British English · B2 · Unit 13
Science and discovery
Science and discovery
By the end you can
- Explain a scientific idea simply
- Discuss the benefits and risks of research
- Understand a popular science article
Words and phrases
| British English | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| research shows that | studies have found that | Research shows that sleep affects memory. |
| basically | in simple words | Basically, it's a way of storing energy. |
| it works by | this is how it works | It works by turning sunlight into electricity. |
| a breakthrough | an important new discovery | Scientists in Cambridge have made a breakthrough. |
| a study | a piece of research | A study from Oxford suggests that coffee is good for the heart. |
| by accident | without planning it | Penicillin was discovered by accident. |
| carry out | do (research, a test) | They plan to carry out more tests. |
| the evidence | the facts that show something is true | The evidence isn't clear yet. |
| prove | show that something is true | They still can't prove it. |
| in theory | according to the idea (but not tested yet) | In theory, it could cure the disease. |
| the benefits outweigh the risks | the good is greater than the bad | Most experts say the benefits outweigh the risks. |
| tested on animals | used in experiments with animals | Should medicines be tested on animals? |
Then talk it through
Telling a friend about an article you read on a new discovery. In the app you have this conversation out loud or typed, with the unit's goals to tick off and corrections at the end.