C1 Expression Formel 2 min de lecture

Pre-test scores were

Research methodology and reporting expression

Use this phrase to professionally introduce the starting data point before showing how much progress was made.

En 15 secondes

  • Describes initial results before any training or intervention occurred.
  • Used to establish a baseline for measuring future improvement.
  • Common in academic, scientific, and professional reporting contexts.

Signification

This phrase refers to the initial scores or results people got on a test before they received any training or lessons. It sets a baseline to see how much someone actually improved later on.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

Reporting on a corporate training program

Pre-test scores were significantly lower than the industry average.

Pre-test scores were significantly lower than the industry average.

💼
2

Writing an academic research paper

Pre-test scores were recorded to ensure both groups started at the same level.

Pre-test scores were recorded to ensure both groups started at the same level.

👔
3

A teacher talking to a concerned parent

Don't worry, the pre-test scores were just to see what we need to work on.

Don't worry, the pre-test scores were just to see what we need to work on.

🤝
🌍

Contexte culturel

This expression is rooted in the scientific method and the rise of standardized testing in the late 20th century. It reflects a Western cultural emphasis on 'quantifiable progress' and data-driven decision making. In modern corporate environments, it is often used to justify budgets or new training initiatives.

💡

The 'Were' Rule

Always use 'were' (plural) because 'scores' is plural. Saying 'Pre-test scores was' is a common mistake that sounds unprofessional.

⚠️

Don't over-use it

In a casual conversation, this phrase makes you sound like a robot. Use 'The first results' or 'The starting point' if you're just chatting with friends.

En 15 secondes

  • Describes initial results before any training or intervention occurred.
  • Used to establish a baseline for measuring future improvement.
  • Common in academic, scientific, and professional reporting contexts.

What It Means

Pre-test scores were is the starting point of a success story. It describes the data collected at the very beginning of a study or class. Think of it as the 'Before' photo in a fitness transformation. You use it to show where people started before you taught them something new. It establishes a baseline for comparison.

How To Use It

You usually follow this phrase with a number, a range, or an adjective. For example, you might say Pre-test scores were surprisingly low. This sets the stage for your next point. You are preparing your audience to see a big change. It functions as the foundation of a logical argument. Use it to prove that your teaching or intervention actually worked.

When To Use It

Use this in academic writing or professional presentations. It is perfect for research papers or year-end school reports. You can also use it in business when testing a new software. If you are showing a client how much their team improved, start here. It sounds objective and data-driven. It tells your listener that you are organized and scientific.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in casual, emotional conversations. Don't tell your partner Pre-test scores were low regarding their cooking skills. That is a quick way to get a cold shoulder! It is too clinical for a Friday night at the pub. If you are just chatting about a hard exam, say The first test was brutal instead. Keep this phrase for when you have actual data to report.

Cultural Background

Western education and corporate culture are obsessed with 'Growth Mindset.' We love seeing progress from point A to point B. This phrase is a product of the 'Evidence-Based' movement. It became popular as schools and companies faced more pressure to prove results. It reflects a culture that values measurable improvement over vague feelings. It is the language of accountability and transparency.

Common Variations

You might hear Baseline scores were or Initial results indicated. In a more casual office setting, someone might say Where we started was. However, Pre-test scores were remains the gold standard for formal reporting. You can also swap 'were' for 'showed' or 'suggested'. For example, Pre-test scores suggested a lack of basic knowledge.

Notes d'usage

This phrase is strictly formal and academic. Ensure subject-verb agreement (plural 'scores' with plural 'were') to maintain credibility in research contexts.

💡

The 'Were' Rule

Always use 'were' (plural) because 'scores' is plural. Saying 'Pre-test scores was' is a common mistake that sounds unprofessional.

⚠️

Don't over-use it

In a casual conversation, this phrase makes you sound like a robot. Use 'The first results' or 'The starting point' if you're just chatting with friends.

💬

The Growth Obsession

In English-speaking business culture, showing a 'low' pre-test score followed by a 'high' post-test score is the best way to get a promotion. It proves you can solve problems!

Exemples

6
#1 Reporting on a corporate training program
💼

Pre-test scores were significantly lower than the industry average.

Pre-test scores were significantly lower than the industry average.

Sets up the need for the training program that followed.

#2 Writing an academic research paper
👔

Pre-test scores were recorded to ensure both groups started at the same level.

Pre-test scores were recorded to ensure both groups started at the same level.

Explains the methodology of the study clearly.

#3 A teacher talking to a concerned parent
🤝

Don't worry, the pre-test scores were just to see what we need to work on.

Don't worry, the pre-test scores were just to see what we need to work on.

Uses the formal term to sound professional but reassuring.

#4 Texting a colleague about a pilot project
😊

Pre-test scores were a mess, so the new manual is definitely needed!

Pre-test scores were a mess, so the new manual is definitely needed!

Combines a formal phrase with casual language for a relatable office vibe.

#5 A humorous take on a first date
😄

My pre-test scores were high, but I still failed the actual date.

My pre-test scores were high, but I still failed the actual date.

Uses academic language in a personal context for comedic effect.

#6 Discussing a failed medical trial
💭

Unfortunately, pre-test scores were already too high to show significant improvement.

Unfortunately, pre-test scores were already too high to show significant improvement.

Conveys a sense of professional disappointment regarding data.

Teste-toi

Choose the best word to complete the reporting sentence.

The ___ scores were used to calculate the total learning gain.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : pre-test

We use 'pre-test' to describe the scores used as a starting point for calculating gains.

Complete the professional statement.

Pre-test scores ___ consistent across all three study groups.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : were

Since 'scores' is plural, we must use the plural verb 'were'.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality Level of 'Pre-test scores were'

Casual

Talking about a first try.

My first go was okay.

Neutral

General classroom talk.

The first scores came back.

Formal

Research and reporting.

Pre-test scores were analyzed.

Where to use 'Pre-test scores were'

Pre-test scores were
🎓

University Thesis

Reporting data methodology.

💼

Corporate HR

Evaluating employee training.

🏥

Medical Study

Establishing patient baselines.

💻

Software Beta

Measuring user speed before updates.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but you should change it to singular: His pre-test score was. If you are talking about a group, stick with scores were.

Both pre-test and pretest are acceptable. In formal American English, the hyphen is very common, while some modern journals prefer one word.

The opposite is Post-test scores were. You use this to show the final results after the training is finished.

Not at all! It applies to any measurable data, like a fitness assessment, a coding challenge, or even a psychological survey.

It depends on the recipient. If you are emailing a manager about a project's progress, it is perfect. If you are emailing a friend, it is too stiff.

Absolutely. Pre-test results were is a very common and natural synonym that carries the same weight.

We use were because the testing usually happened in the past before you wrote the report. It describes a completed event.

Yes, especially in a presentation. It helps the audience follow your logic: 'First, pre-test scores were X. Then we did Y. Now, scores are Z.'

Even if the 'scores' were qualitative (like 'pass/fail'), you can still use the phrase to describe the initial status of the participants.

No, this is grammatically incorrect. Since scores is plural, you must use were to sound educated and professional.

Expressions liées

Baseline data

The information collected at the very start of a process.

Post-intervention results

The data collected after a change or training has occurred.

Initial assessment

The first evaluation of a person's skills or condition.

Benchmark figures

Standard points of reference used for comparison.

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