The Conflicting Viewpoints Passage

Basic Science Strategies

The Conflicting Viewpoints Passage

Lesson by Kristin Fracchia

Magoosh Expert

Lesson by Kristin Fracchia

Magoosh Expert

Summary

The ACT Science conflicting viewpoints passage tests how well you understand competing hypotheses, compare their agreements and disagreements, and evaluate how new information affects each position. The strongest approach combines a clear reading strategy, focused annotation, and repeated practice to improve speed and accuracy.

The conflicting viewpoints passage presents one scientific phenomenon alongside two or more competing explanations, and your task is to track each viewpoint, compare them, and judge how evidence would affect their validity.
Because this passage is often the most difficult part of ACT Science, begin by reading the introductory material for background and context, then decide whether previewing the questions helps your timing and comprehension.
Use one of two main reading strategies: read one viewpoint at a time and answer its related questions before moving on, or read the full passage first and then answer questions in a flexible order.
Choose your strategy through practice rather than guesswork, since some students focus better when handling one viewpoint at a time while others prefer building a full-picture understanding before answering.
While reading, focus on the main point of each hypothesis, the major similarities between viewpoints, and especially the differences that are most likely to appear in questions.
Annotate actively but selectively, marking linked ideas and contrasts with a simple symbol system so you can quickly locate key evidence without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
A sample geology passage shows that the most important takeaway often appears near the end of each hypothesis, such as one viewpoint claiming Earth is shrinking and continents move closer together while another claims Earth is expanding and continents move farther apart.

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