ACT Science

ACT Science

1. The science section doesn't test any science at all.

   • You just need the graphs and charts presented.
     • 7 passages, no calculator.
       • 35 minutes, 40 questions.
         • 3 Passage types
           • Data representation: 3 of each type, questions on each, one or more charts.
             • Research summary: experiments and data collected from them. 3 passages, 6 questions.
               • Conflicting viewpoint: one passage, 7 questions. look like reading ACT, scientists arguing.
   • Conflicting Viewpoint: Have to read, only 1 passage, and 7 questions.
     • 2 conflicting views on a general topic.
       • Never read both scientists.
       • Read theory one and head to questions only on scientists 1.
         • Then do scientist 2, and the rest of questions.
           • Mark up the passage.
             • Remember the first line.
               • Last sentence will wrap it up.
                 • Cause and effect relationships.

2. 4 question types.

   • Straight from the chart: pick out info from chart/graph.
   • Spot the trend: Patterns.
     • Scientific method: how a experiment was preformed.
       • Scientific theories: Usually shown in conflicting viewpoint.

3. Research summary passage:

   • 3 passages, 6 questions each, and paragraphs with graphs and charts.
     • Don't read the paragraphs or diagrams!
       • Analyze charts and graphs.
         • What are they measuring?
           • Are there trends?
             • How do the labels and charts relate?
               • Double check
                 • Check your time
                   • If you have time, skim the passage.
                     • Data Representation:
                       • 3 passages, 5 questions each, and charts and graphs.
                         • The harder the chart, the easier the questions.
                           • Don't read the paragraphs or diagrams.
                             • Really analyze the charts and graphs.
                             • What are they measuring?
                               • Are there trends?
                                 • How do the tables and charts relate?
                                   • Do preferred passage type first.
                                   • attack the conflicting viewpoint passage first.
                                     • guess on the last question in a section.
                                     • guess on an entire data representation passage.