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ACT Review
Science Reasoning
THE TEST
35 Minutes with
40 Questions
What is it?
The ACT Science Reasoning test measures your ability to read and understand scientific information.
The test does NOT measure your ability to recall scientific facts.
Only BASIC knowledge is Assumed!
Most questions are written so that you WON’T know what they’re talking about. They want to see if you can use your REASONing and problem-solving skills!
Just in Case…
Some students like to review basic science information before taking the ACT.
Here are the broad science concepts found on the ACT:
Four Main Disciplines
1.Biology
2.Earth and Space Science
3.Chemistry
4.Physics
Biology
Cell
Botany
Zoology
Microbiology
Ecology
Genetics
Evolution
Chemistry
Atoms
Chemical Reactions
Bonding
Reaction Rates
Solutions
Equilibrium
Gas Laws
Electrochemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
States of Matter
Physics
Mechanics
Energy
Thermodynamics
Electromagnetis
m
Fluids
Solids
Light Waves
Earth and Spaces Science
Geology
Meteorology
Oceanography
Astronomy
Environmental Science
The Format: 7 Passages
① Data Representation (38%)
② Research Summaries (45%)
③ Conflicting Viewpoints (17%)
Pass out Cambridge Review
Work through p. 1-19
Back to the Format…
Data Representation
3 passages with ~ 5 questions each:
Collection of facts often represented visually (graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams)
Data Representation
You should KNOW:
What numbers measure
Factors that affect numbers
Trends in the data
Research Summaries
3 passages with ~ 6 questions each:
Pose questions
2 or 3 experiments
Describes results
Research Summaries
You should KNOW how to:
Compare experiments
Determine experimental design
Draw conclusions
Conflicting Viewpoints
1 passage with ~ 7 questions:
Outlines a scientific problem with 2 or more alternative explanations
Conflicting Viewpoints
You should KNOW how to:
Compare explanations
Recognize similarities and differences
Answer questions
Practice Identifying 3 types of passages
(Use ACT Review Study Guide)
3 Step Reading Method
1) Preview (30 seconds)
Determine Format
3 Step Reading Method
1) Preview (30 seconds)
2) Actively Read (1 – 2 minutes)
Look at visuals
3 Step Reading Method
1) Preview (30 seconds)
2) Actively Read (1 – 2 minutes)
3) Review Passage (30 seconds)
Scan again
Turn to Study Guide
Model the method with Passage 1.
Students should then try Passage 2.
Now…How to Answer the Questions!!!
Each passage has “Main” Ideas as well as Details
Depending on the type of passage, you first ask yourself these questions:
Data Representation Q’s
3 Key Questions
1) What is being measured?
2) What is the relationship among variables?
3) What are the trends in the data?Model with Passage 1
Research Summaries Q’s
3 Key Questions
1) What question is being asked?
2) What variable are being tested?
3) What similarities/differences exist in the experimental results?
Model with Passage 2
Conflicting Viewpoints Q’s
3 Key Questions
1) What must be explained?
2) What exist similarities/differences between theories?
3) What are the underlying assumptions?Model with Passage 3
4 Category of Questions
1) Main Idea Questions
2) Detail Questions
3) Inference Questions
4) Application Questions
4 Category of Questions: Practice!
Inference
Passage II, #2
Passage III, #2
Application
Passage 1, #4
Main Idea
Passage I, #1
Passage II, #1
Detail
Passage I, #2
Passage III, #1
Tricks and Traps
1) Beware irrelevant information!
2) Keep units straight!
3) Don’t assume information!
4) Don’t get bogged down in technical terminology!
Turn to Cambridge Review
Practice reading and answering Passage I in 5 minutes.
Discuss.
Repeat with remaining passages.
Test-taking Strategies
1) Preview entire test and start with easier passages (30 seconds)
2) Answer EVERY question!
Test-taking Strategies
3) If short on time, “2 Min. Drill”• Preview for 30 seconds• Answer for 90 seconds
Do this is you have a lot to do and you hear: “YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES REMAINING.”
Test-taking Strategies
MOST IMPORTANTLY…
4) Practice Science Reading before the test!
• This includes science practice tests, scientific articles, books related to science
More About Reading…
Most students who start reading more in general often see gains on the ACT…especially students who had previously not read a lot.
STOP! – Practice
If time permits, students will complete the practice test.
Mrs. Jones has more practice tests. If you’re interested, see her in S103!
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