Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Science & Discovery

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de utilizar estructuras complejas de reported speech para informar sobre hallazgos científicos, debates académicos y teorías con precisión. Habrás pasado de un uso básico de "say/tell" a un dominio de verbos de reporte más sofisticados que permiten matizar la intención del hablante.

Asimismo, habrás ampliado tu léxico especializado en temas de ciencia, tecnología y descubrimiento. Ahora deberías poder emplear colocaciones de nivel C1, procesos de formación de palabras y un registro formal adecuado para contextos académicos o profesionales, permitiéndote discutir temas abstractos con fluidez y precisión.

Grammar consolidation

Rewrite or complete the following sentences using the instructions in brackets to practice advanced reporting verbs (suggest, insist, deny, claim, etc.).

1. "I didn't break the laboratory equipment!" said the intern. Rewrite using DENIED: ____________.

2. "You should conduct more peer-reviewed studies before publishing," the professor told the student. Rewrite using ADVISED: ____________.

3. "The results are definitely conclusive," the scientist said. Rewrite using CLAIMED: ____________.

4. "Let's focus our research on renewable energy sources," the committee suggested. Rewrite using SUGGESTED (using the -ing form): ____________.

5. "I am certain that the hypothesis is correct," the researcher said. Rewrite using INSISTED ON: ____________.

6. "If you don't calibrate the sensors, the data will be useless," the technician warned. Rewrite using WARNED: ____________.

7. "The discovery was purely accidental," the journalist wrote. Rewrite using STATED: ____________.

8. "You must submit your findings by Friday," the editor told the author. Rewrite using ORDERED/COMMANDED: ____________.

9. Identify the error: The professor suggested me to redo the experiment. Correct the sentence: ____________.

10. Identify the error: He denied to have stolen the confidential data. Correct the sentence: ____________.

Vocabulary activation

A. Word Formation: Complete the sentences using the correct form of the word in capitals.

1. The _____ of the new vaccine took longer than expected. (DEVELOP)
2. Scientists are looking for a _____ to the problem of plastic pollution. (SOLVE)
3. The experiment yielded _____ results that surprised the team. (REMARK)
4. There is growing _____ about the ethics of gene editing. (CONTROVERSY)
5. The discovery was a _____ breakthrough in the field of physics. (BREACH)

B. Collocations: Match the verb with the correct noun to form a C1-level collocation.

Verbs: 1. Conduct / 2. Undertake / 3. Yield / 4. Pose / 5. Bridge

Nouns: A. a threat / B. a gap / C. an experiment / D. results / E. a study

6. To _____ a study.
7. To _____ a threat.
8. To _____ results.
9. To _____ a gap.
10. To _____ an experiment.

C. Register Choice: Choose the most appropriate formal word to complete the sentence.

11. The data _____ (showed / manifested) a significant correlation between the two variables.
12. The researchers _____ (did / conducted) an extensive investigation into the effects of radiation.

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked a global debate regarding the ethical implications of autonomous systems. While proponents argue that AI can solve complex problems—ranging from climate change to medical diagnosis—critics warn of the potential for bias, loss of privacy, and the displacement of human labour. The core of the issue lies in 'algorithmic accountability': if an AI makes a life-altering decision, who is responsible?

Current regulatory frameworks often struggle to keep pace with technological leaps. Some suggest that strict international laws are necessary to prevent misuse, while others argue that over-regulation could stifle innovation. As we move closer to a future where AI is integrated into every aspect of daily life, the scientific community must lead the conversation on establishing ethical boundaries. We are no longer just observing technology; we are co-existing with it.

Writing Task

Instrucciones: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de opinión (opinion essay) de entre 180 y 220 palabras. Debes analizar los pros y los contras de la regulación de la IA y dar tu propia opinión sobre si la innovación debe prevalecer sobre la ética o viceversa. Utiliza vocabulario de nivel C1 y estructuras de reporte si es necesario para referenciar las ideas del texto.

Speaking checkpoint

Responde a estas preguntas de forma oral para practicar tu fluidez y capacidad de argumentación. Intenta hablar durante 1-2 minutos por cada una.

1. Compare: Compare the importance of theoretical science versus practical, applied science in modern society.
2. Speculate: How might the discovery of life on another planet change our understanding of human existence?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the impact of social media algorithms on human psychology. Are they more harmful than helpful?
4. Justify: Some argue that space exploration is a waste of resources given the problems on Earth. Justify your position on this matter.
5. Speculate: How do you think medical technology will evolve in the next fifty years?
6. Evaluate: To what extent should scientific research be funded by private corporations rather than governments?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. The intern denied breaking the laboratory equipment. 2. The professor advised the student to conduct more peer-reviewed studies. 3. The scientist claimed that the results were definitely conclusive. 4. The committee suggested conducting more research on renewable energy sources. 5. The researcher insisted on the hypothesis being correct (or: insisted that the hypothesis was correct). 6. The technician warned that if they didn't calibrate the sensors, the data would be useless. 7. The journalist stated that the discovery was purely accidental. 8. The editor ordered the author to submit their findings by Friday. 9. The professor suggested (that) I redo the experiment. (Note: suggest cannot be followed by object + to-infinitive). 10. He denied having stolen the confidential data. (Note: deny is followed by -ing or a that-clause).

Vocabulary activation 1. development 2. solution 3. remarkable 4. controversy 5. breakthrough 6. Conduct a study 7. Pose a threat 8. Yield results 9. Bridge a gap 10. Undertake an experiment 11. manifested 12. conducted