Research Terms
This section introduces key vocabulary used in academic research contexts.
- Hypothesis (hai-PAH-thuh-sis): a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence
- Methodology (meh-thuh-DAHL-uh-jee): the system of methods used in a particular study or activity
- Data (DAY-tuh): facts and statistics collected for analysis
- Variable (VAIR-ee-uh-buhl): an element or factor that can change or be changed
The hypothesis was tested through a series of experiments.
The hypothesis was tested through a series of experiments.
The hypothesis was tested through a series of experiments.
Argumentation Words
Words commonly used in forming academic arguments and discussions.
- Claim (klaym): a statement that asserts something to be true
- Evidence (EV-i-duhns): information that supports a belief or proposition
- Counterargument (KOWN-ter-ahr-gyoo-muhnt): an opposing argument to the main claim
- Justify (JUHS-tuh-fahy): to show or prove to be right or reasonable
She provided strong evidence to support her claim.
She provided strong evidence to support her claim.
She provided strong evidence to support her claim.
Analysis Vocabulary
Key terms used when analyzing texts, data, or concepts.
- Interpret (in-tur-PRIT): to explain the meaning of something
- Evaluate (ih-VAL-yoo-eyt): to assess or judge the value of something
- Compare (kuhm-PAIR): to examine similarities and differences
- Contrast (kuhn-TRAST): to show differences when compared
It is important to interpret the data carefully.
It is important to interpret the data carefully.
It is important to interpret the data carefully.
Presentation Phrases
Useful expressions when giving academic presentations or lectures.
- In conclusion (in kuhn-KLOO-zhuhn): used to introduce a summary or final point
- According to (uh-KAWR-ding too): used to cite a source or authority
- As demonstrated by (az DEM-uhn-stray-tid by): used to show evidence
- It is worth noting (it iz wurth NOH-ting): used to emphasize important information
In conclusion, the results support the original hypothesis.
In conclusion, the results support the original hypothesis.
In conclusion, the results support the original hypothesis.
Evaluation Words
Terms that help express judgement or critique in academic writing.
- Significant (sig-NIF-uh-kuhnt): important or meaningful
- Reliable (ri-LAHY-uh-buhl): dependable and trustworthy
- Limitations (lim-i-TAY-shuhns): restrictions or weaknesses in a study or argument
- Implications (im-pli-KAY-shuhns): possible effects or consequences
The study’s limitations must be considered carefully.
The study’s limitations must be considered carefully.
The study’s limitations must be considered carefully.
Academic Verbs
Common verbs frequently used in academic writing and speaking.
- Analyze (AN-uh-lahyz): to examine carefully in detail
- Discuss (dis-KUHS): to talk or write about a topic thoroughly
- Demonstrate (DEM-uhn-strayt): to show clearly by example or evidence
- Summarize (SUM-uh-rahyz): to give a brief statement of the main points
The article analyzes different approaches to climate change.
The article analyzes different approaches to climate change.
The article analyzes different approaches to climate change.
Linking Words
Words and phrases that connect ideas smoothly in academic texts.
- Furthermore (fur-THUR-mor): in addition; besides
- However (hau-EV-er): used to introduce a contrasting idea
- Therefore (THAIR-for): for that reason; consequently
- Moreover (mohr-OH-vur): besides what has been said
The theory was widely accepted; however, some researchers disagreed.
The theory was widely accepted; however, some researchers disagreed.
The theory was widely accepted; however, some researchers disagreed.
Summary Terms
Words used to summarize or conclude academic writing.
- In summary (in SUM-uh-ree): to give a brief statement of the main points
- To conclude (too kuhn-KLOOD): to bring something to an end
- Overall (OH-ver-awl): taking everything into account
- In brief (in breef): in a few words; concisely
Overall, the evidence supports the theory effectively.
Overall, the evidence supports the theory effectively.
Overall, the evidence supports the theory effectively.