In this lesson, you will explore how to talk about scientific discoveries using academic vocabulary and grammar forms appropriate for the ITEP Academic-Plus exam. You’ll study how to explain discoveries clearly and accurately, both in writing and in conversation. By the end, you should feel more confident describing inventions and breakthroughs to both academic and general audiences.
Warm-Up: Discovery Timeline
Before diving into the language of discovery, take a moment to reflect on the incredible range of scientific achievements that have shaped our world. The video below presents a fast-paced journey through ten of the most impactful scientific discoveries of all time—from heliocentrism to penicillin to modern gene editing.
As you watch, pay attention to what made each discovery significant. Think about the problems these breakthroughs solved and how they changed human understanding or daily life. You’ll discuss some of these with your classmates afterward.
Top 10 Scientific Discoveries
This video from WatchMojo ranks the most important scientific discoveries in history, including heliocentrism, the Human Genome Project, relativity, penicillin, and vaccines.
Vocabulary
Academic English in science uses very specific terminology to describe ideas and findings. Understanding and using these terms correctly will improve both your comprehension and your fluency.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Invention | A device or process created for the first time through study and experimentation | The invention of the internet changed communication forever. |
| Discovery | Finding something that already exists but was previously unknown | The discovery of penicillin saved millions of lives. |
| Breakthrough | A sudden, dramatic, and important advance | CRISPR represented a major breakthrough in genetic science. |
| Hypothesis | A testable prediction or explanation based on limited evidence | The researchers tested their hypothesis in a series of experiments. |
| Trial | A test to check the performance or reliability of something | The vaccine went through several clinical trials before approval. |
| Methodology | A system of methods used in a particular area of study | The paper describes the methodology used in the climate study. |
| Synthetic | Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product | Synthetic materials are now commonly used in manufacturing. |
Grammar
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