Prefixes & Scientific Vocabulary
What does the prefix “bio-” mean?
"Life" (biology, bioengineering)
Find the passive verb:
“Results are recorded in the laboratory.”
“are recorded”
Plural of fungus?
Fungi
Is this sentence academic or informal?
“I think this experiment is very cool.”
Informal
What does the suffix “-itis” usually mean?
"Inflammation" (arthritis, bronchitis)
Change into passive:
"Researchers conducted the experiment."
The experiment was conducted by researchers.
Plural of cactus?
Cacti
Which sentence is more academic? Why?
a) Scientists looked at plants.
b) Plants were examined by scientists.
b), because it uses passive voice (“were examined”), which is typical for academic writing.
Is this objective or subjective statement?
“Based on facts and evidence.”
Objective
Change into passive:
"Scientists analyse data."
Data are analysed by scientists.
Plural of phenomenon?
Phenomena
What makes academic language different from informal language?
Academic language is objective, formal, often uses passive voice, technical vocabulary, and avoids personal opinions.
Find one scientific term in this sentence:
“Microorganisms are observed under microscopes.”
Microorganisms / microscopes.
Why is passive voice often used in scientific texts?
To focus on the process and results, not on the person who does the action.
Why are Latin plurals used in scientific writing?
Because many scientific words come from Latin and Greek.
Change into academic style:
“We studied bacteria carefully.”
Bacteria were carefully studied.