B2–C1 · 5 patterns

English patterns for testing hypotheses and evidence

Turn explanations into observable predictions, identify falsifying evidence, compare alternatives, and choose tests that reduce uncertainty.

01 · Use it when you need to

Communication goals

01
turn a claim into a testable prediction
02
say what evidence would change your mind
03
compare a hypothesis with an alternative
04
choose the next test by information value

02 · Study sets

Study the topic from these validated sets

01Hypothesis testingTurn explanations into testable predictions, seek discriminating evidence, and revise claims when the data require it. · HYP

03 · Pattern examples

Start with a reusable structure

This is an editorial sample. The linked study sets contain the complete topic collection.

01If our hypothesis is right, we should observe [X] when [Y].If our hypothesis is right, we should observe more failures when load increases. · DE: Wenn unsere Hypothese stimmt, sollten wir mehr Ausfälle beobachten, wenn die Last steigt.02I would revise this hypothesis if [X].I would revise this hypothesis if the same failures appeared under low load. · DE: Ich würde diese Hypothese revidieren, wenn dieselben Ausfälle bei niedriger Last auftreten würden.03What would distinguish [X] from the alternative that [Y]?What would distinguish a capacity problem from the alternative that the queue is misconfigured? · DE: Woran könnten wir erkennen, ob ein Kapazitätsproblem vorliegt oder stattdessen die Queue falsch konfiguriert ist?04The most informative next test would be [X], because it would separate [Y] from [Z].The most informative next test would be replaying one failed record, because it would separate a data issue from a volume issue. · DE: Der informativste nächste Test wäre die erneute Verarbeitung eines fehlerhaften Datensatzes, weil er ein Datenproblem von einem Volumenproblem unterscheiden würde.05We have not confirmed [X], but we have not ruled it out either.We have not confirmed a caching issue, but we have not ruled it out either. · DE: Für ein Cache-Problem haben wir noch keine Bestätigung; ausgeschlossen ist es aber auch nicht.

04 · Related paths

Continue by communication goal

01Thinking with language: framing, uncertainty, systems, and decisionsUse reusable language to frame problems, separate evidence from assumptions, trace system effects, and make clearer decisions under uncertainty.02Causal diagnosis and root-cause reasoningSeparate triggers from causes, compare competing mechanisms, and make causal chains explicit without treating timing as proof.03Academic and research English patternsTurn evidence into careful claims, frame researchable questions, attribute sources, and control uncertainty in academic or analytical writing and discussion.04Opinions, stance, and hedgingState a position, control how strongly you commit to it, and discuss uncertainty without making vague claims.