The Three ACT Science Passage Types

Data Representation

A graph or table with a short setup paragraph. Skip the paragraph; go to the figure; read the axes and units; then read the questions. About 30–40% of the section.

Research Summaries

Two or three related experiments described in a few paragraphs each, usually with shared variables. Map out: what is being changed (independent variable), what is being measured (dependent variable), what is the result.

Conflicting Viewpoints

Two or three scientists present competing hypotheses about the same phenomenon. Map out: what does each scientist believe, what evidence does each cite, where do they directly disagree.

What to do next

Take Conflicting Viewpoints last unless you are a strong reader. It is the slowest format and the most emotionally taxing under time pressure.