Last updated: June 2026
English for Science: CI Guide
Academic scientific English is learnable. B2 + 100h scientific CI = functional academic English. Supports paper reading, conference talks, lab communication.
Scientific English: IMRaD structure
80% of scientific papers follow IMRaD (Introduction-Methods-Results-Discussion). CI from 50+ papers normalizes this structure. AWL (Academic Word List) + top-3000 covers 90% of academic text.
Academic Word List (AWL)
AWL: 570 word families covering 10% of academic texts. Non-field-specific academic words (analyze, hypothesis, significant, evidence). Field-specific terms: acquired through domain CI.
Move the slider: how much of a video at this level do you understand?
Scientific CI sources
TED/TED-Ed, SciShow, Kurzgesagt, PBS Space Time, MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy advanced, conference recordings. 50+ hours neutralizes scientific accent and normalizes academic register.
Try comprehensible input now
Real lessons at this level from our free library — pick one and watch.
Writing scientific papers in English
Read 20+ papers in your field before writing. Note structures for: presenting findings, hedging (may, might, appears to), attribution (studies have shown). IMRaD sections have formulaic openings — acquire through CI reading.
Lab and conference English
Lab: B1 spoken + B2 written covers communication. International labs have diverse accents — build accent variety CI. Conferences: 50+ conference talk CI hours builds presentation comprehension.
1How much everyday English speech can you follow?
2Can you watch a show with English subtitles?
3How comfortable is a real conversation?
Suggested starting level:
Do I need to understand every word?
No. If you follow the overall meaning — roughly 70–90% — the video is working. Missing some words is normal and your brain fills the gaps from context.
How long until I can speak?
Speaking emerges naturally once you have enough input — often after a silent period of months. Forcing speech too early mostly produces translation and stress. Let understanding lead.
Should I use subtitles?
Use English subtitles as a bridge, then rewatch without them. Avoid subtitles in your own language — they let your brain skip the listening and slow acquisition.
How much should I watch per day?
Consistency beats marathons. Even 15–30 focused minutes daily adds up to 90–180 hours a year — enough to cross a CEFR level. A habit you keep beats an ambitious plan you drop.