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IELTS vocabulary

IELTS Vocabulary for Science and Research: Useful Words

Science topics range from space exploration and medicine to funding and ethics. Use this vocabulary to write about research, breakthroughs and responsibility with academic precision.

Research and discovery

Word or phraseMeaningExample
conduct researchcarry out a studyScientists conduct research in laboratories and in the field.
breakthroughan important new discoveryThe discovery of antibiotics was a major breakthrough.
hypothesisan idea to be testedThe team tested the hypothesis with a series of experiments.
empirical evidenceproof based on observation or experimentPolicies should rest on empirical evidence.
findingsresults of a studyThe findings were published in a medical journal.
peer-reviewedchecked by other experts before publicationPeer-reviewed studies are more reliable than blog posts.
cutting-edgevery advanced and modernThe lab uses cutting-edge technology.

Funding and priorities

Word or phraseMeaningExample
research fundingmoney given for researchResearch funding often depends on government priorities.
scientific communityscientists as a groupThe scientific community agrees on the causes of climate change.
practical applicationsreal-life usesPure science often has unexpected practical applications.
allocate resourcesdecide how to distribute money or staffGovernments must allocate resources between health and space.
long-term benefitsadvantages that come after many yearsBasic research has long-term benefits for industry.
private sectorbusinesses not owned by the stateThe private sector now invests heavily in robotics.
brain drainloss of skilled people to other countriesLow salaries cause brain drain among young researchers.

Technology and innovation

Word or phraseMeaningExample
technological advancesimprovements in technologyTechnological advances have transformed communication.
artificial intelligencecomputer systems that imitate human thinkingArtificial intelligence can analyse medical scans quickly.
renewable energyenergy from sources that do not run outRenewable energy is becoming cheaper every year.
genetic engineeringchanging the genes of living thingsGenetic engineering raises both hopes and fears.
automationusing machines instead of peopleAutomation can raise productivity but cut jobs.
prototypea first model of a productEngineers built a prototype before mass production.
revolutionisechange something completelyThe internet revolutionised the way we shop.

Ethics and risks

Word or phraseMeaningExample
ethical concernsworries about right and wrongCloning raises serious ethical concerns.
unintended consequencesunplanned resultsNew chemicals can have unintended consequences for wildlife.
safeguardsprotections against harmStrict safeguards are needed for data used in research.
animal testingusing animals in experimentsAnimal testing is controversial, even in medicine.
misusewrong or harmful usePowerful software can be open to misuse.
regulationofficial rules that control an activityStronger regulation of drones is needed.
scepticismdoubt about whether something is trueHealthy scepticism is part of the scientific method.

How to use these words well

  • Use evidence-based words (findings, evidence, studies) instead of inventing figures in your essay.
  • Learn the noun and verb forms: discovery and discover, invention and invent, innovation and innovate.
  • Balance a benefit with a risk in one sentence using while or although for higher cohesion.
  • Do not use technical terms you cannot explain; a simple accurate phrase is better than a wrong specialist word.

Study guides

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