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ACT Science Strategies ACT Prep Hyman ACT Prep Hyman

What is on the Scientific Reasoning section of the ACT? 7 passages – 3 Data Representation Passages (5 Questions each) – 3 Research Summaries Passages (6 Questions each) – 1 Conflicting Viewpoints Passage (7 Questions each) These passages can be arranged in any order and there is no hierarchy of difficulty, so the easiest passage might come at the end…. Sneaky! These passages can be arranged in any order and there is no hierarchy of difficulty, so the easiest passage might come at the end…. Sneaky!

By the way… The 5 questions on each of the 3 Data Representation Passages, The 6 questions on each of the 3 Research Summaries Passages, and The 7 questions on the 1 Conflicting Viewpoints Passage Equals a grand total of 40 questions. Per Passage Average of 5 Minutes!

What is being tested… The truth is, the type of passage is much more important than the content of the passage. While the passage might be about solar flares or the dispersion of carbon atoms in the ozone, it is really testing whether or not you can: 1.Interpret graphs 2.Follow the logic of an experiment 3.Analyze an argument

Passage Breakdowns

Data Representation Breakdown The three Data Representation passages contain one or more charts (such as tables, graphs, or illustrations). The accompanying questions test your understanding of and ability to use the information presented in these charts. The three Data Representation passages contain one or more charts (such as tables, graphs, or illustrations). The accompanying questions test your understanding of and ability to use the information presented in these charts.

Helpful Advice You’ll be able to spot a data representation passage if you see several large graphic like charts, tables, diagrams, and graphs.

Research Summaries Breakdown There are three Research Summaries passages on the Science Reasoning Test. These three passages generally present two or three related experiments and the data collected from them. You can think of Research Summaries as Data Representation placed in the context of a large experiment. There are three Research Summaries passages on the Science Reasoning Test. These three passages generally present two or three related experiments and the data collected from them. You can think of Research Summaries as Data Representation placed in the context of a large experiment.

Unnecessary Information The ACT Test writers sometimes include information that is unnecessary for solving any of the questions; for example, on many Research Summaries passages, where there are two or three experiments to consider, some of the data inside accompanying tables, charts or graphs will not be used at all. You could have five questions about coffee bean #1, and none about coffee bean #2. Do yourself a favor and take notes in the margin! The ACT Test writers sometimes include information that is unnecessary for solving any of the questions; for example, on many Research Summaries passages, where there are two or three experiments to consider, some of the data inside accompanying tables, charts or graphs will not be used at all. You could have five questions about coffee bean #1, and none about coffee bean #2. Do yourself a favor and take notes in the margin!

Helpful Advice Reading Strategy: One Sentence Summaries You’ll thank me later! Reading Strategy: One Sentence Summaries You’ll thank me later!

Conflicting Viewpoints Breakdown The ONE Conflicting Viewpoints passage presents you with two or three alternative theories on an observable phenomenon—such as cloud formation or the movement of tectonic plates—and requires that you understand the differences and similarities between the viewpoints.

Step By Step Guide to Conflicting VIewpoints Identify each theorist’s basic premise Summarize Identify key components of theories Summarize List any complex processes in order with arrows showing connections Identify each theorist’s basic premise Summarize Identify key components of theories Summarize List any complex processes in order with arrows showing connections

Helpful Advice Create a T-Chart on the side of your paper in order to quickly and easily list the information. Remember you STILL have a short amount of time. This doesn’t need to be pretty! Create a T-Chart on the side of your paper in order to quickly and easily list the information. Remember you STILL have a short amount of time. This doesn’t need to be pretty!

More Strategies

Go! Go! Go! No, Seriously! This is the next to last section on the ACT, depending if you are taking the “optional” Writing Test or not. Pop a peppermint, summon your inner tri-athlete, and get ready to power though!

Confusing Scientific Jargon

Read the Passage… FIRST! It may be easy to look at the charts, graphs, etc. and try to figure out the best answer, but the ACT Writers aren’t going to make it that simple.

Before answering the questions, make sure you have a direct understanding of the following four questions. Read the Passage… FIRST! o What is being tested? o Why is it being tested? o What are the variables? o What are the factors that stay the same? o What is being tested? o Why is it being tested? o What are the variables? o What are the factors that stay the same?

Base your answers only on the contents of the passage. In the case of the Science Reasoning Test, external knowledge has the potential to hurt you. All of the information you need to know is in the passage. You may know more about a subject than the ACT writer designing the questions. If you read something into a question that the ACT writer didn’t intend, you have a good chance of getting the wrong answer. Please Remember…

Pay Attention

Last, But Not Least

You’re Going to be OK!