English for Beginners: Science Words Fun!

Welcome to your English learning journey! Today, we’ll explore some basic science words in a fun dialogue between friends, Alice and Bob. Get ready to laugh and learn!

Dialogue

Current Situation

Learning basic science words is a fantastic way for English beginners to understand the world around them and expand their vocabulary. Many science words are used in everyday conversations, news, and even children’s stories. Knowing words like “planet,” “gravity,” “experiment,” and “scientist” helps you grasp simple facts and express your curiosity. It also lays a foundation for discussing more complex topics in the future, making your English skills more versatile and interesting!

Key Phrases

• Guess what!: Used to introduce exciting news or a question.
  Example: Guess what! I got a new bike!
• You mean…?: Used to ask for clarification when you’re not sure you understood correctly.
  Example: You mean the red car, not the blue one?
• Exactly!: Used to show strong agreement or confirm that something is correct.
  Example: A: So, we meet at 7? B: Exactly!
• That’s right.: Used to confirm something is correct or true.
  Example: A: Is this the way to the library? B: That’s right.
• Close enough!: Used when something is almost, but not perfectly, correct.
  Example: A: Is it 5:30? B: It’s 5:28, but close enough!
• Good job!: Used to praise someone for doing something well.
  Example: You finished your homework quickly. Good job!
• Learn about: Used to talk about acquiring knowledge or information on a topic.
  Example: We will learn about animals today.

Grammar Points

1. Simple Present Tense for Facts

We use the simple present tense to talk about things that are always true, facts, or general truths. This is very common when discussing scientific facts.

• Form: For most verbs, use the base form (e.g., “pull”). For he/she/it, add -s or -es (e.g., “pulls,” “is”).
• Examples from Dialogue:
  • “Gravity pulls everything.” (A general truth)
  • “Everything is made of molecules.” (A scientific fact)
  • “Scientists do experiments.” (A general fact about scientists)

2. Asking “What” Questions

We use “what” to ask for information about things or actions.

• Form (asking about an object/thing): What + auxiliary verb (do/does/is/are) + subject + main verb?
  • Example: “What did you learn today?”
• Form (asking about an action or possibility): What if + subject + verb?
  • Example: “What if I experiment with putting ketchup on my apple?”
• Form (asking for the subject): What + main verb?
  • Example: “What pulls everything down?” (Answer: Gravity)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Simple Present Tense)

Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. The sun ____ (shine) every day.
2. Birds ____ (fly) in the sky.
3. A scientist ____ (do) experiments.
4. Water ____ (boil) at 100 degrees Celsius.
5. I ____ (learn) English words.

Answers:

1. shines
2. fly
3. does
4. boils
5. learn

Exercise 2: Match the Phrases

Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending to form a key phrase.

1. Guess
2. You
3. That’s
4. Good
5. We will learn

a. job!

b. what!

c. mean…?

d. about planets.

e. right.

Answers:

1. 1. b
2. 2. c
3. 3. e
4. 4. a
5. 5. d