Pacing on the ACT Science Test
Summary
Mastering the pacing for the ACT science test is crucial due to its time-pressured nature and the increasing complexity of questions and passages.
- You have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions, which may be spread across six or seven passages, requiring strategic time management.
- Focus on spending roughly 5 to 6 minutes per passage, without obsessing over exact timing, to ensure you cover all passages.
- Prioritize reading selectively, especially for data representation passages, and save the conflicting viewpoints passage for last due to its complexity and text volume.
- If running out of time, target specific questions that refer to charts and graphs for quick answers, and ensure all questions have answers marked for a chance at lucky guesses.
- Practice under timed conditions is essential to develop a realistic sense of pacing and to strategize on whether to attempt all passages or focus on fewer for accuracy.
Chapters
00:00
Understanding ACT Science Test Timing
01:58
Strategic Passage Approach
03:31
Prioritizing Passages and Questions
05:40
Handling Time Pressure
06:53
The Importance of Practice and Strategy
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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.