For upper-intermediate learners tackling university-level essays, critical thinking, and formal academic discourse.
35 cards
hypothesis
a testable statement that proposes an explanation for an observed phenomenon.
criteria
the standards or conditions used to judge or assess something.
evaluate
to make a careful judgement about the value, quality, or importance of something.
abstract
a short summary of a research paper placed at the beginning, outlining key points.
fundamental
forming the most essential or basic part of something.
justify
to give clear reasons that show a decision or statement is right or fair.
comprehensive
covering all parts of a topic thoroughly and completely.
framework
a system of rules or ideas that forms the basis for making judgements or decisions.
implication
a possible result or effect that is not directly stated.
validity
the quality of being logically sound and based on accurate information.
reliable
consistently producing accurate results that can be trusted.
bias
an unfair preference for or against something that affects judgement.
coherent
logically connected and easy to understand as a whole.
attribute
to say that something is caused by or comes from a particular source.
variable
a factor in an experiment or study that can change and affect the results.
scope
the range of subjects or areas that a piece of research or writing covers.
derive
to obtain something from a particular source through reasoning or research.
assert
to state something confidently and forcefully without giving full proof.
refute
to prove that a claim or argument is wrong using evidence.
nuanced
taking into account small but important differences rather than seeing things in simple terms.
distinguish
to notice or explain the difference between two similar things.
counterargument
a reason given against a position or claim someone else has made.
citation
a reference in your text showing where a particular piece of information came from.
premise
a statement or idea that forms the basis of an argument.
infer
to reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than direct statement.
quantitative
relating to information that can be measured or expressed as numbers.
qualitative
relating to information based on qualities and descriptions rather than numbers.
synthesise
to combine information from different sources into a single, connected argument.
contextualise
to place information within its wider situation so it can be better understood.
objectivity
the quality of being unbiased and based on facts rather than personal feelings.
terminology
the set of specific words and phrases used in a particular academic field.
annotate
to add short notes or comments to a text to explain or evaluate it.
rationale
the set of reasons behind a decision, plan, or belief.
cohesive
well connected so that all parts work together as a unified whole.
explicit
stated clearly and directly, leaving no room for confusion.