Science Section - Test Taking Srategies Flashcards
What’s the first step when approaching a science passage?
Quickly skim the passage and focus on graphs, tables, and key figures. Ignore lengthy text unless the question requires it.
How can you locate answers faster in the science section?
Underline labels, titles, and units in graphs or tables. Match question keywords with specific data points.
What’s a hack for comparing multiple experiments?
Identify the main difference between the experiments (e.g., variable changes) and focus on those differences when answering questions.
How do you deal with conflicting viewpoints passages?
Skim the intro to understand the topic, then carefully read each scientist’s viewpoint to note key differences.
What’s a quick way to interpret graphs?
Look at the axes first to understand what is being measured and how they relate.
How do you simplify table data?
Highlight trends like increases, decreases, or consistent values. Ignore irrelevant rows or columns.
What’s the best strategy for multi-step questions?
Break the question into smaller parts and solve step by step using figures from the passage.
What’s the shortcut for understanding scientific jargon?
Use context clues or look for definitions in the passage.
What’s the trick for dealing with long scientific descriptions?
Focus on summary statements at the beginning or end of the passage.
How can you solve comparison questions efficiently?
Create a quick chart in your mind or on paper to compare factors like temperature or time across experiments.
What’s the hack for identifying trends in graphs?
Trace the line and note if it rises, falls, or stays flat. Look for sharp changes.
How can you avoid common traps in the science section?
Avoid answers with extreme language like ‘always’ or ‘never,’ as ACT science rarely makes absolute conclusions.
What’s the key to answering prediction questions?
Use patterns in the data to predict future outcomes. Extrapolate but stay consistent.
How do you handle questions that reference outside knowledge?
Base your answer solely on the information provided, even if it conflicts with your knowledge.
What’s a tip for passages with unfamiliar topics?
Focus on relationships and patterns rather than trying to understand every detail.