Understanding ACT Science

The ACT Science section tests your skills in interpreting, analyzing, evaluating, reasoning, and problem•solving. You’ll encounter passages from biology, chemistry, earth/space sciences, and physics. Here’s how to optimize your performance:

 1. Understand the ACT Science Format

Knowing the structure of the ACT Science section is critical. It contains three types of passages: Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints. Familiarizing yourself with these can help you navigate the section more effectively.

 2. Focus on the Information in the Passages

Most answers can be found within the passage, graphs, and tables, rather than relying on outside scientific knowledge. Practice interpreting these scientific presentations to build your confidence.

 3. Don’t Get Bogged Down by Scientific Jargon

Don’t be intimidated by complex scientific terms. Most of the time, understanding the overall concept is more important than knowing each term’s exact definition.

 4. Use Process of Elimination

If you’re unsure of an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect. This narrows down your options and increases the chances of guessing correctly if needed.

 5. Keep Track of Time

With 40 questions to answer in 35 minutes, time management is crucial. Ensure you don’t spend too much time on a single passage or question.

 6. Practice with Real ACT Science Questions

Regular practice with actual ACT Science questions will familiarize you with the question types and improve your time management skills.