IELTS Speaking part 1 science
Did you like studying science when you were at school?
Yes, I did. Science was always one of my favorite subjects at school. I loved carrying out simple experiments and learning more about the world around me. I was always excited when we had the chance to experiment with different chemical substances in the school’s lab.
What do you remember about science teachers at school?
Of all my science teachers, the one I remember the most was David, my science teacher in secondary school. Unlike other teachers who focused too much on theoretical knowledge, he put emphasis on practical knowledge. He gave us the chance to do a lot of experimentation.
How interested are you in science now?
I still love science. Although I don’t carry out any scientific experiments like I did when I was in school, I still read quite a lot about science. I’m quite keen on reading news about new scientific advances in medicine and agriculture.
What do you think has been an important recent scientific development?
I think one of the latest scientific developments is pig kidney transplant. Scientists have successfully transplanted the kidney of a genetically modified pig into a human. In the future, this development might save millions of lives.
Useful vocabulary
- carry out = to do or complete something
- experiment /ɪkˈsperɪmənt/ (n) = a scientific test that is done in order to study what happens and to gain new knowledge
- chemical substance = material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
- theoretical knowledge = learning anything without adopting practical approach
- put emphasis on … = focus on …
- scientific advances = a breakthrough or progress in our understanding of the natural world through scientific research, experimentation, and the development of new theories or concepts.
- kidney transplant = a surgery to place a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a person whose kidneys no longer function properly
- transplant /trænsˈplɑːnt/ (v) = to take an organ, skin, etc. from one person, animal, part of the body, etc. and put it into or onto another
- genetically modified pig = a genetically modified animal is one whose genetic material has been altered by adding, changing or removing certain DNA sequences in a way that does not occur naturally.
More ideas and vocabulary
Benefits of learning science
- enhance critical thinking
- encourage students to challenge all assumptions
- learn to analyze data, make observations, draw evidence-based conclusions -> build a more concrete understanding of a concept
- learn to establish the relationship between theories and empirical evidence
- cultivate a passion for learning
- inspire curiosity
- invite students to question, explore and seek answers to the mysteries of the universe
- study the lives of real scientists -> gain an appreciation (hard work, humility, patence)
- build a strong foundation for future careers
- provide the knowledge and skills needed to excel in vairous fields and adapt to an ever-changing job market
- enormous career opportunities
- many are in high demand and offer high salaries
VOCAB
- critical thinking /ˌkrɪt̬.ɪ.kəl ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ/ (n) = the process of thinking carefully about a subject or idea, without allowing feelings or opinions to affect you
- assumption /əˈsʌmp.ʃən/ (n) = something that you accept as true without question or proof
- build a more concrete understanding of = build a clear and definite understanding or knowledge of something
- empirical evidence = information obtained through observation and documentation of certain behavior and patterns or through an experiment.
- curiosity /ˌkjʊr.iˈɑː.sə.t̬i/ (n) = an eager wish to know or learn about something
- in high demand = If someone or something is in demand or in great demand, they are very popular and a lot of people want them
Scientific discoveries that changed the world
- the discovery antibiotics
- infections that were previously untreatable and life-threatening are now easily treated
- lead to the creation of many other antibiotics
- prevent countless numbers of deaths and diseases
- the discovery of DNA
- revolutionize the investigation of disease pathways
- diagnose genetic disorders
- formulate new drugs
- critical to the identification of pathogens
- the discovery of electricity
- transform the world, from lighting to communication to transportation
- become an essential part of modern life
- make it possible to communicate long distances
- the development of electric motors -> lead to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles
VOCAB
- antibiotic = a medicine or chemical that can destroy harmful bacteria in the body or limit their growth
- life-threatening /ˈlaɪf θretnɪŋ/ (adj) = that is likely to kill somebody
- disease pathways = sets of proteins associated with a given disease
- diagnose /ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊs/ (v) = to say exactly what an illness or the cause of a problem is
- pathogen /ˈpæθədʒən/ = a thing that causes disease
