Did you know? There are almost NO science questions on the ACT. Instead, it’s a reading comprehension test. That means you do not need background knowledge to succeed! Many ACT Science questions involve studying the trends in the data and analyzing differences and similarities. Knowing a few simple strategies can help you succeed on the ACT!
1. Skip the reading and go straight to the graphs!
Most ACT Science passages include charts and graphs that require you to interpret the labels and basic trends and study the axes. To avoid misreading graphs, first read through all questions before looking at any charts or tables in question.
If you need to better understand the graphs, you can glance at the key points of the passages. However, the passages in the charts and graphs section simply repeat the information in the graph. You only have about 6 minutes per passage, so pace yourself using plenty of practice tests.
2. Analyze basic trends in the graphs!
The ACT Science section features many questions that require you to interpret visual data such as graphs or tables, so keep it simple and just look at the trends. Is it generally going up or down? What are the low and high numbers? This is what the questions ask you about, so pay close attention to those details. Don’t get bogged down by the details or intimidated by the big, scary science words! You aren’t supposed to know about the science itself. It’s a reading test!
Skim the accompanying passages if you feel you’re running short on time. You can get most of the questions correct without reading the passages on the charts and graphs.
3. Look for the Answer in the Passage
ACT science passages may contain technical terminology that is difficult to interpret. Therefore, the biggest strategy here is to study the keywords and match them with the answer choices. Again, don’t get bogged down with complicated words and terminology.
This strategy can be particularly helpful when interpreting graphs and tables, and for becoming acquainted with reading ACT science passages. With some practice, you can quickly build your ability to read quickly while simultaneously understanding data interpretation.
4. Underline or Circle the Key Terms
Underlining or circling these words will help your brain focus in on what’s essential when reviewing questions and answer explanations.
Acquainting yourself with terms like dependent variable, controlled variables and data trends will be invaluable on the Science section. Learning these concepts will also help prevent mistakes when reading graphs or tables.
5. Look for the Answer in the Graph or Table
The Science ACT section assesses more than just scientific knowledge – it also tests your reasoning skills and logic. Therefore, using effective strategies when responding to these kinds of questions is vitally important if you wish to receive an excellent score on this test.
Reiterate that knowledge of all facts will not guarantee success in passing the ACT Science section, however a firm grasp on common scientific terms will help ensure success on this section.
6. Embrace Accuracy Over Quantity
Under only 35 minutes to answer 40 questions, you need a strategy that helps you respond efficiently. Furthermore, practice and reviewing errors must take place so as to increase proficiency.
ACT Science doesn’t test memorization skills; rather it focuses on testing logic and reasoning to come to the correct conclusion. When studying for this exam, focus on key terms and data trends rather than understanding every detail, which will increase time management efficiency and bring you closer to scoring a 36 score.
7. Look for the Answer in the Graph or Table
ACT Science questions go beyond simply testing knowledge of key concepts; they also require interpretation of data presented as graphs and tables, particularly during experimental design passages and passages containing differing viewpoints.
Misreading graphs and choosing answers based on inaccurate information can be a common misstep on the ACT exam and could cost you your chance at scoring 36! Prioritize accuracy over quantity to avoid making careless errors that cost scores on this test.
8. Look for the Answer in the Passage
ACT Science questions may seem intimidating, but their solutions often lie within the passage itself. Remember to carefully review and analyze data and look out for key terms before diving straight into answering any of your questions!
When approaching conflicting viewpoints passages, write brief summaries of each viewpoint prior to reading questions about them. This will enable you to quickly identify similarities and differences among viewpoints so as to answer correctly the “what happened” type questions. This strategy should especially help in answering “who’s responsible” type inquiries.
