Academic research
An idea that is suggested as a possible explanation and then tested.
form a hypothesistest a hypothesis
ExampleThe professor explains why the original hypothesis failed.
TOEFL
TOEFL vocabulary list for academic reading, lectures, and responses.
A broad TOEFL list should feel like a campus notebook: academic words, lecture language, and essay-ready verbs in one place.
How this list helps
Academic core
Abstract nouns, research verbs, and passage words.
Lecture language
Words that help learners follow explanations and contrasts.
Response words
Useful language for summaries, claims, and reasons.
Vocabulary Preview
Start with exam-ready wordsPassage sequence
Happening after something else.
subsequent studiessubsequent changes
ExampleSubsequent studies found stronger evidence for the professor's claim.
Lecture contrast
To say or show that something is opposite to another claim.
ExampleThe new evidence contradicts the theory discussed earlier.
Essay quality
Clear and well organized.
ExampleA coherent response connects the lecture to the reading passage.
Spoken response
To express the main points of something briefly.
ExampleThe student summarizes the lecture before giving her opinion.
Academic concepts
A fact or event that can be observed and studied.
ExampleThe lecture describes the phenomenon before explaining its possible causes.
Research evidence
Based on observation, experience, or experiment.
ExampleThe professor asks whether the claim is supported by empirical evidence.
Academic claims
Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
inherent riskinherent difficulty
ExampleThe reading discusses the inherent difficulty of measuring ancient climates.
Evaluation
Possible and practical to do.
ExampleThe proposal is feasible because it uses existing campus resources.
Source and origin
To come from a particular source or origin.
derive fromderived evidence
ExampleThe professor says the theory derives from observations made in the field.