# ACT Science Chemistry Practice Strategies
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The ACT Science section has 40 questions in 35 minutes — that's under a minute per question. Effective strategies are essential, especially for the chemistry passages which can include complex data and unfamiliar terminology.
1. The Three Passage Types
| Type | Number | Features | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Representation | 2-3 | Tables, graphs, figures | Easiest |
| Research Summaries | 2-3 | Multiple experiments | Medium |
| Conflicting Viewpoints | 1 | 2-3 scientist perspectives | Hardest |
2. General Strategy
Passage Order
- Data Representation first (quickest points)
- Research Summaries second (moderate time)
- Conflicting Viewpoints last (most time-consuming)
Time Allocation
- Data Representation: 3-4 minutes each
- Research Summaries: 5 minutes each
- Conflicting Viewpoints: 5-6 minutes
3. Reading Strategy
For Data Representation
- Skip the text; go straight to the graphs/tables
- Read axis labels, units, and legends
- Answer questions directly from the data
For Research Summaries
- Skim the introduction for context
- Note what changes between experiments (IV)
- Note what's measured (DV)
- Answer questions by comparing experiments
For Conflicting Viewpoints
- Read the introduction carefully
- For each scientist, identify their MAIN CLAIM
- Note where they AGREE and DISAGREE
- Answer questions by returning to specific viewpoints
4. Chemistry-Specific Tips
Don't Panic Over Terminology
- ACT uses scientific terms, but the passage explains them
- If you see "molarity" or "activation energy" — the context will help
- You DON'T need to know chemistry to answer most questions
Common Chemistry Passage Topics
- Reaction rates (temperature, concentration effects)
- Acid-base reactions (pH changes, titrations)
- Solubility (temperature effects, saturation)
- Gas behaviour (pressure, volume, temperature)
- Chemical analysis (spectroscopy, chromatography)
- Energy changes (heating/cooling curves)
Reading Chemical Equations
- Reactants (left) → Products (right)
- Coefficients show proportions
- State symbols: (s) solid, (l) liquid, (g) gas, (aq) aqueous
5. Common Question Patterns
| Pattern | Strategy |
|---|---|
| "According to Figure 1..." | Go directly to Figure 1 |
| "Based on the results of Experiment 2..." | Look at Experiment 2's data |
| "Which variable was controlled?" | Find what stayed the same |
| "If the temperature were increased to 80°C..." | Extend the trend |
| "Scientist 1 would most likely agree with..." | Re-read Scientist 1's claims |
6. Practice Plan
Week 1-2: Build Skills
- Practice reading graphs and tables quickly
- Learn to identify IV, DV, and controls
- Time yourself on individual passages
Week 3-4: Full Sections
- Complete full 35-minute science sections
- Review every wrong answer
- Identify your weakest passage type and focus there
Test Week
- One full practice test under timed conditions
- Review strategies, not content
- Get good sleep!
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7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spending too long on one passage — move on and come back
- Reading the entire passage before questions — not always necessary
- Using outside knowledge instead of the passage data
- Misreading axes — always check labels and units
- Not answering every question — no penalty for guessing on ACT
8. Practice Questions
- Time yourself reading a chemistry graph and answering 3 questions in 2 minutes.
- For a Research Summary passage, list the IV, DV, and controls for each experiment.
- For a Conflicting Viewpoints passage, summarise each viewpoint in one sentence.
- Complete a full ACT Science section in 35 minutes. Score and review.
- Identify which question types you get wrong most often.
Want to check your answers and get step-by-step solutions?
Summary
- ACT Science tests data interpretation, not chemistry knowledge
- Do Data Representation passages first (quickest points)
- Skip text and go to data for simple questions
- Conflicting Viewpoints: identify main claims first
- No penalty for guessing — answer EVERY question
- Practice with timed sections to build speed