How to Score a Perfect 36 on the ACT Science Section

Introduction to ACT Science

The ACT Science section is a 35-minute, 40-question portion of the ACT exam that measures your ability to interpret and analyze scientific information rather than recall facts. It covers a mix of topics from biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences, but advanced knowledge isn't required – only a familiarity with basic concepts typically learned in introductory high school science courses. You'll face several scientific passages (usually 6, sometimes 7) each followed by multiple-choice questions. Note: You cannot use a calculator on this section (ACT Science Calculator Policy), but the math required is minimal.

Structure and Question Formats: ACT Science passages come in three formats.

• Data Representation – Passages dominated by graphs, tables, or diagrams. These test your ability to read charts and identify trends or relationships in data (Description of Science Test | ACT). You might be asked to interpret a graph's axes, find values in a table, or extrapolate a trend beyond the given data.
• Research Summaries – Descriptions of one or more related experiments. These passages include experimental setups and results, and questions focus on understanding the design of experiments and interpreting the outcomes.
• Conflicting Viewpoints – A unique passage presenting two or more opposing hypotheses or scientific viewpoints. There are no graphs here – instead, you'll read text discussing each viewpoint. Questions ask you to compare and analyze these differing opinions or theories.

Each passage has about 5–7 questions. Typically, you'll see 2–3 Data Representation, 2–3 Research Summaries, and 1 Conflicting Viewpoints passage per test. The Conflicting Viewpoints passage tends to be the most reading-heavy and time-consuming, while the others include more charts and data. Despite the science context, remember that this section is fundamentally a test of scientific reasoning skills – your ability to interpret data, evaluate experiments, and think logically in a scientific setting. In fact, every reasonably prepared student can excel here with the right strategies and practice – a perfect 36 is achievable with hard work and smart preparation!

Study Strategies and Preparation Tips

Achieving a 36 on ACT Science requires a combination of smart study habits, familiarity with the test format, and strategic practice. Below is a comprehensive plan to prepare effectively.

Creating a Study Plan

Start by setting up a study schedule that covers the time leading up to your test date. Consistency is key – aim to work on ACT Science almost every day, even if just for a short session. Here's how you might structure your prep:

1. Assess Your Baseline: Take a diagnostic ACT Science section or a full ACT practice test to see where you stand and identify your initial score. This will highlight your starting point and any obvious weak areas.
2. Set a Target and Timeline: Mark your test date (or desired timeframe) and break your preparation into weeks. For example, if you have 8 weeks to prep, you might dedicate each week to specific goals (e.g., Week 1: familiarize with question types, Week 2: focus on Data Representation practice, etc.).
3. Daily Practice: Practice ACT Science passages or questions daily if possible. Even 15–30 minutes a day can build skills. For instance, you might do one passage under timed conditions each day to build speed and comfort. Focus on a mix of passage types throughout the week.
4. Weekly Reviews: Each week, take a timed practice section (35 minutes for 40 questions) or even a full-length ACT Science test. Simulate real testing conditions (quiet environment, timer set for 35 minutes) and treat it seriously.
5. Focus on Weak Spots: Use results from your practice to guide your studying. If you consistently struggle with, say, Conflicting Viewpoints passages or interpreting graphs, allocate extra study time to those areas. Likewise, note if certain science topics (like chemistry or biology concepts) confuse you and do a quick review of those basics (see the Common Scientific Knowledge section below).
6. Ramp Up Closer to the Test: In the final 1-2 weeks before the exam, increase your practice test frequency. Take at least one or two full-length ACTs, including the Science section, to build endurance. Continue to fine-tune your timing and address any lingering mistake patterns.
7. Rest and Confidence: In the last days before the test, focus on light review and maintaining your confidence. At that point, you've done the work – trust your preparation. Get good sleep and stay positive.

This plan can be adjusted to fit the time you have. If you have many months, you can spread out the practice more; if you have only a few weeks, you'll need to condense the schedule (possibly doing more practice per day). The key is to practice consistently and purposefully. Every practice question you solve and review moves you closer to mastery.

Recommended Resources

Using high-quality study materials will make your preparation more effective. Here are some top resources to consider:

• Online Prep Programs: Websites like Test Ninjas others offer ACT Science practice question banks and detailed explanations.
• Science Skills Practice: Since ACT Science is about interpretation, improving your comfort with scientific information can help. Reading articles from Science News, National Geographic, or Scientific American can build your skills in reading scientific graphs and studies. While not ACT-specific, they get you in the habit of digesting scientific data and terminology.
• Flashcards for Terminology: If you're not confident in basic science vocabulary (e.g., what "mitosis" means or what "pH" refers to), consider making flashcards for common terms. However, remember you don't need to memorize a lot of facts – focus on terms that frequently appear or that confused you in practice.

Mix and match resources based on what works for you. Many students find that using at least one official source (for realistic practice) and one strategy-focused resource is a good combination. And don't forget: full-length practice tests are one of the most valuable tools – plan to take a few as you prepare.

Time Management and Pacing Strategies

One of the biggest challenges of ACT Science is the fast pace. You have 35 minutes for 40 questions – roughly 52 seconds per question or about 5-6 minutes per passage. Managing this time pressure is crucial for a perfect score. Here are some pacing tips:

• Have a Passage Plan: There are usually 6 passages. A common approach is to spend about 5 minutes on each Data Representation or Research Summary passage and slightly more (maybe 6-7 minutes) on the Conflicting Viewpoints passage, which is more reading-intensive. If there are 7 passages, you'll need to average slightly less (around 5 minutes each). Keep an eye on the clock as you finish each passage and adjust as needed to stay on track.
• Do Easier Passages First: You don't have to do the passages in the order given. Skim the passages at the start of the section – if one looks especially dense or difficult (often the Conflicting Viewpoints or a very complex experiment), you can skip it and come back last. Answering the easier data-driven sets first ensures you grab all the quick points early. For example, many students save the Conflicting Viewpoints passage for last because it tends to be the most time-consuming. Since every question is worth the same, it's wise to get the fast, straightforward questions done first and bank that time for the harder passage.
• Don't Get Bogged Down: If a question is taking too long (e.g. you're stuck between two answer choices or having trouble interpreting a graph), mark it and move on. It's better to move forward and answer all the questions you confidently can, then come back if time permits. Wasting three minutes on one hard question is a luxury you can't afford. Remember, you need nearly all questions correct for a 36, but it's still better to guess on one tough one than to miss several easier ones because you ran out of time.
• Use a Timing Benchmarks: A rough guide: after 10 minutes, you should be done with about 11-12 questions; after 20 minutes, ~23-25 questions; after 30 minutes, ~34-36 questions. If you find during practice that you're consistently short on time, practice increasing your speed (more on quick techniques below). If you have extra time, use it to double-check marked questions or verify data from passages.
• Practice Under Timed Conditions: Get used to the pacing by always timing your practice sections. When you do a practice ACT Science section, set a 35-minute timer and push yourself to complete all questions in that time. This builds your internal clock for the test. If you initially can't finish in time, practice doing passages with a stopwatch to see how long each takes, and work on shaving down that time (for instance, by skimming passages more effectively or going straight to questions).
• Guessing Strategy: There is no penalty for guessing on the ACT. That means you should never leave a question blank. If you are running out of time, it's better to fill in guesses for any remaining questions rather than not answer. Even an educated guess after eliminating a couple of choices gives you a better chance (25% or higher) of getting it right. If time is almost up and you have a handful of questions left, bubble in an answer for each (and try to pick the same letter for all – statistically, you might hit at least one or two). Of course, our goal is not to be in that position – with good pacing, you ideally finish with a minute or two to spare – but this is your safety net.
• Allocate Extra Time to Your Weakness: As you practice, notice which passage types slow you down. If data passages are quick for you but experiments take longer, plan accordingly. For instance, you might aim to complete data graphs in 4 minutes each, leaving extra minutes for the experiment passages. Develop a personal pacing strategy that plays to your strengths. Ultimately, you want to finish the section with a bit of time left to review, if possible. Perfect scorers often finish a minute or two early and use that time to check for careless mistakes.

Approaching Practice Questions and Reviewing Mistakes

Practice alone isn't enough – how you review your practice is even more important. A key habit to build is analyzing every mistake you make so you don't repeat it. Here's how to get the most out of practice questions and tests:

• Active Review of Answers: After completing a practice set or test, grade it and then review every question, not just the ones you got wrong. For each question:
  • If you got it wrong or guessed, figure out why. Did you misread the graph? Were you tricked by confusing wording? Did you simply not know a piece of info? Understanding the reason is crucial.
  • Even if you got it right, if you were unsure or took too long, review it. It's possible you guessed correctly for the wrong reason – you want to be sure you would get it right every time. Mark questions you felt even "20% unsure" about during the test and revisit those too.
  • Read the explanation (if available) or solve it again yourself. If the explanation reveals a shortcut or insight, take note.
• Learn from Each Mistake: When you find the cause of a mistake, ask how you can prevent it next time. If you misread a question, maybe you need to underline keywords. If you didn't understand a term, you might add it to a notes sheet to learn. Take notes on your mistakes – many perfect scorers keep an "error log" listing the question, the error, and the lesson learned.
• Identify Patterns: After several practice tests, look for patterns in what you got wrong. Are they mostly Conflicting Viewpoints questions? Mostly questions about a particular science topic (e.g. genetics, or circuits)? Or a certain question type like those asking for extrapolation? Recognizing your weak spots allows you to focus your studying.
• Targeted Practice: Use your analysis to guide additional practice. Suppose you find you struggle with interpreting complex graphs – you might spend a study session just doing Data Representation passages. If you find timing was an issue on a practice test, do some drills where you give yourself, say, 4 minutes to finish a passage, to train faster decision-making.
• Simulate Exam Conditions Often: At least once a week, do a timed ACT Science section from start to finish in one sitting. Treat it exactly like test day: use an official test if possible, time it strictly, sit in a quiet place, and even bubble answers on a sheet if you can. This helps build endurance and familiarity so that on the real test, you feel like you're just doing another practice run.
• Consider Section Strategy Adjustments: As you practice, you might discover certain strategies work better for you. Some students, for example, prefer to skim the questions before reading the passage to know what to look for, while others read the passage first. Try different approaches during practice to see what yields the best accuracy and speed for you. By test day, you should have a clear game plan that you're comfortable with.
• Maintain Confidence: Don't be discouraged by mistakes in practice. Use them as opportunities to improve. By thoroughly reviewing each error and understanding it, you are less likely to make that mistake again. Over time, you'll see your practice scores rise as you eliminate recurring errors and become more adept at the question styles.

In summary, practice smart: simulate real test conditions, scrutinize your errors, and focus on improving specific skills. This way, every hour of study makes a measurable difference in your performance. Remember the mantra: Practice doesn't just make perfect – practice, review, and refinement make perfect.

Breaking Down ACT Science Question Types

Let's explore each type of passage on the ACT Science section in detail and discuss strategies to tackle them. The three types (Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints) each require a slightly different approach, even though all ultimately test your scientific reasoning.

Data Representation Passages

What They Are: Data Representation passages are filled with visual information – expect to see graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams describing some scientific result or phenomenon. These passages usually have a short intro and then one or more figures (e.g. a graph with an accompanying table). They make up roughly 25–35% of the Science test. The questions will ask you to interpret the data: reading values from graphs, understanding units, identifying trends, or making inferences based on the data (like predicting what would happen if the trend continued).

How to Approach Them: Treat these like an open-book math problem – all the answers are right there in the figures, if you know how to find them. Use the following approach:

• Quickly Read Titles and Labels: Immediately note the title of the graph or table (it usually tells you what's being measured), the labels on the axes of graphs (including units), and any legends or footnotes. Understanding what each axis or column represents is crucial.
• Identify Variables and Units: Recognize what the independent variable is (often on the x-axis) and what the dependent variable is (often on the y-axis). Pay attention to units (seconds, meters, °C, etc.). Sometimes ACT Science will use unusual units or abbreviations that you might not know – don't be intimidated by unfamiliar units.
• Note the Data Trend: Look at how the data changes: is it increasing, decreasing, fluctuating? If there are multiple graphs or multiple lines on one graph, distinguish them. Identifying relationships (e.g., as temperature increases, pressure increases) is a common task.
• Scan the Questions Before Diving Deep: Some students find it helpful to glance at the questions before fully analyzing the data. That way you know what to focus on.
• Find Answers in the Figures: Most Data Rep questions are essentially asking: "What does the graph/table say?" So, point your eyes to the relevant spot in the figure. If a question asks about a trend, observe the shape of the curve or changes in the table values.
• Interpolate/Extrapolate Carefully: You might be asked to estimate a value between data points (interpolate) or beyond the range (extrapolate). Use the trend to do this. If it's linear or smoothly curved, estimate accordingly.
• Handle Complex Graphs Step by Step: If a graph is complicated, break it down by reading any figure captions or legends. Tackle one variable or line at a time.

Common Question Types for Data Rep: They include identifying specific values, comparing values, understanding trends, or hypothetical extensions of the data.

Practice Question (Data Representation):

A graph shows the distance a toy car travels over time on a straight track. At time t = 2 seconds, the car has traveled 10 meters. At t = 4 seconds, it has traveled 20 meters. Assuming the car's speed stays constant, how far will it have traveled by t = 6 seconds?

A. 25 meters

B. 30 meters

C. 32 meters

D. 40 meters

Explanation: The graph indicates a linear relationship: from 2s to 4s, distance increased from 10m to 20m (an increase of 10m in 2 seconds, i.e. 5 m/s). If that rate continues, in another 2 seconds (from 4s to 6s) it will cover another 10m. So at 6s, distance ≈ 30 meters. The correct answer is 30 meters (B).

Tips: Notice in the example we identified the pattern (linear increase of 5 m per second) and extrapolated it forward. Data Representation is often considered the most straightforward part of ACT Science because it's directly reading data.

Research Summaries Passages

What They Are: Research Summaries passages describe experimental setups and findings. They usually involve one or more related experiments. These can be in any scientific field. These passages account for about 45–60% of the Science section, making them the largest portion. Each experiment typically has a description of the purpose, method, and results (which might include a small table or graph). The questions will test if you understood the experiments: what was done, why it was done, what was found, and what conclusions or comparisons can be made.

How to Approach Them: Think of yourself as a scientist analyzing someone else's experiment. You need to grasp the scientific method aspects in play. Use this strategy:

• Read the Introduction Briefly: The passage often starts with background and the objective. Identify the research question or goal.
• Identify the Experimental Design: For each experiment, determine the independent variable, dependent variable, any control group, and the constants. This clarifies what the researchers tested and how.
• Understand the Results: Look at the data given for each experiment. Summarize what happened. If multiple experiments, consider how they compare or build on each other.
• Apply Scientific Reasoning: You might be asked to predict or deduce something from the data. Extend the experimental results logically.
• Beware of Confusing Details: Ignore unnecessary jargon. Focus on the main variables and outcomes.
• Use the Questions to Guide You: Refer back to the relevant part of the passage or data when needed. If a question references "Experiment 2," go look at that section specifically.

Common Question Types for Research Summaries: They include questions about experimental setup, data interpretation, comparisons between experiments, and predictions/extensions.

Practice Question (Research Summaries):

Researchers conducted two experiments to test the effect of sunlight on algae growth.

Experiment 1: A tank of algae was exposed to 12 hours of light per day. After 2 weeks, the mass of algae produced was measured.
Experiment 2: A similar tank of algae (same species, same tank size and conditions) was exposed to 6 hours of light per day. After 2 weeks, the mass of algae produced was measured.
Results: Experiment 1's algae mass = 5.0 grams; Experiment 2's algae mass = 2.8 grams.

Question: Based on the experiments, which conclusion is most supported?

A. Algae grow better with more hours of light per day.
B. Algae produce more mass in darkness than in light.
C. Sunlight has no effect on algae growth.
D. The experiments are flawed because they lacked a control.

Explanation: Experiment 1 (more light) yielded 5.0g of algae, while Experiment 2 (less light) yielded only 2.8g. The algae with 12 hrs light grew significantly more than those with 6 hrs. This supports the conclusion that increased light exposure leads to more growth (choice A). Choice B is opposite of the results. Choice C is incorrect because the results do show an effect. Choice D is not true – there was a form of control in that they kept conditions same except the light duration. Thus, A is correct.

In this example, we identified the independent variable (hours of light) and the dependent variable (algae mass). The conclusion drawn is directly from comparing outcomes. On the ACT, always tie your answer to what the data shows.

Conflicting Viewpoints Passages

What They Are: The Conflicting Viewpoints passage (sometimes nicknamed the "debating scientists" passage) is different from the others. It contains no data graphs or tables – instead, it's usually a purely textual passage where two or more individuals express their differing explanations or theories about a scientific phenomenon. This format makes up about 15–20% of the test (usually exactly one passage) and is often considered the most reading-intensive.

How to Approach Them: Essentially, it tests your reading comprehension in a scientific context. Here's how to tackle it:

• Skim for Structure: Identify how many viewpoints are presented and who's who. The introduction usually lays out the issue being debated.
• Understand Each Viewpoint's Main Idea: For each viewpoint, determine their main claim or hypothesis and the evidence they cite.
• Look for Key Differences and Similarities: The questions will frequently ask how the viewpoints differ or what they might agree on.
• Don't Get Lost in Technical Terms: Focus on the argument, not the jargon.
• Refer to the Passage for Specifics: When asked about a detail from "Scientist 1" or "Viewpoint B," go back and verify.
• One Viewpoint at a Time: Some students read one viewpoint, answer its questions, then move on to the next. Or read both, then handle all questions. Do what feels less confusing.
• Use Process of Elimination: Eliminate answers that mix up who said what or contradict either viewpoint.

Common Question Types for Conflicting Viewpoints: Identifying each scientist's argument, finding points of agreement/disagreement, and hypothetical responses to each other's claims.

Practice Question (Conflicting Viewpoints):

Background: Two students discuss why a certain plant species is found only on the tops of mountains.

Student 1: Proposes that these plants require the cooler temperatures at high altitudes to survive. He points out that when grown at lower elevations (warmer climate), the plants failed to thrive.
Student 2: Argues that temperature isn't the key factor; instead, it's the soil composition on mountaintops that the plants need. She notes that the soil at high altitude has unique minerals, and when those minerals were added to low-altitude soil, the plants grew well even in warmer temperatures.

Question: Which of the following statements would both Student 1 and Student 2 agree is true?

A. The plant species cannot tolerate high temperatures.
B. Soil composition plays no role in the plant's growth.
C. The plant is found only in certain environments.
D. Low-altitude conditions are always unsuitable for the plant.

Explanation: Student 1 believes temperature is why the plant grows only on mountaintops; Student 2 believes soil is the reason. Both agree the plant is only found in specific environments. Choice C restates that. A would be rejected by Student 2; B obviously conflicts with Student 2's claim; D is contradicted by Student 2's experiment. So the best answer is C.

Notice in this example, we had to find a statement that doesn't violate either viewpoint. The questions often explicitly name the viewpoint or the scientist, so pay attention to that detail and compare carefully.

Common Scientific Knowledge to Know

While the ACT Science test emphasizes reasoning over recall, there are a handful of questions (typically ~3-4 per test) that do require basic scientific knowledge not provided in the passages. To score a 36, you'll want to get those right too. These questions usually target simple, foundational concepts in high school science. Below is a summary of key scientific principles and terminology across biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space sciences:

Biology

• Cell structure & function: Know major organelles like nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes. Recognize which are in plants vs animals.
• DNA, RNA, and genetics: DNA carries genetic info, RNA helps in protein synthesis, etc. Basic Mendelian genetics concepts.
• Natural selection & evolution: Organisms with advantageous traits survive/reproduce more.
• Photosynthesis & respiration: Photosynthesis uses CO₂ + H₂O to form glucose + O₂ in plants. Respiration uses glucose + O₂ to produce energy ATP + CO₂.
• Ecology basics: Food chains, producers vs consumers, greenhouse gases CO₂, etc.
• Taxonomy: Species, genus, etc. If organisms share a genus, they're closely related.

Chemistry

• pH Scale: 7 is neutral, <7 acidic, >7 basic. Lower pH = higher acidity.
• States of Matter & Phase Changes: Solid, liquid, gas. Know basic phase changes melting, boiling, etc. Water freezes at 0°C, boils at 100°C at standard pressure.
• Basic Chemical Structure: Matter is made of atoms, which form molecules H₂O, CO₂.
• Chemical Reactions: Reactants → products. Conservation of mass. A catalyst speeds up reaction without being consumed.
• Moles and Molar Mass: 1 mole of a substance has a certain mass in grams. Water's molar mass ~ 18 g/mol.
• Basic Electricity/Chemistry: Protons = + charge, electrons = - charge, opposites attract.
• Solutions: Solubility, concentration, etc.

Physics

• Newton's Laws: 1) Inertia, 2) F = m·a, 3) Equal/opposite reactions.
• Gravity: Force that gives weight; ~9.8 m/s² acceleration on Earth.
• Density: mass/volume. Less dense objects float on denser fluids.
• Kinetic vs Potential Energy: Kinetic = motion, potential = stored.
• Conservation Laws: Energy, momentum, etc.
• Waves: Wavelength, frequency, amplitude. Higher freq = shorter wavelength.
• Units: meters, seconds, Newtons, Joules, etc.

Earth/Space Sciences

• Geology: Earth layers, plate tectonics, rock types.
• Meteorology: Warm air rises, cold air sinks, water cycle, greenhouse effect.
• Astronomy: Earth orbits Sun, Moon orbits Earth, gravitational orbits, light-year concept.
• Environmental Science: Pollution, climate, ecosystems, acid rain, etc.

Important Formulas/Relations:

• F = m·a
• Density = mass/volume
• Speed = distance/time
• Acceleration = change in velocity/time
• Pressure = force/area
• Ohm's Law: V = I·R
• Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT

Don't be overwhelmed by this list – you likely know much of it. The test typically expects broad familiarity, not memorization of obscure details. Just ensure you recognize these basics so you're not thrown off if a recall question appears.

Analyzing and Interpreting Scientific Experiments

A significant part of ACT Science is evaluating experiments. You'll often be asked to think like a scientist: identify elements of an experimental design, interpret results, and draw conclusions or make predictions. Mastering this will boost your ability to answer many questions correctly.

Know Your Variables: In any experiment, identify:

• Independent Variable – the factor intentionally changed.
• Dependent Variable – the outcome measured.
• Controls – factors kept constant.
• Control Group – a baseline or "no treatment" group to compare.

Understand Experimental Purpose: Ask why each experiment was done. Is it testing a hypothesis, or confirming a previous result?

Check Experimental Procedures: Note how the experiment was conducted. Potential sources of error or limitations?

Data and Results: Summarize what happened to the DV as the IV changed. Compare multiple experiments if present.

Drawing Conclusions: Link the findings to the hypothesis or question. If a question asks "What do the results suggest?", choose an answer consistent with the data.

Predicting Outcomes: If the question changes a condition or adds a new scenario, extrapolate from the existing trend.

Correlation vs. Causation: The test may check if you know experiments that aren't controlled can't definitively prove cause-effect.

Scientific Method Terms: Hypothesis, theory, observation, inference, etc. Understand them in context.

Example Experiment: A scientist wants to test if a new drug improves memory. She recruits 100 participants, randomly splits them into two groups. Group 1 gets the drug, Group 2 gets a placebo. After 3 months, both take a memory test. Group 1's average score = 78, Group 2's average = 72. The difference is significant.

Question: What is the independent variable, and what conclusion is reasonable?

Answer: The IV is whether the participant received the drug or placebo; the DV is the memory test score. We can conclude the drug likely improves memory.

Analyzing experiments is about logical thinking. The ACT rarely expects advanced knowledge or calculations – the passage provides what you need. Be sure to trust the data presented, even if it contradicts your personal expectations.

General Strategies for Maximizing Your Score

Beyond understanding content and question types, there are overarching strategies to help you get that 36. These relate to test-taking techniques, mindset, and efficiency.

Eliminating Wrong Answer Choices

Process of elimination is powerful on multiple-choice tests:

• Use the Passage as Your Truth Source: Eliminate any answer contradicting the data or text.
• Eliminate Extreme or Irrelevant Options: If an answer introduces a concept not mentioned at all, it's likely wrong.
• Check Units and Details: If a choice misquotes a graph value or confuses variables, throw it out.
• Conflicting Viewpoints POE: Eliminate if the viewpoint is attributed to the wrong scientist.
• Look for Qualifying Words: Beware "always," "never," "only" unless clearly supported.
• Narrow Down and Compare: If you're stuck with two plausible choices, check the data or text carefully to see which is best supported.
• Use Logic on Conceptual Questions: If uncertain, rely on basic scientific principles or reason. Wrong choices often contain logical flaws.

Answering Questions Quickly and Accurately

Skim Passages Strategically: Don't read every word. Identify the main gist, then let questions direct you to details.

Mark Up Figures and Text: Circle key points, label variables, etc. This speeds up referencing.

Refer to Questions First: Especially for Data Representation, you can jump directly to the relevant figure for each question.

Use Line References and Figure References: If a question says "Experiment 1," look at that experiment specifically. Avoid mixing data from different experiments.

Keep Moving: If stuck, guess, mark the question, and come back later. Don't let one question sink your time.

Manage Bubbling Wisely: Bubble after each passage or one by one – whichever reduces errors for you. Just be consistent.

Skip Reading Redundant Text: If you already understand pH and the passage explains it, skim. Focus on new info.

Check the Scales: Note if axes start at zero or if there's a break, the increments, etc.

Practice Mental Math and Estimation: The ACT might ask simple calculations. Be ready to do quick arithmetic.

Maintain Accuracy by Double-Checking Key Points: Especially watch for "NOT" or "EXCEPT" questions. Verify you're answering what's actually asked.

Be Careful with "NOT" or "EXCEPT": Underline these words so you don't select a statement that is true when they want a false one.

Stay Calm to Stay Quick: Anxiety slows you down. Trust your preparation and keep a steady pace.