More on ACT Conflicting Viewpoints Questions | Science for ACT PDF Download

Conflicting Viewpoints passages on the ACT Science Test feature a range of perspectives or theories regarding a particular scientific phenomenon. Initially, the passage provides an overview of the phenomenon, followed by subsequent paragraphs outlining the viewpoints of individual students or scientists. These passages generally have a higher word count compared to Research Summaries or Data Interpretation passages, making strong reading skills crucial. Let's explore some strategies for effectively approaching Conflicting Viewpoints passages.

• Determine the focus of study.
  • The initial paragraph typically reveals the primary subject under investigation by the students or scientists. Although it may contain unfamiliar scientific terms, there's no need to worry as the passage will eventually provide definitions for any new vocabulary. Prioritize locating and underlining the phenomenon before proceeding to the viewpoints.
• Analyze the perspectives.
  • Each student or scientist will present their own fundamental theory regarding the phenomenon. Look for these opinions in the first sentence below their respective names. It's helpful to empathize with each scientist's perspective. Ask yourself how their theories differ and if there are any similarities. Underline this information as well for easy reference. You could even jot down a brief summary of each viewpoint to aid in memory retention.
• Highlight relevant data
  • After identifying and underlining the basic theories from each scientist, focus on recognizing the data they employ to support their viewpoints. Are there any graphs or figures provided? Ensure that you accurately depict on the figure what is described by each theory, and label them as "Student 1," "Student 2," and so on. Circle this data to emphasize its significance.

Consider examining if any of the supporting data contradicts one another. For instance, if Student 2's theory is valid, does that render Student 3's theory incorrect? If a theory lacks supporting evidence, make sure to indicate "No Support" next to the corresponding paragraph.

The primary objective of the Conflicting Viewpoints passages is to comprehend the argument or conflict at hand and identify the distinguishing features of each perspective. While carefully reading and grasping the phenomenon, basic theories, and supporting data, it is also valuable to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each argument. What conditions must be met for each theory to be valid? What assumptions are the scientists making?

You may find that you require a bit more time to understand all the viewpoints and answer the questions compared to other types of passages. Practice extensively with Conflicting Viewpoints passages before your test to familiarize yourself and gain confidence with the format.

It is possible to feel more time pressure on the Science test, but avoid skimming through the Conflicting Viewpoints passages. You need to genuinely comprehend each viewpoint to answer the questions correctly. Otherwise, you will end up wasting more time rereading later as you tackle the questions.