Science: Technical Vocabulary and Evidence Language
The Science domain tests how well you read and write about scientific content: technical vocabulary, the language of investigation, data descriptions, process sequences, and cause-and-effect explanations.
Core rules and concepts
- Observation versus inference: observations are what you see or measure; inferences explain them. A hypothesis is a testable prediction, a theory is a well-supported explanation, and a law describes a consistent pattern.
- Variables: the independent variable is changed, the dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables are held constant.
- Word parts carry meaning: bio- (life), -ology (study of), photo- (light), synthesis (putting together), aqua- (water), therm- (heat).
- Effect language: 'because,' 'therefore,' and 'as a result' claim causation, which needs a mechanism; correlation alone does not establish it.
- Data descriptions state direction and units: 'as temperature increased, solubility increased' rather than 'solubility went up.'
- Sequence words (first, then, finally) matter in cycles and processes such as the water cycle or a food chain.
Worked example
'Which statement is an inference rather than an observation? A. The liquid turned blue. B. The temperature rose 4 °C. C. The liquid turned blue because a reaction occurred. D. The beaker holds 50 mL.' A, B, and D are directly seen or measured. C explains the color change, so it goes beyond observation and counts as an inference.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling a scientific theory 'just a guess.'
- Confusing mass with weight, or weather with climate.
- Choosing a choice containing 'proves' when the evidence only supports a claim.
- Ignoring units, or describing a trend without stating its direction.