For Data Representation and Research Summary passages, look at the figures before reading the text. The text often just narrates what the figures show. By reading figures first, you:
For Research Summary passages, immediately identify:
| Element | Question to Ask | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Independent variable | "What did they change between trials?" | Temperature was varied from 20°C to 80°C |
| Dependent variable | "What did they measure?" | Rate of enzyme activity |
| Controls | "What was kept the same across all trials?" | pH, enzyme concentration, substrate concentration |
Once you know these three things, most questions become straightforward.
For Conflicting Viewpoints passages:
Do not decide who is "right." The questions ask about what each scientist claims and what evidence supports or weakens each view — not which one is actually correct.
Interpolation = estimating a value between known data points. Draw a straight line (or curve) between the two nearest points and read the estimated value.
Extrapolation = estimating a value beyond the data range. Extend the trend line. This is less reliable, and the ACT sometimes asks about this limitation.
Trap: The ACT may ask "Based on the data, what would happen at [extreme value]?" If the trend clearly continues, extrapolate. But if the data shows a plateau or curve, a linear extrapolation would give the wrong answer.
With 7 passages in 30 minutes, you have about 4 minutes per passage:
If you are running out of time, prioritize Data Representation passages — they require the least reading and give the most points per minute.