Speculative work discussed a couple of hypothetical variants; ... (3-2)

I believe the answer is:

sci-fi

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'speculative work' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sci-fi that I've seen before include "Space fiction" , "Literary genre (abbrev)" , "Fantasy genre based in the future" , "Space opera genre" , "Sort of book" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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