Are you preparing for the ACT but aren’t sure where to begin? If so, you want to consider checking out each section.
The ACT usually covers high school basics, but it’s not always going to be about general information. For example, the science test covers more analysis and evaluation.
So, what can you expect from this test section? Here are a few sample ACT science questions to get you started.
ACT Science Test Coverage
Generally, the ACT science test covers interpretation, analysis, and reasoning. Instead of the natural sciences, it looks into content that requires evaluation and problem-solving.
Because of this, it’s best to get a clear idea of what general scientific reasoning and analysis includes. This way, you can determine the depth of your understanding of the sample questions.
To be extra sure, you can start by working through an ACT science practice test. Not only does it give you a clear look at how well you know the content, but it also lets you see where you should focus your improvement.
ACT Science Section Time Limit
The time limit provided for the ACT science portion is 35 minutes for 40 questions. That gives you only a few seconds to work on each question.
Given this limit, it’s best to pay close attention to how quickly you can accurately evaluate the questions or problems provided rather than memorization. Moreover, consider answering the practice test with a test timer set to the provided time.
Doing so helps you boost your understanding of the topics with accuracy and allows you to get comfortable with testing despite having a time limit.
Sample ACT Science Questions
You can expect the ACT science test to have the following types of questions:
- Interpretation of Data
- Scientific Investigation
- Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results
Most of the questions start with a passage, followed by a set of questions related to it. Here are a few practice questions you can find on the ACT page:
Sample Question 1
The passage talks about how two scientists explain the phenomenon behind the removal of craters from Europa’s surface.
One question may go, with which of the statements about the condition on Europa or the evolution of its surface would both the scientists likely agree?
Sample Question 2
Another passage looks into two different studies a student makes about investigating the factors that affect how peony seeds germinate. It includes the student’s observation in the given passage.
A question for this includes, which of the following sets of seeds were exposed to the same conditions before they were placed in the petri dishes?
Sample Question 3
One passage considers paper chromatography by using a drop of sample solution on a filter paper, with the bottom set in a solvent that travels upward. The passage shows two tables explaining the differences between each ion and samples using the same solvent.
You can encounter a question with images, like, which of the following figures best illustrates the appearance of the filter paper after analyzing the first sample?
In Closing
When preparing for the ACT, you want to be sure you have enough resources to determine what comes up on the test. It’s especially helpful for parts of the exam that don’t include general information, like the science portion. So, sample ACT science questions are a great way to practice and prepare for the big day!
