Transcript ACT Question Analysis and Strategies for Science

ACT Question Analysis and
Strategies for Science
Presentation A
Section 1: ACT Scores
What Do the Scores Mean?
An ACT score is more than just a number.
It is an indicator of thinking skills.
Therefore, it is a measure of teaching and
learning.
 Students can and should be taught to
score well on the exam. There is too
much at stake to disregard the
importance of the scores, both
individually and collectively.

What Do the Scores Mean?
The score earned on the exam indicates
80% mastery of skills in that band.
 On the Science portion:

 18-19 correct responses (out of 40) would earn an
18 (scaled score)
 22-23 correct responses (out of 40) would earn a
20 (scaled score)
 34-35 correct responses (out of 40) would earn a
27 (scaled score)
Section 2: The Science Reasoning Test
The Science Reasoning Test

The Science Reasoning portion of the
ACT consists of three different types of
reading passages.
◦ Research Summaries
◦ Data Representation
◦ Conflicting Viewpoints
Passage Type 1: Research Summaries
These passages consist of descriptions of
scientific experiments and how they were
carried out, with a summary of results.
 You may be asked to analyze the
experimental design, predict outcomes,
identify hypotheses, or determine
conclusions.
 18 out of 40 questions typically fall into
this category.

Passage Type 1I: Data Representation
These passages present scientific
information in the form of graphs, tables,
and figures.
 You may be asked to select conclusions,
determine relationships between
variables, or apply data.
 15 out of 40 questions typically fall into
this category.

Passage Type III: Conflicting Viewpoints
These passages present differing
hypotheses, theories, or viewpoints of
more than one scientist.
 You may be asked to select evidence
supporting particular positions, determine
similarities/differences between positions,
or determine strengths and weaknesses
of positions.
 7 out of 40 questions typically fall into
this category.

Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type 1: Research Summaries
 When presented with an experiment or series of
experiments, identify the control group and
experimental group, and all the variables.
(independent, dependent, and controlled)
 Questions will often direct you to one particular
experiment in a series. Be sure to only look at the
experiment in question. Make it simple.
 If presented with data, be sure to read and
understand all the labels on axes, columns, and
rows. Remember: The first thing to know about any
graph or diagram is what the numbers represent.
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type 1: Research Summaries
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type II: Data Representation
◦ When presented with data in a graph or chart, pay
close attention to the scale, axes, units, and legend if
given. Remember: The first thing to know about any
graph or diagram is what the numbers represent.
◦ Questions will often direct you to one particular data
set among two or three. Be sure to only look at the
data in question. Make it simple.
◦ Questions will usually ask you to identify patterns in
data, so look for trends such as upward slope,
downward slope, direct/indirect relationships, etc.
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type II: Data Representation
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type II: Data Representation
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type II: Data Representation
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type II: Data Representation
Section 3: Strategies for the Different
Passage Types

Passage Type III: Conflicting Viewpoints
◦ When presented with two or more points of view on
a topic, identify the main points of difference as well
as the main similarities between the positions.
General Strategies

It is most important to read the passage
carefully at least once, being an active
reader. Underline key words and
annotate where necessary. Stay calm and
don’t skim through the passage for
answers.
General Strategies

All information is given to you in the
passage. You should not need to rely on
any prior knowledge to answer the
questions. Do not imply any information
that is not provided.
General Strategies

Pay special attention to any information
identified with an asterisk (*) or in italics.
General Strategies

Pay special attention to any information
identified with an asterisk (*) or in italics.
General Strategies
Finally…
 You will have 35 minutes to answer 40 questions
divided between about seven passages. The passages do
not get more difficult, but the questions within a group
generally get harder towards the end of the group. So, if
you are shooting to answer half the questions on the
test correctly (probably resulting in a score of 19), you
should pay particular attention to the first half of the
questions within a group.
Section 4: Focus Skills
Data Representation Skill 1

Select a single piece of data from a data
presentation.
Data Representation Skill 2

Compare or combine data from a data
presentation.
Data Representation Skill 3

Determine how the value of one variable
changes as the value of another variable
changes in a simple data presentation.
Research Summaries Skill 1

Understand the methods and tools used in a
simple experiment.
Research Summaries Skill 2

Understand a simple experimental design.
Research Summaries Skill 3

Identify a control in an experiment.
Evaluation Skill 1

Select a simple hypothesis, prediction, or
conclusion that is supported by a data
presentation or model.