Syllabus: Science for ACT | Science for ACT PDF Download

The ACT consists of 4 tests (English, Math, Reading, and Science) and an optional Writing test (Essay). The duration of the ACT is 3 hours 35 minutes with the essay and 2 hours 55 minutes without the essay. There are two breaks in the test.

Overview

The science section assesses skills like interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving needed in natural sciences. It presents real scientific scenarios followed by multiple-choice questions. Content covers biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences (like geology, astronomy, and meteorology), and physics. Advanced knowledge isn't necessary, but some background from general science courses might be helpful for certain questions.

Detailed Syllabus

• The science section contains a total of 40 multiple-choice questions from 7 passages. The passage topics revolve around physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences and include tables, charts, and graphs.
• Tasks within this section require candidates to:
  • Grasp fundamental features and concepts related to the provided information.
  • Conduct critical analysis of the relationship between the provided information and the conclusions or hypotheses drawn.
  • Employ generalization from given information to derive new insights, conclusions, or predictions.
• Notably, candidates are not allowed to use calculators during this section.

Scoring and Reporting Categories

Upon completion of the science section, four scores are reported:

• Overall score for the entire section.
• Three category scores based on scientific knowledge, skills, and practices.

These categories and their approximate percentage allocations are as follows:

Interpretation of Data (40–50%)

• Tasks in this category involve manipulation and analysis of scientific data presented in various formats such as tables, graphs, and diagrams.
• Skills assessed include recognizing trends in data, translating tabular data into graphs, interpolating and extrapolating, and reasoning mathematically.

Scientific Investigation (20–30%)

• This category focuses on understanding experimental tools, procedures, and design.
• Candidates are expected to identify controls and variables and to compare, extend, and modify experiments.

Evaluation of Models, Inferences, & Experimental Results (25–35%)

• Tasks within this category revolve around judging the validity of scientific information and formulating conclusions and predictions based on it.
• Candidates must determine which explanation for a scientific phenomenon is supported by new findings.

Types of Questions

The science section presents information in three formats: 

Data Representation (25–35%)

• This format includes graphic and tabular material commonly found in science journals and texts.
• Questions associated with this format test skills such as recognizing relationships among data, interpolation and extrapolation, and translating tabular data into graphs.

Research Summaries (45–60%)

• This format presents descriptions and results of experiments.
• Questions focus on the design of experiments and the interpretation of experimental results.

Conflicting Viewpoints (15–20%)

• This format presents multiple explanations for the same scientific phenomena, which may be inconsistent due to differing premises or incomplete data.
• Questions concentrate on understanding, analyzing, and comparing alternative viewpoints or hypotheses.

Tips for Science Section

Reading the Passage Carefully

• Before answering any questions, thoroughly read the scientific material provided.
• Ensure you read the entire text, including any accompanying tables, graphs, or figures.
• Take notes on important ideas, especially for passages describing experiments.
• Consider the experimental design, including controls and variables, as questions may address this aspect of scientific research.

Noting Different Viewpoints

• Be aware that some passages may present conflicting viewpoints.
• Questions may ask you to distinguish among these viewpoints.
• Taking notes summarizing each viewpoint for specific sections of the passage can be helpful.