The scientific method is used for simple experiments (实验) that students may do in the classroom or very difficult experiments that scientists are doing throughout the world. It is a way of thinking that helps you to avoid drawing incorrect conclusions. There are usually four steps in the scientific method, including observation (观察), hypothesis (假设), experiment and conclusion.

The first step is usually observation and asking a question about your observation. For example, you had a sick stomach and ate a piece of chocolate. Two hours later, you observed that you felt better. Here you can ask a question such as “What makes a sick stomach feel better?”

The next step is to state a possible hypothesis, such as “A piece of chocolate makes a sick stomach feel better.” A good hypothesis includes three things: it can explain the observations; it can be tested and it will usually predict new conclusions.

The third step is the experiment, to test the hypothesis. An experiment is a test which will either support or challenge the hypothesis. The hypothesis will then be true or false.

The final step is to think about what happened when you tested the hypothesis and draw a conclusion. The conclusion will either clearly support the hypothesis or it will not. If the results support the hypothesis, a conclusion can be written. If they don’t support the hypothesis, you may choose to change the hypothesis or write a new one based on what was learned during the experiment.

1. 1. The scientific method can help you ________.

A    get rid of a sick stomach

B    pass a test

C    draw correct conclusions

D    feel better

2. 2. What does a good hypothesis include? ①explaining the observations ②being tested ③doing experiments ④predicting new conclusions

A    ①②③

B    ②③④

C    ①③④

D    ①②④

3. 3. What can we learn about the experiment from the passage?

A     An experiment can offer you a learning method.

B    An experiment is a test to either support or challenge a hypothesis.

C    An experiment is only used when scientists are trying to prove a hypothesis.

D    An experiment does not have to be part of the scientific method.

4. What does the underlined word “it” in the last paragraph refer to?

A    The conclusion.

B    The observation.

C    The hypothesis.

D    The question.

5. 5. Which sentence can best express the main idea of the passage?

A    What makes a sick stomach feel better?

B    The conclusion will sometimes clearly support the hypothesis.

C    How do the four basic steps in the scientific method work?

D    Learning the scientific method may help students succeed in science.