Intermediate200 min

Passive structures

Lesson content
We use the passive form when we want to focus on the action, not on the person who does the action (the agent). This may be because:
• we do not know who the agent is.
It was delivered yesterday.
• it’s clear who the agent is to both speaker and listener from the context or a previous mention of the agent.
The man was arrested yesterday.
• it’s ‘people in general’.
English is spoken around the world.
• we want to maintain the same subject and this forces the use of the passive.
They ordered six chairs but they were sent only five.
• we want to avoid blaming someone or admitting our own wrongdoing.
He broke a glass. ➞ A glass was broken.
The passive is used in all contexts, but is often a key feature of formal English as it helps to maintain objectivity.

Passive and perfect infinitive
We use a passive infinitive form after modal verbs and verbs that are followed by the infinitive (e.g. need, want, hope). We might also use it as
the subject of a sentence. It is formed with to be + infinitive, although to is omitted after modal verbs such as may, might, will.
You could be given a promotion if you keep doing what you’re doing.
I want the meeting to be finished by 4 o’clock today so I can leave early.
To be sent shoes for a child when you ordered shoes for an adult is annoying!


When we want to refer to the past, or a completed action at a future time, we use a perfect infinitive. It is formed with to have been + past participle. The to is omitted after modal verbs such as may, might, will.
I might have been sent the wrong item.
My birthday seems to have been forgotten by my brother.


Passive and perfect -ing form
We use a passive -ing form (being + past participle) after verbs which are followed by a gerund (e.g. avoid, keep, enjoy), prepositions and as a subject of a sentence.
I avoid being tagged in photos by not being on social media!
I’m really looking forward to being taken on a tour of the city.
Being given an end-of-year bonus was unexpected but welcome.


When we want to refer to the past, we use a perfect gerund. It’s formed with having been + past participle.
We don’t mind having been missed off the list once, but twice is annoying.
I resent having been ignored for much of the meeting.
After having been promised a pay rise, I was disappointed when I didn’t get one.


We can also use a perfect -ing form to form a participle clause when we want to refer to the past.
Having been awarded a prize for her work, Sally was delighted.
Having been born in Australia, I’ve got an Australian passport.

Quiz

Question 1 of 10

Rewrite the sentence in the passive voice: "They will finish the project by next month."

The project will be finished by next month.
The project will have finished by next month.
The project will be finishing by next month.
The project will finishing be by next month.

Science Rights, Needs and Responsibilities: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Scientific Freedom and Accountability

The realm of science operates at the crossroads of human curiosity and societal progress, where the pursuit of knowledge intersects with ethical considerations and public accountability. As we stand on the precipice of unprecedented scientific breakthroughs, from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering, the question of science rights, needs, and responsibilities has never been more pressing. This delicate balancing act between scientific freedom and social responsibility requires careful navigation through uncharted territory, where each discovery brings both promise and peril.

Scientific freedom represents the cornerstone of human intellectual advancement, embodying the fundamental right of researchers to pursue knowledge without undue interference or censorship. This principle goes hand in hand with academic freedom, ensuring that scientists can push the boundaries of human understanding, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore controversial topics that might make some people uncomfortable. However, this freedom is not absolute – it comes with strings attached that demand careful consideration of the broader implications of scientific research.

The right to scientific advancement has gained recognition as a fundamental human right, acknowledging that everyone should benefit from scientific progress and its applications. This concept encompasses not only the freedom to conduct research but also the right of society to access the fruits of scientific labor. Yet, this seemingly straightforward principle becomes murky when we consider who controls scientific knowledge, how research priorities are set, and whether the benefits of science are distributed equitably across different populations and nations.

Research integrity forms the bedrock upon which scientific credibility rests. Scientists bear the responsibility to conduct their work with honesty, transparency, and methodological rigor. This means dot­ting every i and crossing every t when it comes to data collection, analysis, and reporting. The temptation to cut corners or massage data to fit desired outcomes can undermine the entire scientific enterprise, eroding public trust and potentially leading society down dangerous paths based on flawed foundations.

The peer review process serves as a crucial gatekeeper in maintaining scientific standards, but it's not without its limitations. While this system helps separate the wheat from the chaff in scientific research, it can also perpetuate biases and slow down the dissemination of groundbreaking discoveries. Critics argue that the current system sometimes throws the baby out with the bathwater, rejecting innovative ideas that challenge established paradigms simply because they don't fit conventional thinking.

Ethical considerations in science have come to the forefront as researchers gain the power to manipulate life itself. The ability to edit genes, create artificial life forms, and develop weapons of mass destruction raises fundamental questions about the limits of scientific inquiry. Scientists can no longer operate in ivory towers, isolated from the consequences of their work. They must grapple with the moral implications of their research and consider whether some knowledge is too dangerous to pursue or disseminate.

The democratization of science through open access initiatives has emerged as a double-edged sword. While making research freely available can accelerate scientific progress and ensure broader access to knowledge, it also raises concerns about quality control and the potential for misuse of scientific information. When anyone can access detailed methodologies for creating dangerous substances or technologies, the line between beneficial knowledge sharing and irresponsible disclosure becomes increasingly blurred.

Public funding of scientific research creates a complex web of rights and responsibilities. Taxpayers who foot the bill for research have a legitimate claim to transparency and accountability in how their money is spent. This social contract implies that scientists have an obligation to communicate their findings in accessible ways and to consider the public interest in their research priorities. However, political interference in science can throttle innovation and compromise the independence that researchers need to pursue truth without bias.

The role of corporate interests in scientific research has become increasingly prominent, raising questions about conflicts of interest and the commercialization of knowledge. When pharmaceutical companies fund drug trials or energy companies sponsor climate research, the potential for bias looms large. Scientists must walk a tightrope between securing necessary funding and maintaining their intellectual independence, ensuring that financial incentives don't skew research outcomes or suppress inconvenient findings.

International collaboration in science presents both opportunities and challenges for managing rights and responsibilities. While global cooperation can tackle problems that transcend national boundaries, it also raises issues about intellectual property, technology transfer, and ensuring that developing nations aren't left out in the cold. The brain drain phenomenon, where talented scientists migrate to wealthier countries, can exacerbate global inequalities and deprive developing nations of the scientific expertise they desperately need.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw science rights and responsibilities into sharp relief, demonstrating both the critical importance of scientific research and the challenges of communicating uncertainty to the public. Scientists found themselves in the spotlight like never before, having to balance the need for rapid response with the normal deliberative processes of scientific inquiry. The crisis highlighted how scientific knowledge evolves over time and the difficulty of maintaining public trust when recommendations change based on new evidence.

Environmental responsibilities have become increasingly central to scientific practice as researchers confront the reality of climate change and biodiversity loss. Scientists working in all fields, not just environmental science, must consider the ecological footprint of their research and whether their work contributes to or helps solve pressing environmental challenges. This shift represents a paradigm change from viewing science as value-neutral to recognizing that all research takes place within broader social and environmental contexts.

The digital revolution has transformed how science is conducted, creating new opportunities for data sharing and collaboration while also raising novel ethical concerns. Big data research can reveal insights about human behavior and health that were previously impossible to obtain, but it also raises privacy concerns and questions about informed consent. Scientists must stay ahead of the curve in addressing these emerging ethical challenges while harnessing the power of new technologies.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning present particularly thorny issues for science rights and responsibilities. As algorithms become more sophisticated at analyzing data and even generating hypotheses, questions arise about the role of human oversight, the potential for algorithmic bias, and who bears responsibility when AI makes decisions that affect human lives. Scientists developing these technologies must grapple with the long-term implications of creating systems that may eventually surpass human intelligence.

The precautionary principle has gained traction as a framework for approaching scientific uncertainties, particularly in areas with potential for significant harm. This principle suggests that lack of complete scientific certainty should not postpone action to prevent environmental degradation or public harm. However, applying this principle can be tricky, as overly cautious approaches might stifle beneficial innovations or lead to regulatory paralysis.

Science communication has emerged as both a right and a responsibility for researchers. Scientists have the right to share their findings with the public, but they also bear the responsibility to communicate accurately and avoid sensationalism. In an era of information overload and declining trust in expertise, scientists must find ways to make their work accessible without dumbing it down or oversimplifying complex issues.

Looking toward the future, the landscape of science rights, needs, and responsibilities will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge and societal expectations shift. The challenge lies in maintaining the delicate balance between preserving scientific freedom and ensuring that research serves the broader public good. This will require ongoing dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public to establish frameworks that protect both scientific inquiry and societal welfare.

Success in navigating these challenges will depend on fostering a culture of responsible innovation, where scientists proactively consider the implications of their work and engage with stakeholders throughout the research process. By embracing both the rights and responsibilities that come with scientific practice, the research community can help ensure that science continues to serve as a force for human progress while minimizing potential harms. The future of science depends not just on brilliant discoveries, but on the wisdom to use those discoveries responsibly for the benefit of all humanity.
1. **Realm** /relm/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Area or field of activity

2. **At the crossroads**
*Meaning*: At a point where important decisions must be made

3. **Curiosity** /ˌkjʊriˈɑsəti/ (US), /ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Desire to learn or know

4. **Societal** /səˈsaɪətəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Related to society

5. **Pursuit of knowledge**
*Meaning*: Seeking to learn and understand

6. **Intersects** /ˌɪntərˈsekts/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Crosses or overlaps

7. **Ethical** /ˈeθɪkəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Related to moral principles

8. **Considerations** /kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃənz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Factors to think about

9. **Accountability** /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Responsibility for one's actions

10. **Stand on the precipice**
*Meaning*: Be at the edge of something dramatic

11. **Unprecedented** /ʌnˈpresədentəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Never done or known before

12. **Breakthroughs** /ˈbreɪkˌθrus/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Important discoveries

13. **Artificial intelligence**
*Meaning*: Computer systems that can think like humans

14. **Genetic engineering**
*Meaning*: Changing the DNA of living things

15. **Pressing** /ˈpresɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Urgent

16. **Delicate balancing act**
*Meaning*: Careful management of competing demands

17. **Scientific freedom**
*Meaning*: Liberty to conduct research

18. **Social responsibility**
*Meaning*: Duty to help society

19. **Careful navigation**
*Meaning*: Thoughtful way of proceeding

20. **Uncharted territory**
*Meaning*: Unknown or unexplored areas

21. **Promise and peril**
*Meaning*: Both good and bad possibilities

22. **Cornerstone** /ˈkɔrnərˌstoʊn/ (US), /ˈkɔːnəˌstəʊn/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Foundation; most important part

23. **Intellectual advancement**
*Meaning*: Progress in thinking and knowledge

24. **Embodying** /ɪmˈbɑdiɪŋ/ (US), /ɪmˈbɒdiɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Representing or including

25. **Fundamental right**
*Meaning*: Basic freedom

26. **Undue interference**
*Meaning*: Inappropriate meddling

27. **Censorship** /ˈsensərˌʃɪp/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Blocking or banning information

28. **Goes hand in hand**
*Meaning*: Occurs together

29. **Academic freedom**
*Meaning*: Liberty in educational settings

30. **Push the boundaries**
*Meaning*: Extend the limits

31. **Challenge conventional wisdom**
*Meaning*: Question accepted beliefs

32. **Controversial** /ˌkɑntrəˈvɜrʃəl/ (US), /ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Causing disagreement

33. **Make people uncomfortable**
*Meaning*: Cause unease or worry

34. **Not absolute**
*Meaning*: Not complete or unlimited

35. **Comes with strings attached**
*Meaning*: Has conditions or requirements

36. **Broader implications**
*Meaning*: Wider effects or consequences

37. **Scientific advancement**
*Meaning*: Progress in research and knowledge

38. **Gained recognition**
*Meaning*: Become accepted

39. **Benefit from**
*Meaning*: Gain advantages from

40. **Applications** /ˌæpləˈkeɪʃənz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Practical uses

41. **Encompasses** /ɪnˈkʌmpəsəz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Includes

42. **Fruits of scientific labor**
*Meaning*: Results of research work

43. **Seemingly straightforward**
*Meaning*: Appearing simple

44. **Becomes murky**
*Meaning*: Gets unclear or confusing

45. **Research priorities**
*Meaning*: What studies are most important

46. **Distributed equitably**
*Meaning*: Shared fairly

47. **Different populations**
*Meaning*: Various groups of people

48. **Research integrity**
*Meaning*: Honesty in scientific work

49. **Forms the bedrock**
*Meaning*: Creates the foundation

50. **Scientific credibility**
*Meaning*: Believability of research

51. **Bear the responsibility**
*Meaning*: Have the duty

52. **Honesty** /ˈɑnəsti/ (US), /ˈɒnəsti/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Truthfulness

53. **Transparency** /trænsˈperənsi/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Openness

54. **Methodological** /ˌmeθədəˈlɑdʒəkəl/ (US), /ˌmeθədəˈlɒdʒəkəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Related to research methods

55. **Rigor** /ˈrɪɡər/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Strictness and accuracy

56. **Dotting every i and crossing every t**
*Meaning*: Being extremely careful with details

57. **Data collection**
*Meaning*: Gathering information

58. **Analysis** /əˈnæləsəs/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Detailed examination

59. **Reporting** /rɪˈpɔrtɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Describing results

60. **Temptation** /tempˈteɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Desire to do something wrong

61. **Cut corners**
*Meaning*: Do things quickly and carelessly

62. **Massage data**
*Meaning*: Manipulate information dishonestly

63. **Desired outcomes**
*Meaning*: Results that are wanted

64. **Undermine** /ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Weaken

65. **Scientific enterprise**
*Meaning*: The whole system of research

66. **Eroding** /ɪˈroʊdɪŋ/ (US), /ɪˈrəʊdɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Gradually destroying

67. **Public trust**
*Meaning*: People's confidence

68. **Leading society down dangerous paths**
*Meaning*: Causing harm to communities

69. **Flawed foundations**
*Meaning*: Weak or incorrect bases

70. **Peer review process**
*Meaning*: System where experts check each other's work

71. **Crucial gatekeeper**
*Meaning*: Important controller of access

72. **Maintaining standards**
*Meaning*: Keeping quality high

73. **Limitations** /ˌlɪməˈteɪʃənz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Restrictions or weaknesses

74. **Separate the wheat from the chaff**
*Meaning*: Distinguish good from bad

75. **Perpetuate** /pərˈpetʃuˌeɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Cause to continue

76. **Biases** /ˈbaɪəsəz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Unfair preferences

77. **Dissemination** /dɪˌseməˈneɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Spreading of information

78. **Groundbreaking** /ˈɡraʊndˌbreɪkɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Revolutionary

79. **Discoveries** /dɪˈskʌvəriz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Findings

80. **Throws the baby out with the bathwater**
*Meaning*: Rejects good things along with bad

81. **Innovative** /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: New and creative

82. **Challenge established paradigms**
*Meaning*: Question accepted ways of thinking

83. **Conventional thinking**
*Meaning*: Traditional ideas

84. **Come to the forefront**
*Meaning*: Become very important

85. **Gain the power**
*Meaning*: Acquire the ability

86. **Manipulate** /məˈnɪpjəˌleɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Control or change

87. **Life itself**
*Meaning*: Living organisms

88. **Edit genes**
*Meaning*: Change DNA

89. **Create artificial life forms**
*Meaning*: Make new living things

90. **Weapons of mass destruction**
*Meaning*: Very dangerous military devices

91. **Fundamental questions**
*Meaning*: Basic important issues

92. **Limits of scientific inquiry**
*Meaning*: Boundaries of research

93. **Operate in ivory towers**
*Meaning*: Work in isolation from real world

94. **Isolated from**
*Meaning*: Separated from

95. **Consequences** /ˈkɑnsəˌkwensəz/ (US), /ˈkɒnsəkwənsəz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Results or effects

96. **Grapple with**
*Meaning*: Struggle to understand

97. **Moral implications**
*Meaning*: Ethical effects

98. **Too dangerous to pursue**
*Meaning*: Too risky to investigate

99. **Disseminate** /dɪˈseməˌneɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Spread or share

100. **Democratization** /dɪˌmɑkrətəˈzeɪʃən/ (US), /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Making available to everyone

101. **Open access initiatives**
*Meaning*: Programs to make research freely available

102. **Double-edged sword**
*Meaning*: Something with both good and bad effects

103. **Freely available**
*Meaning*: Accessible without cost

104. **Accelerate** /əkˈseləˌreɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Speed up

105. **Quality control**
*Meaning*: Ensuring high standards

106. **Misuse** /ˌmɪsˈjus/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Wrong use

107. **Detailed methodologies**
*Meaning*: Specific ways of doing research

108. **Dangerous substances**
*Meaning*: Harmful materials

109. **Knowledge sharing**
*Meaning*: Giving information to others

110. **Irresponsible disclosure**
*Meaning*: Careless revealing of information

111. **Increasingly blurred**
*Meaning*: Becoming less clear

112. **Public funding**
*Meaning*: Money from government

113. **Complex web**
*Meaning*: Complicated network

114. **Foot the bill**
*Meaning*: Pay the cost

115. **Legitimate claim**
*Meaning*: Fair demand

116. **Transparency** /trænsˈperənsi/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Openness

117. **Social contract**
*Meaning*: Agreement between people and government

118. **Implies** /ɪmˈplaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Suggests

119. **Obligation** /ˌɑbləˈɡeɪʃən/ (US), /ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Duty

120. **Communicate findings**
*Meaning*: Share results

121. **Accessible ways**
*Meaning*: Easy to understand methods

122. **Public interest**
*Meaning*: What benefits society

123. **Political interference**
*Meaning*: Government meddling

124. **Throttle innovation**
*Meaning*: Reduce new ideas

125. **Compromise independence**
*Meaning*: Damage freedom

126. **Pursue truth**
*Meaning*: Seek facts

127. **Without bias**
*Meaning*: Fairly

128. **Corporate interests**
*Meaning*: Business concerns

129. **Increasingly prominent**
*Meaning*: More and more important

130. **Conflicts of interest**
*Meaning*: Situations where personal gain conflicts with duty

131. **Commercialization** /kəˌmɜrʃələˈzeɪʃən/ (US), /kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Making money from

132. **Pharmaceutical** /ˌfɑrməˈsutɪkəl/ (US), /ˌfɑːməˈsjuːtɪkəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Related to medicines

133. **Drug trials**
*Meaning*: Tests of new medicines

134. **Sponsor** /ˈspɑnsər/ (US), /ˈspɒnsə/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Pay for

135. **Climate research**
*Meaning*: Studies about weather changes

136. **Potential for bias**
*Meaning*: Possibility of unfairness

137. **Looms large**
*Meaning*: Appears threatening

138. **Walk a tightrope**
*Meaning*: Balance carefully in difficult situation

139. **Securing necessary funding**
*Meaning*: Getting needed money

140. **Intellectual independence**
*Meaning*: Freedom of thought

141. **Financial incentives**
*Meaning*: Money-based motivations

142. **Skew** /skju/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Distort or bias

143. **Research outcomes**
*Meaning*: Results of studies

144. **Suppress** /səˈpres/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Hide or prevent

145. **Inconvenient findings**
*Meaning*: Results that cause problems

146. **International collaboration**
*Meaning*: Working together across countries

147. **Opportunities and challenges**
*Meaning*: Good and difficult possibilities

148. **Global cooperation**
*Meaning*: Worldwide working together

149. **Tackle problems**
*Meaning*: Deal with issues

150. **Transcend** /trænˈsend/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Go beyond

151. **National boundaries**
*Meaning*: Borders between countries

152. **Intellectual property**
*Meaning*: Ownership of ideas

153. **Technology transfer**
*Meaning*: Sharing technical knowledge

154. **Left out in the cold**
*Meaning*: Excluded or ignored

155. **Brain drain**
*Meaning*: Loss of educated people

156. **Phenomenon** /fəˈnɑməˌnɑn/ (US), /fəˈnɒməˌnɒn/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Observable occurrence

157. **Migrate** /ˈmaɪˌɡreɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Move from one place to another

158. **Wealthier countries**
*Meaning*: Richer nations

159. **Exacerbate** /ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Make worse

160. **Global inequalities**
*Meaning*: Worldwide unfairness

161. **Deprive** /dɪˈpraɪv/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Take away from

162. **Scientific expertise**
*Meaning*: Research knowledge and skills

163. **Desperately need**
*Meaning*: Urgently require

164. **Pandemic** /pænˈdemɪk/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Worldwide disease outbreak

165. **Threw into sharp relief**
*Meaning*: Made very clear

166. **Critical importance**
*Meaning*: Extreme significance

167. **Communicating uncertainty**
*Meaning*: Explaining what is not known

168. **In the spotlight**
*Meaning*: Getting lots of attention

169. **Like never before**
*Meaning*: More than ever

170. **Balance the need**
*Meaning*: Manage competing requirements

171. **Rapid response**
*Meaning*: Quick reaction

172. **Deliberative processes**
*Meaning*: Careful thinking procedures

173. **Scientific inquiry**
*Meaning*: Research investigation

174. **Highlighted** /ˈhaɪˌlaɪtəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Emphasized

175. **Evolves over time**
*Meaning*: Changes gradually

176. **Maintaining public trust**
*Meaning*: Keeping people's confidence

177. **Recommendations** /ˌrekəmənˈdeɪʃənz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Suggestions or advice

178. **Based on new evidence**
*Meaning*: Using fresh information

179. **Environmental responsibilities**
*Meaning*: Duties to protect nature

180. **Increasingly central**
*Meaning*: More and more important

181. **Scientific practice**
*Meaning*: How research is done

182. **Confront the reality**
*Meaning*: Face the truth

183. **Climate change**
*Meaning*: Long-term weather pattern changes

184. **Biodiversity loss**
*Meaning*: Reduction in variety of life

185. **All fields**
*Meaning*: Every area of study

186. **Environmental science**
*Meaning*: Study of nature and pollution

187. **Ecological footprint**
*Meaning*: Environmental impact

188. **Contributes to**
*Meaning*: Helps cause

189. **Pressing environmental challenges**
*Meaning*: Urgent nature problems

190. **Paradigm change**
*Meaning*: Fundamental shift in thinking

191. **Value-neutral**
*Meaning*: Without moral judgment

192. **Broader contexts**
*Meaning*: Wider situations

193. **Digital revolution**
*Meaning*: Major change due to computers

194. **Transformed** /trænsˈfɔrmd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Changed completely

195. **Data sharing**
*Meaning*: Giving information to others

196. **Collaboration** /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Working together

197. **Novel ethical concerns**
*Meaning*: New moral worries

198. **Big data research**
*Meaning*: Studies using huge amounts of information

199. **Reveal insights**
*Meaning*: Show understanding

200. **Human behavior**
*Meaning*: How people act

201. **Previously impossible**
*Meaning*: Not possible before

202. **Privacy concerns**
*Meaning*: Worries about personal information

203. **Informed consent**
*Meaning*: Agreement with full knowledge

204. **Stay ahead of the curve**
*Meaning*: Keep up with changes

205. **Emerging ethical challenges**
*Meaning*: New moral problems

206. **Harnessing the power**
*Meaning*: Using the strength

207. **Machine learning**
*Meaning*: Computer systems that improve automatically

208. **Particularly thorny issues**
*Meaning*: Especially difficult problems

209. **Algorithms** /ˈælɡəˌrɪðəmz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Computer instructions

210. **Sophisticated** /səˈfɪstəˌkeɪtəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Advanced and complex

211. **Analyzing data**
*Meaning*: Examining information

212. **Generating hypotheses**
*Meaning*: Creating possible explanations

213. **Human oversight**
*Meaning*: People watching and controlling

214. **Algorithmic bias**
*Meaning*: Unfairness in computer programs

215. **Bears responsibility**
*Meaning*: Has the duty

216. **Long-term implications**
*Meaning*: Future effects

217. **Surpass human intelligence**
*Meaning*: Become smarter than people

218. **Precautionary principle**
*Meaning*: Being careful when uncertain

219. **Gained traction**
*Meaning*: Become more popular

220. **Framework** /ˈfreɪmˌwɜrk/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: System of rules

221. **Scientific uncertainties**
*Meaning*: Things science doesn't know

222. **Significant harm**
*Meaning*: Serious damage

223. **Complete scientific certainty**
*Meaning*: Being completely sure

224. **Postpone action**
*Meaning*: Delay doing something

225. **Environmental degradation**
*Meaning*: Damage to nature

226. **Public harm**
*Meaning*: Damage to people

227. **Applying this principle**
*Meaning*: Using this rule

228. **Tricky** /ˈtrɪki/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Difficult

229. **Overly cautious**
*Meaning*: Too careful

230. **Stifle beneficial innovations**
*Meaning*: Prevent helpful new ideas

231. **Regulatory paralysis**
*Meaning*: Inability to make rules

232. **Science communication**
*Meaning*: Sharing research with public

233. **Emerged** /ɪˈmɜrdʒd/ (US), /ɪˈmɜːdʒd/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Appeared

234. **Share their findings**
*Meaning*: Tell others about results

235. **Accurately** /ˈækjərətli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Correctly

236. **Avoid sensationalism**
*Meaning*: Not exaggerate for effect

237. **Information overload**
*Meaning*: Too much information

238. **Declining trust**
*Meaning*: Reducing confidence

239. **Expertise** /ˌekspərˈtiz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Special knowledge

240. **Accessible** /əkˈsesəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Easy to understand

241. **Dumbing it down**
*Meaning*: Making too simple

242. **Oversimplifying** /ˌoʊvərˈsɪmpləˌfaɪɪŋ/ (US), /ˌəʊvəˈsɪmplɪfaɪɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Making too simple

243. **Complex issues**
*Meaning*: Complicated problems

244. **Looking toward the future**
*Meaning*: Thinking about what's coming

245. **Landscape** /ˈlændskeɪp/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: General situation

246. **Continue to evolve**
*Meaning*: Keep changing

247. **New technologies emerge**
*Meaning*: Fresh innovations appear

248. **Societal expectations**
*Meaning*: What society wants

249. **Shift** /ʃɪft/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Change

250. **Maintaining the delicate balance**
*Meaning*: Keeping careful equilibrium

251. **Preserving scientific freedom**
*Meaning*: Protecting research liberty

252. **Broader public good**
*Meaning*: Benefit for everyone

253. **Ongoing dialogue**
*Meaning*: Continuing conversation

254. **Policymakers** /ˈpɑləsiˌmeɪkərz/ (US), /ˈpɒləsiˌmeɪkəz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: People who make government decisions

255. **Establish frameworks**
*Meaning*: Create systems

256. **Scientific inquiry**
*Meaning*: Research investigation

257. **Societal welfare**
*Meaning*: Well-being of society

258. **Navigating these challenges**
*Meaning*: Dealing with these problems

259. **Fostering a culture**
*Meaning*: Encouraging an environment

260. **Responsible innovation**
*Meaning*: Careful development of new ideas

261. **Proactively** /proʊˈæktɪvli/ (US), /prəʊˈæktɪvli/ (UK)
*Meaning*: In advance

262. **Engage with stakeholders**
*Meaning*: Work with interested parties

263. **Research process**
*Meaning*: How studies are done

264. **Embracing** /ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Accepting willingly

265. **Research community**
*Meaning*: Scientists and researchers

266. **Force for human progress**
*Meaning*: Power that helps humanity advance

267. **Minimizing potential harms**
*Meaning*: Reducing possible damage

268. **Brilliant discoveries**
*Meaning*: Amazing findings

269. **Wisdom** /ˈwɪzdəm/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Good judgment

270. **Responsibly** /rɪˈspɑnsəbli/ (US), /rɪˈspɒnsəbli/ (UK)
*Meaning*: In a careful way

271. **Benefit of all humanity**
*Meaning*: Good for everyone

Intonation to Show Attitude

Intonation refers to the rise and fall of pitch during speech, which can indicate the speaker's feelings, intentions, or nuances beyond the literal meaning of words.

Key points about using intonation to show attitude include:

1. Rising intonation can suggest uncertainty, curiosity, or politeness (e.g., "You’re coming?" with a rising tone shows a question or doubt).
2. Falling intonation typically signals certainty, confidence, or finality (e.g., "I’m sure." with a falling tone sounds definite).
3. A falling-rising intonation may express hesitation or reservation (e.g., "Well, I don’t know…" implies doubt).
4. Emphatic stress combined with intonation can show strong feelings like surprise, annoyance, or enthusiasm.
5. Understanding intonation patterns helps in interpreting sarcasm, irony, or subtle criticism.