Tips for Mastering the ACT Science Section
A Guide by Kiya Learning for USA Students
The ACT Science section can be one of the most intimidating parts of the ACT exam—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and strategies, students can significantly boost their scores. At Kiya Learning, our expert tutors help high schoolers across the USA master the ACT Science section through structured lessons, mock tests, and smart study plans.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to succeed: what the section involves, its syllabus, types of questions, and how to prepare effectively.
What is the ACT Science Section?
Despite its name, the ACT Science section doesn’t require you to memorize scientific facts or formulas. Instead, it tests your ability to interpret data, analyze scientific experiments, and reason logically using provided information.
Quick Overview:
- Time: 35 minutes
- Questions: 40
- Passages: 6–7 (with accompanying charts, graphs, or experiments)
- Goal: Evaluate your scientific reasoning, not your science content knowledge.
The questions are often based on biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences—but you’ll be given all the information you need to answer.
ACT Science Syllabus
The ACT Science section covers content in three main areas:
- Biology – Cell structure, genetics, ecology, evolution
- Chemistry – Elements, compounds, reactions, periodic table
- Physics – Motion, forces, energy, electricity
- Earth/Space Sciences – Weather patterns, geology, astronomy
Although these areas are covered, the test is more about interpreting data from scientific experiments or visual formats (charts, tables, graphs).
Students need to focus more on skills than content, including:
- Identifying trends and anomalies
- Comparing experimental setups
- Drawing conclusions from visuals
- Understanding the scientific method
ACT Science Question Types
There are three main types of passages and questions in the ACT Science section:
- Data Representation (30%)
These passages include charts, graphs, and tables. You’ll be asked to:
- Read and interpret data
- Identify patterns or trends
- Compare figures or variables
✅ Tip: Skim the text and focus on understanding visuals quickly.
- Research Summaries (45%)
You’ll read descriptions of one or more experiments and answer questions based on the method, results, and variables.
✅ Tip: Know how to identify independent and dependent variables, controls, and hypotheses.
- Conflicting Viewpoints (25%)
You’ll be given two or more hypotheses or opinions from scientists or students, and you’ll have to compare their viewpoints.
✅ Tip: Focus on differences and similarities in reasoning, not memorizing the full passage.
How to Prepare for ACT Science?
✅ 1. Practice Data Interpretation
Since most questions involve charts and graphs, become comfortable reading scientific data. Practice questions that involve:
- Bar graphs
- Scatter plots
- Line graphs
- Tables with variables
Kiya Learning provides ACT-style mock tests to help students improve speed and accuracy.
✅ 2. Time Management is Key
You only have 35 minutes for 6-7 passages—so spend no more than 5-6 minutes per passage.
⏱ Tip: If stuck, skip and come back later. Don’t waste time rereading complex texts.
✅ 3. Learn Scientific Terminology
While the ACT doesn’t require deep science knowledge, understanding terms like “control group,” “rate of reaction,” or “mean temperature” helps.
We cover key terms in our ACT prep classes and teach how to use context clues when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary.
✅ 4. Understand Experimental Design
Many questions ask about experimental setup:
- What’s the independent variable?
- What does the control group do?
- Why was one condition changed?
Practice identifying these elements and predicting how changes in the experiment would affect outcomes.
✅ 5. Work on Reading Comprehension
ACT Science is closely tied to reading strategies. Improve your ability to:
- Scan for important information
- Identify the author’s intention
- Understand conflicting viewpoints
Kiya Learning offers combined ACT Science + Reading strategy classes, helping students connect the dots between both sections.
✅ 6. Use the Process of Elimination
Often, you can rule out 2-3 choices just by scanning the data. Don’t overthink—stick to what’s given in the passage.
🧠 Tip: If the answer choice mentions a value not found anywhere in the passage, it’s likely incorrect.
✅ 7. Practice Under Real Conditions
Simulate real test conditions at home. Use a timer, avoid breaks, and try full-length practice sections.
Kiya Learning provides timed mock tests and gives detailed feedback to target weak areas.
How Kiya Learning Supports ACT Science Prep
Our personalized ACT prep courses are designed to help students across the USA:
- Master time-saving strategies
- Improve their data analysis and logic skills
- Strengthen their overall ACT performance
- Access expert-curated practice material and mock exams
We believe in a smart prep approach—not just working harder, but working smarter.
Final Thoughts
ACT Science doesn’t test how much you know, but how well you can analyze and reason using the information provided. With the right strategies, any student can excel.
At Kiya Learning, we help students become confident test-takers who approach the ACT with clarity and focus. Whether you’re aiming for a top score or just trying to improve, our tutors will guide you every step of the way.
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Tips for Mastering the ACT Science Section