Define the statements as true or false. Underline the phrases in the text that support your answer.
a
In basic science scientists conduct research to achieve some practical gain.
b
Any investigation begins with the observation of an object or an activity.
c
Scientists usually repeat their experiments in order to be sure that the results obtained are objective.
d
Computer simulations can precisely predict the behaviour of the real objects.
e
A hypothesis is always formulated before starting the experiment.
f
The method of induction is used by scientists to infer new facts from experimental results.
g
A hypothesis becomes a theory when it is confirmed by repeated experiments.
h
Before the publication a scientific paper should be reviewed by the experts.
i
The peer-review process excludes subjective evaluation of the paper.
j
To be recognized as a part of scientific knowledge a paper should be accepted and published in a printed form.
5. Complete the following:
a
They search for the secrets of life processes__.
b
In all cases, a scientist’s work__.
c
It can be something extremely simple__.
d
This enables scientists to investigate__.
e
Data may be a set of numbers__.
f
Data may be arranged into a diagram__.
g
Scientists use mathematics__.
h
Throughout the history of science__.
i
Citations enable readers to work__.
j
Because scientists are human__.
k
Major scientific breakthroughs are cited__.
6. Find the passages in the text about:
a
a common approach used by researchers of various branches of science for problem solving;
b
the tools used by scientists in their observations;
c
the various forms of data presentation;
d
the reason why hypothesis may be problematic;
e
the information given in an abstract of a scientific paper;
f
a procedure of submitting a scientific paper for publication;
g
the criterion of the value of a scientific work.
7. Answer the following questions about the text:
a
Why isn’t there a clear-cut division between basic and applied science?
b
What steps do scientists use to organize their research?
c
What is an experiment?
d
What are the advantages of a computer simulation?
e
What does a hypothesis explain?
f
Why is it difficult sometimes to formulate a hypothesis?
g
Why should a paper be detailed enough?
h
What is a key test of a scientific theory?
i
What may failed theories suggest?
j
Why do scientists need to share the results and conclusions of their work?
8. Read the text “Supervising” and:
a
find the place where the author names the most important qualities of a person as a supervisor;
b
comment on the dictum you like most of all.
Scientific success in general and the defense of a thesis in particular is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilled execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.