Science
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 July 2025 18:51
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 2272
Vocabulary for IELTS: Science
"Science" is a common topic in IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks. In your IELTS test, you may be asked to express your opinions about scientific discoveries, technological progress, or ethical concerns related to science. A strong science-specific vocabulary will help you demonstrate the ability to discuss complex topics clearly and confidently. Below are some carefully selected words and phrases to help you elevate your language on this subject. We hope that you'll find them useful.
1. Scientific method: [Meaning: A systematic process for experimentation and observation]
Example 1: The scientific method ensures objectivity and repeatability in experiments.
Example 2: He explained the scientific method using a simple classroom experiment.
2. Experiment: [Meaning: A test conducted to validate a hypothesis]
Example 1: The experiment failed due to a lack of proper controls.
Example 2: She designed an experiment to measure plant growth under different light conditions.
3. Hypothesis: [Meaning: An educated guess or proposition made before testing]
Example 1: His hypothesis was later supported by extensive research.
Example 2: A strong hypothesis must be testable and based on observation.
4. Observation: [Meaning: Noticing and recording phenomena to gather data]
Example 1: Careful observation helped the scientist identify a pattern.
Example 2: The experiment relied on precise observations over a three-week period.
5. Evidence-based: [Meaning: Relying on observable, verifiable facts or data]
Example 1: His arguments were entirely evidence-based and convincing.
Example 2: We should adopt evidence-based policies in medicine and education.
6. Theory: [Meaning: A well-substantiated explanation based on facts]
Example 1: The theory of relativity changed our understanding of space and time.
Example 2: Darwin’s theory of evolution remains widely accepted among scientists.
7. Innovation: [Meaning: A new idea, method, or device]
Example 1: Technological innovation drives progress in all scientific fields.
Example 2: The country invests heavily in innovation to remain globally competitive.
8. Empirical data: [Meaning: Information obtained through observation or experimentation]
Example 1: The conclusion was based entirely on empirical data.
Example 2: Scientists must rely on empirical data rather than assumptions.
9. Falsifiability: [Meaning: The capacity for a theory to be proven wrong]
Example 1: A good scientific theory must have falsifiability as a feature.
Example 2: Popper emphasised the importance of falsifiability in scientific reasoning.
10. Peer review: [Meaning: Evaluation of work by others in the same field]
Example 1: The journal article underwent a strict peer review process.
Example 2: Peer review ensures the quality and reliability of published research.
11. Replication study: [Meaning: A study conducted to confirm the findings of previous research]
Example 1: The team conducted a replication study to verify the surprising results.
Example 2: Replication studies are crucial for establishing credibility in science.
12. Double-blind trial: [Meaning: An experiment in which neither participants nor researchers know who receives the treatment]
Example 1: A double-blind trial minimises bias in medical research.
Example 2: Drug approval processes often require rigorous double-blind trials.
13. Ethical considerations: [Meaning: Moral issues surrounding scientific practice]
Example 1: Ethical considerations prevent harmful animal testing in research.
Example 2: Scientists must address ethical considerations when working with human subjects.
14. Paradigm shift: [Meaning: A fundamental change in scientific approach or assumptions]
Example 1: The discovery of quantum mechanics was a major paradigm shift in physics.
Example 2: Climate science has undergone a paradigm shift in the past two decades.
15. Interdisciplinary research: [Meaning: Research that integrates knowledge from multiple fields]
Example 1: Solving global warming requires interdisciplinary research across climatology and economics.
Example 2: The university encourages interdisciplinary research in health and technology.
16. Heuristic model: [Meaning: A simplified approach to problem-solving that is practical and intuitive]
Example 1: The heuristic model allowed students to explore complex theories in manageable steps.
Example 2: Heuristics help scientists develop hypotheses when data is limited.
17. Reductionism: [Meaning: Explaining complex systems by analysing their simpler components]
Example 1: Critics argue that reductionism overlooks the importance of holistic understanding.
Example 2: Reductionism is useful in molecular biology but limited in behavioural sciences.
18. Systems theory: [Meaning: An approach that views systems holistically and in relation to their environment]
Example 1: Systems theory helped analyse the ecological impact of industrial waste.
Example 2: Social science research now often incorporates systems theory for deeper insight.
19. Epistemology: [Meaning: The study of knowledge and how we come to know things]
Example 1: Scientific epistemology explores the foundations of human understanding.
Example 2: Philosophy and science intersect in discussions of epistemology.
20. Anomaly: [Meaning: An observation or result that deviates from what is standard or expected]
Example 1: The researchers couldn’t explain the anomaly in the data.
Example 2: An anomaly can often lead to new scientific breakthroughs.
21. Null hypothesis: [Meaning: The assumption that there is no effect or relationship in an experiment]
Example 1: The study failed to reject the null hypothesis, indicating no significant difference.
Example 2: Statistical testing always begins with a null hypothesis.
22. Scientific literacy: [Meaning: Understanding scientific concepts and processes]
Example 1: Schools aim to promote scientific literacy among students.
Example 2: A society with higher scientific literacy is better equipped to make informed decisions.
23. Controlled variable: [Meaning: A factor that is kept constant in an experiment]
Example 1: Temperature was the controlled variable in the chemical test.
Example 2: Good experiments rely on isolating controlled variables.
24. Data integrity: [Meaning: Accuracy and consistency of stored data]
Example 1: The lab's data integrity protocols prevent accidental data loss.
Example 2: Without data integrity, scientific findings lose credibility.
25. Causation: [Meaning: The relationship between cause and effect]
Example 1: The study clearly demonstrated causation between smoking and lung disease.
Example 2: Distinguishing correlation from causation is a fundamental task in science.
26. Longitudinal study: [Meaning: A study conducted over a long period of time]
Example 1: The longitudinal study followed participants’ health over 20 years.
Example 2: Longitudinal studies provide insights that short-term experiments cannot.
27. Scientific consensus: [Meaning: General agreement among scientists on a topic]
Example 1: There is a scientific consensus that climate change is driven by human activity.
Example 2: Media often misrepresents scientific consensus as mere opinion.
28. Computational modelling: [Meaning: Simulating real-world systems using algorithms and data]
Example 1: Computational modelling helped predict disease spread across populations.
Example 2: Engineers rely on computational modelling to test designs virtually.
29. Translational science: [Meaning: Turning basic scientific research into practical applications]
Example 1: Translational science bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical solutions.
Example 2: Modern medicine thrives on translational science for real-world impact.
Report