Science Vocabulary Quiz
20 multiple-choice questions on core science English words — hypothesis, molecules, evolution, gravity, and more. B2–C1 level. Perfect for IELTS and academic English learners.
What This Quiz Covers
This quiz tests 20 essential science vocabulary words drawn from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science — the same topics that appear most often in IELTS Academic reading passages and university-level English coursework. Rather than presenting isolated definitions, each question places the target word in a context that reflects how it is actually used: in a sentence with a gap to fill, in a short definition to match, or in a question that asks you to distinguish between two closely related terms.
The words covered include process terms (experiment, observation, reaction), structural terms (molecule, atom, cell, gene), force and energy terms (gravity, velocity, energy, radiation), and ecological or evolutionary terms (organism, photosynthesis, evolution, orbit). These are not obscure specialist terms; they are the high-frequency academic words that separate confident B2–C1 readers from those who only partially understand a text.
The difficulty targets learners who already know everyday English and are extending into academic and scientific registers. If you are preparing for IELTS Academic, studying for a university foundation course, or simply want to read English science journalism with confidence, this quiz will reveal exactly which terms you have mastered and which need more attention.
What You'll Learn
- Whether you can accurately distinguish between similar scientific terms such as hypothesis and theory, or speed and velocity, in academic English contexts
- How core biology, chemistry, and physics vocabulary is used in natural sentences at B2–C1 level
- Which science word categories (forces, living systems, chemical processes, space) need the most revision in your own learning
- How to apply science vocabulary correctly in IELTS Academic reading and writing tasks, where precise terminology affects both comprehension and band score
How to Prepare
Before taking this quiz, visit the Science Vocabulary study page for the full word list with definitions and example sentences. Reading each word in a real sentence — rather than just memorising a definition — is the fastest route to accurate recall under test conditions. Pay particular attention to collocations: scientists conduct or carry out experiments, form or test a hypothesis, and measure a variable. These fixed phrases are what make writing sound academic rather than awkward.
After reading the word list, try the Flash Cards exercise to reinforce recall through spaced repetition. Flash cards are especially effective for science vocabulary because the words have precise, unambiguous meanings — there is a clear correct answer every time, which makes active recall particularly efficient. Once you feel confident with the word list and flash cards, return to this quiz and work through all 20 questions. If you score below 15, note the specific words you missed and review only those before retaking the quiz.
Science Vocabulary Quiz — FAQ
The quiz covers 20 core science words that appear frequently in academic English and IELTS reading: hypothesis, experiment, observation, evidence, variable, molecule, atom, element, compound, reaction, gravity, energy, velocity, evolution, cell, gene, organism, photosynthesis, radiation, and orbit. Each question tests meaning or usage in context, not isolated definitions.
The quiz is designed for B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 (Advanced) learners on the CEFR scale. At B2 you can understand texts on concrete and abstract topics; at C1 you can read complex academic and scientific material. If you find the questions difficult, study the science vocabulary word list on our study page first, then attempt the quiz again.
Yes. IELTS Academic reading and writing tasks regularly include passages on biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Words tested here — such as hypothesis, variable, evidence, and organism — appear across IELTS Academic texts. Practising these terms improves reading speed and the precision of your Task 1 and Task 2 responses.
The quiz contains 20 multiple-choice questions. Each presents a definition, a sentence with a gap, or a context clue, and you select the correct science term from four options. At the end you receive an instant score with feedback and links to related exercises and study pages.
No. The quiz is completely free and requires no account, registration, or payment. Open the page, answer the questions, and get your results instantly. All LexFizz quizzes and exercises work this way — free access, no barriers.
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction made before an experiment is carried out. A theory is a broader explanation for a set of phenomena, backed by repeated experiments and substantial evidence. In everyday English, “theory” is used loosely to mean a guess, but in academic and scientific writing this is considered imprecise — knowing this distinction matters for IELTS and university-level reading.
Science language appears far more often in everyday contexts than most learners expect. News articles discuss radiation levels and genetic research; tech podcasts mention energy efficiency and chemical compounds; health content uses words like cell, organism, and evolution. Knowing these terms accurately prevents misunderstanding when you read, watch, or listen to content on topics beyond the classroom.
Read each word alongside a clear definition and a natural example sentence, then practise using the word in a new context. Visit the science vocabulary study page for the full word list. After studying, try the flash cards exercise to reinforce recall through spaced repetition, then take this quiz to test yourself.
Speed measures how fast an object moves without specifying direction — it is a scalar quantity. Velocity measures how fast an object moves in a specific direction — it is a vector quantity. In academic and scientific writing this distinction is important; the two words are not interchangeable. In casual English they are often treated as synonyms, which is acceptable in informal speech but imprecise in academic writing.
Yes. After submitting your answers and seeing your score, click the “Try Again” button to reset the quiz and attempt all 20 questions from the beginning. There is no limit on attempts and no account is required. Many learners find it helpful to review the science vocabulary study page between attempts to reinforce any words they answered incorrectly.