Back to Table of Contents
Intro to Science Test Passage Types
Summary
The ACT Science test comprises three primary passage types: Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints, each requiring distinct strategies for effective comprehension and analysis.
- Data Representation passages involve interpreting scientific information presented in charts, tables, graphs, and diagrams, focusing on identifying and analyzing data trends.
- Research Summaries passages describe one or more experiments, focusing on the design, procedure, and results, requiring interpretation of study design and analysis of results.
- Conflicting Viewpoints passages present differing theories or hypotheses on a phenomenon, emphasizing reading comprehension to understand and compare the presented viewpoints.
- Understanding the structure and strategy for each passage type is crucial for pacing and maximizing performance on the ACT Science test.
- Strategies include quickly identifying passage types, focusing on key information, and applying specific analytical approaches to answer questions accurately.
Chapters
00:00
Data Representation Passages
04:19
Research Summaries Passages
06:33
Conflicting Viewpoints Passages
Related Blog Posts
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO THIS LESSON: On 2015 ACT tests, the Science Test has featured 6 passages (instead of the traditional 7): specifically 3 Research Summaries passages with 7 questions each, 2 Data Representation passages with 6 questions each, and 1 Conflicting Viewpoint passage with 7 questions. Make sure to check your test before you start to see how many passages you have so you can plan your pacing accordingly. 7 passages means you have 5 minutes per passage. 6 passages means you have almost 6 minutes per passage.
