response'
Keyword Location: Paragraph G, last line.
Explanation: According to the last sentence of paragraph G, toddlers should not be left unattended in the Highland because of their small size. Because combined with their commotion and excitement, they could cause the dog to become violent.

Questions 11-13
Complete each sentence with the correct ending A-E, below

Question 3

11) The Irish Wolfhound, despite his size and reputation_______________

Answer: A
Supporting sentence: The hound tends to be aloof with strangers rather than aggressive towards them, and he may not,at least initially, bark at intruders, therefore scoring low in the watchdog department.
Keywords: 'aloof with strangers' , 'scoring low'
Keyword Location: Paragraph A, last line and Paragraph C, Second line.
Explanation: The Irish wolfhound is described as remaining distant from strangers rather than being hostile to them in the passage. They perform poorly as watchdogs since they cannot warn the other family members of a dangerous scenario.

12) The West highland White Terrier is quick to respond to intruders and alert the other members of the household, _____________

Answer: E
Supporting sentence: His size limits his ability to respond meaningfully to any real threat discovered though.|
Keywords: 'respond meaningfully', 'real threat'
Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line- 8
Explanation: Although Wolfhound Highlands are little in stature, they are extremely active and driven by nature, as stated in line 8 of paragraph E. Any unusual activity is clearly seen when it occurs. Their stature may occasionally make it difficult for them to react helpfully to any serious issues.

13) Granted the Irish Wolfhound has the ideal temperament to become a loyal member of the family_______________

Answer: B
Supporting sentence: Another practicality, and also a factor that influences cost (the cost of clean-up),is his tendency to shed. The truth ,though,is that not everyone has the space to accommodate such a beast.
Keywords: 'the cost of clean-up', 'space to accommodate'
Keyword Location: Paragraph D, line - 5 and Paragraph E, first line.
Explanation: The passage makes reference to the high cost of raising an Irish Wolfhound as a pet. One ought to go for it if they have the means to pay for their substantial daily caloric needs, frequent exercise, and cleaning. The significant expenses behind him are not affordable for everyone.

Read More IELTS Reading Related Samples