The ACT Science Reasoning Test is a 40 question, 35 minute multiple choice test that measures scientific analysis and problem solving skills. It presents seven sets of scientific information conveyed through data representations, research summaries, or conflicting viewpoints. Test takers must carefully read and understand the provided scientific material to recognize the different viewpoints and answer questions that may require comparing perspectives. The content covers biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences.

1. ACT Science Reasoning Test
• The Science
Reasoning Test is a 40
question, 35 minute
test that measures the
interpretation,
analysis, evaluation,
reasoning, and
problem-solving skills
required in the natural
sciences.

2. Test Presents Seven Sets of
Scientific Information
• A number of multiple-choice test
questions follow the seven sets of sets of
information
• The Scientific Information is conveyed in
one of three formats:
1. Data Representation
2. Research Summaries
3. Conflicting Viewpoints

3. Scientific Information Conveyed
S c ie n t ific I n fo r m a t io n
D a t a R e p r e s e n t a t io n
G r a p h s ,
T a b le s ,
O t h e r S c h e m a t ic F o r m s
R e s e a r c h S u m m a r ie s
D e s c r ip t io n s o f
S e v e r a l R e la t e d
E x p e r im e n t s
C o n flic t in g V ie w p o in t s
H y p o t h e s e s o r V ie w s
t h a t a r e I n c o n s is t e n t w it h
O n e A n o t h e r
I n fo r m a t io n
C o n v e y e d

4. Recognize & Understand
Provided Information
The use of a calculator is not
permitted on the Science Reasoning
Test!!!

5. Tips for Taking ACT Science
Reasoning Test
• Pace Yourself
1. There are 40 Questions
2. Test is 35 Minutes
3. Allow 2 min. to Read
4. 30 sec. To Answer
5. Check your work if you
have any extra time.

6. Tips Continued
• Read the Passage
Carefully!!!
• Before you begin
answering a question,
read the scientific
material provided.
• Read all text &
examine any tables,
graphs, or figures

7. Note Different
Viewpoints in the
Passages
Take notes to summarize each
viewpoint. For questions that ask
you to compare viewpoints, these
notes will help you answer more
quickly!

8. Content Covered by ACT
Science Reasoning Test:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth/Space Sciences:
Geology
Astronomy
Meterology

9. Scientific Information is
Conveyed in One of Three
Formats:
1. Data Representation 38%
2. Research Summaries 45%
3. Conflicting Viewpoints 17%

10. You’re Ready Now!!!
• By following the tips
provided in the slide
show, you should
score well on the ACT
Reasoning Test!
• Remember to get
plenty of rest the night
before for your best
performance!
• Good Luck!!!!!