C1300 words2:03Conversation Mixed AccentsPublished Mar 14, 2026 · Updated Mar 23, 2026

Nature & EnvironmentScience Technology Education

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Comprehension Vocabulary Shadowing Quiz Dictation Writing Practice

Good morning, Hana. Welcome to the undergraduate chemistry laboratory for the first time.

Good morning, Professor. I have to admit, I'm both thrilled and slightly intimidated by all this equipment.

That's a perfectly natural reaction. Were you to neglect the inherent risks here, I'd be more concerned.

Fair point. So, where do we begin today?

First and foremost, let me outline the safety protocols that govern everything we do here.

I read the handbook online, but I suppose hands-on guidance is indispensable.

Precisely. Under no circumstances should you handle chemicals without wearing protective goggles and gloves.

Got it. What about the fume hood? I've seen those in YouTube videos but never used one.

The fume hood extracts toxic vapours so that you aren't exposed to harmful substances.

#10

That makes sense. Now, what experiment are we conducting today, if I may ask?

#11

We'll be testing a hypothesis about the reaction rate between zinc and hydrochloric acid.

#12

Interesting! I actually debated reaction kinetics with my chemistry teacher last week.

#13

Excellent. Now, set up the equipment precisely as indicated in the procedure sheet on your bench.

#14

Let me check — a conical flask, a measuring cylinder, a stopwatch, and a thermometer. Is that everything?

#15

Indeed. Should you notice any irregularities during the experiment, record them immediately in your logbook.

#16

Will do. I'll also take photos for my lab report, provided that's permitted.

#17

By all means. Now, once you've obtained your result, compare it with the theoretical prediction.

#18

What if the result deviates significantly from what we anticipated?

#19

Then we investigate the discrepancy. Not only does an unexpected result teach us something, but it also refines our hypothesis.

#20

That's reassuring. I suppose science is as much about embracing failure as celebrating success.

#21

Couldn't have put it better myself. Now, let's get started, shall we?

Phrase List (10 phrases)

Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.

First and foremost

idiom

Most importantly; more than anything else.

Example: First and foremost, we must ensure the safety of all participants.

Under no circumstances

idiom

Never; used to emphasize that something should not happen.

Example: Under no circumstances should you open this door without authorization.

Set up

phrasal verb

To prepare or arrange something for use.

Example: It took the researchers two hours to set up the laboratory equipment.

By all means

idiom

Of course; used to give permission or encouragement.

Example: If you want to take a look at the data, by all means, go ahead.

Couldn't have put it better myself

idiom

Used to express complete agreement with what someone has just said.

Example: You think we need more funding? I couldn't have put it better myself.

fume hood

technical term

A ventilated enclosure in a laboratory, in which harmful volatile chemicals can be used or kept to prevent the inhalation of toxic vapors.

Example: Always perform volatile reactions inside the fume hood to ensure safety.

bench

technical term

A long, sturdy work table used for scientific research, experiments, or manual work in a laboratory.

Example: Please clear your bench of all unnecessary items before starting the titration.

conical flask

technical term

A piece of laboratory glassware with a flat bottom, a conical body, and a cylindrical neck, also known as an Erlenmeyer flask.

Example: Swirl the conical flask gently while adding the acid.

measuring cylinder

technical term

A common piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid, characterized by its narrow, cylindrical shape and marked graduations.

Example: Pour exactly 50ml of water into the measuring cylinder.

reaction kinetics

technical term

The branch of physical chemistry that is concerned with understanding the rates of chemical reactions.

Example: The study of reaction kinetics helps us understand how temperature affects the speed of a chemical change.

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