Lesson 2: Science, Technology & Psychology

Welcome to the B2 level! To read international news, study abroad, or discuss complex topics, you need vocabulary that goes beyond everyday life.

Today, we will look at words used in laboratories, tech startups, and universities. We will explore advanced concepts like hypothesis, algorithm, cognitive, and breakthrough, and tackle the tricky English pronunciation rule regarding the silent 'P'.

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Welcome to the B2 level! I am Teacher Sopheak. To read international news or thrive in university, you need vocabulary that goes far beyond everyday life.

Today, we are looking at powerful nouns and adjectives used in laboratories, tech startups, and psychological research. Let us expand our minds together.

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B2 Advanced Vocabulary

Science

Hypothesis /haɪˈpɑːθəsɪs/

Definition: A proposed explanation based on limited evidence.

Example: The researchers conducted an experiment to test their hypothesis about water pollution.

Technology

Algorithm /ˈælɡərɪðəm/

Definition: A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations by a computer.

Example: The social media algorithm is designed to show you videos you will like.

Psychology

Cognitive /ˈkɑːɡnətɪv/

Definition: Relating to the mental process of acquiring knowledge.

Example: Playing chess and reading books can improve your cognitive abilities as you get older.

Science & Tech

Breakthrough /ˈbreɪkθruː/

Definition: A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery.

Example: The new solar panel design is a major breakthrough in renewable energy.

forum In Action: The Tech Discussion

S

Did you read the article about the new AI tool?

V

Yes! It claims to improve cognitive function by adapting to how you study.

S

Exactly. If their hypothesis is correct, it could be a huge breakthrough for education.

hearing Watch Out: The Silent 'P'!

When English words start with "Psych-", the P is completely silent.

In many languages, every consonant is pronounced. But in English, words derived from Greek that start with "psych" (like psychology, psychiatrist, or psychic) have a silent 'P'. You start the pronunciation directly with the 'S' sound.

close Incorrect

P-sy-chol-o-gy
Do not say the P!

---

check Correct

Sy-kol-uh-jee
Start with the S sound

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Advanced Scenario Check

laptop_mac Reading a Tech Blog

The article discusses a new computer program that sorts online news automatically. What is the best word to describe this program?

(Hint: Which word means a process or set of rules followed by a computer?)

local_hospital Medical News Alert

Doctors have finally discovered a highly effective cure for the disease. The news calls this event a major:

(Hint: Look for the word that means a sudden, important discovery.)

school University Lecture

The professor is talking about how the brain processes memory, solves problems, and pays attention. She is teaching about __________ development.

(Hint: Which word relates to the mental process of acquiring knowledge?)

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to discuss science, technology, and psychology confidently.

Core Vocabulary

• Hypothesis: A proposed explanation based on limited evidence. (Example: "We tested the hypothesis in the lab.")
• Algorithm: A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations by a computer. (Example: "The search engine uses a complex algorithm.")
• Cognitive: Relating to the mental process of acquiring knowledge. (Example: "Puzzles are good for cognitive development.")
• Breakthrough: A sudden, dramatic, and important discovery. (Example: "They made a breakthrough in cancer research.")

Pronunciation Rule: The Silent 'P'

Words derived from Greek that begin with the letters ps- or pn- have a silent 'P'. You do not pronounce the 'P' at all. You start the word by making the 'S' or 'N' sound.

Examples include:

• Psychology: Pronounced sy-kol-uh-jee
• Psychiatrist: Pronounced sy-ky-uh-trist
• Pneumonia: Pronounced noo-moan-yuh