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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.