2012-2013

Wheaton North High School

ACT Science Tips & Tricks

• Don’t worry about “not knowing enough science” to do well. The fact of the matter is, you do not need to be a science whiz to do well

• Although knowing science is a plus, the main information needed to answer the questions are in each passage.

• To do well, you will need to use some science reasoning and follow some basic test strategies.

• First step in doing well on the test is to understand the test…

• How may questions are on the Science Reasoning Test?

• 40 Questions divided among 7 passages

• How long do you have to take the Science Reasoning Test?

• 35 minutes

• How many different types of passages are on the Science Test?

• 3 Main Types and each is a little different

Getting Started

Three Types of Questions

• Each type of passage presents it’s own unique challenge• Typically, students will do better on Data Representation Passages,

followed by the Research Summaries and finally the Conflicting Viewpoints

• Identifying the type of passage can be key in how to answer the questions and in what order

1Data Representation

2Research

Summaries 3Conflicting Viewpoints

Data Representation1

Passage Type 1: Data Representation

• These passage tend to be the easiest for students and should be typically done FIRST

• There are 3 of these passages, each with 5 questions per passage

• These passages present scientific information in the form of graphs, tables, and figures.

• You may be asked to select conclusions, determine relationships between variables, or apply data.

2 Research Summaries

Passage Type 2: Research Summaries

• These passage tend to be the next easiest for students and should be typically done SECOND

• There are 3 of these passages, each with 6 questions per passage

• These passages consist of descriptions of scientific experiments and how they were carried out, with a summary of results.

• You may be asked to analyze the experimental design, predict outcomes, identify hypotheses, or determine conclusions.

3 Conflicting Viewpoints

Passage Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints

• These passage tend to be the most difficult for students and should be typically done LAST

• There is 1 of these passages, with 7 questions • These passages present differing hypotheses,

theories, or viewpoints of more than one scientist.• You may be asked to select evidence supporting

particular positions, determine similarities/differences between positions, or determine strengths and weaknesses of positions.

? But wait…There’s More!How do attack each section?

Strategies for each section

Strategies for the Different Passage Types

• Passage Type 1: Data Representation• When presented with data in a graph or chart, pay close

attention to the scale, axes, units, and legend if given. Remember: The first thing to know about any graph or diagram is what the numbers represent.

• Questions will often direct you to one particular data set among two or three. Be sure to only look at the data in question. Make it simple.

• Questions will usually ask you to identify patterns in data, so look for trends such as upward slope, downward slope, direct/indirect relationships, etc.

Strategies for the Different Passage Types

• Passage Type 2: Research Summaries• When presented with an experiment or series of

experiments, identify the control group and experimental group, and all the variables. (independent, dependent, and controlled)

• Questions will often direct you to one particular experiment in a series. Be sure to only look at the experiment in question. Make it simple.

• If presented with data, be sure to read and understand all the labels on axes, columns, and rows. Remember: The first thing to know about any graph or diagram is what the numbers represent.

Strategies for the Different Passage Types

• Passage Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints• When presented with two or more points of view on a

topic, • Identify the main points of difference • Identify the main points of similarity

» Take 30 seconds and identify each section as either…» Data Representation (DR)» Research Summaries (RS)» Conflicting Viewpoints (CV)» Use the number of questions as your guide.

» In order (DR, RS & then CV) try to answer the questions about that section.

» The idea is that you are answering easy questions first and leaving harder ones for the end.

Suggested Strategy Recap…

» Read through the general test taking strategies handout» Take the test at home and either use the suggested strategies

or your own method. » Answer the questions for at least one of each section type

and time yourself. » Do not worry if it takes you a little long. Another section

might take you less time.

For Next Time…