ACT Reading Natural Science Scientific Argument Claim Evidence Data in Science Passages

What This Is and Why It Matters for the ACT

Scientific Argument: Claim, Evidence, Data appears in the Science section of the ACT. This topic appears on every Science test and is considered Intermediate in difficulty. You'll need to analyze scientific data, evaluate evidence, and understand the relationships between claims and data.

Key Concepts (What You Must Know)

• Claim: a statement or argument made by a scientist or researcher
• Evidence: data or information used to support a claim
• Data: information collected and analyzed to understand a phenomenon
• Graphs and charts: visual representations of data, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and scatter plots
• Scientific vocabulary: terms like hypothesis, theory, and experiment

Step-by-Step Strategy for This Topic

1. Read the question first: Understand what the question is asking before reading the passage.
2. Identify the claim: Determine the main argument or statement being made.
3. Find the evidence: Look for data or information that supports the claim.
4. Analyze the data: Evaluate the evidence and understand how it relates to the claim.
5. Eliminate wrong answers: Use the process of elimination to rule out incorrect options.
6. Check your work: Verify that your answer makes sense and is supported by the evidence.

⚠️ Rushing through the passage can lead to missing important information and making mistakes.

How It’s Tested on the ACT

The Science section includes data representation questions, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. You'll need to read and analyze graphs, charts, and tables to answer questions.

• Data representation questions: Identify patterns, trends, and relationships in data.
• Research summaries: Evaluate the main points and conclusions of a scientific study.
• Conflicting viewpoints: Analyze and compare different scientific perspectives on a topic.

Common distractors include: * Misinterpreting data or graphs * Failing to consider alternative explanations * Overlooking important information in the passage

Common Mistakes & Exam Traps

1. Mistake: Failing to identify the claim or main argument.
   • Why it happens: Rushing through the passage or not reading the question carefully.
   • How to avoid it: Take your time and read the question and passage carefully.
   • Exam board insight: The ACT rewards students who carefully read and analyze the passage.
2. Mistake: Misinterpreting data or graphs.
   • Why it happens: Not understanding the data or failing to consider alternative explanations.
   • How to avoid it: Take your time and carefully analyze the data and graphs.
   • Exam board insight: The ACT penalizes students who misinterpret data or graphs.
3. Mistake: Failing to consider alternative explanations.
   • Why it happens: Not reading the passage carefully or not considering different perspectives.
   • How to avoid it: Read the passage carefully and consider different perspectives.
   • Exam board insight: The ACT rewards students who consider alternative explanations.
4. Mistake: Overlooking important information in the passage.
   • Why it happens: Rushing through the passage or not reading carefully.
   • How to avoid it: Take your time and read the passage carefully.
   • Exam board insight: The ACT penalizes students who overlook important information.

Practice Questions (3-5 questions)

Question 1: The graph below shows the relationship between temperature and plant growth.

[Insert graph]

Which of the following best describes the relationship between temperature and plant growth?

A) As temperature increases, plant growth decreases.
B) As temperature increases, plant growth increases.
C) There is no relationship between temperature and plant growth.
D) The relationship between temperature and plant growth is unclear.
E) The data is insufficient to determine the relationship between temperature and plant growth.

Answer: B) As temperature increases, plant growth increases.
Explanation: The graph shows a positive relationship between temperature and plant growth, with plant growth increasing as temperature increases.

Question 2: The table below shows the results of a scientific study on the effects of exercise on blood pressure.

What can be concluded about the relationship between exercise and blood pressure?

A) Exercise has no effect on blood pressure.
B) Exercise decreases blood pressure.
C) Exercise increases blood pressure.
D) The relationship between exercise and blood pressure is unclear.
E) The data is insufficient to determine the relationship between exercise and blood pressure.

Answer: B) Exercise decreases blood pressure.
Explanation: The table shows a negative relationship between exercise and blood pressure, with blood pressure decreasing as exercise intensity increases.

Question 3: The passage below describes a scientific study on the effects of climate change on sea levels.

"Climate change is causing sea levels to rise due to the melting of polar ice caps and the expansion of seawater as it warms."

What can be concluded about the relationship between climate change and sea levels?

A) Climate change has no effect on sea levels.
B) Climate change decreases sea levels.
C) Climate change increases sea levels.
D) The relationship between climate change and sea levels is unclear.
E) The data is insufficient to determine the relationship between climate change and sea levels.

Answer: C) Climate change increases sea levels.
Explanation: The passage describes a positive relationship between climate change and sea levels, with sea levels increasing due to the melting of polar ice caps and the expansion of seawater.

Quick Reference Card (60-Second Summary)

• Claim: a statement or argument made by a scientist or researcher
• Evidence: data or information used to support a claim
• Data: information collected and analyzed to understand a phenomenon
• Graphs and charts: visual representations of data
• Scientific vocabulary: terms like hypothesis, theory, and experiment
• Read the question first: Understand what the question is asking before reading the passage
• Identify the claim: Determine the main argument or statement being made

If You Get Stuck on Test Day

• Take your time: Don't rush through the passage or questions.
• Read carefully: Make sure you understand the passage and question.
• Eliminate wrong answers: Use the process of elimination to rule out incorrect options.
• Check your work: Verify that your answer makes sense and is supported by the evidence.

Related ACT Topics

• Scientific Evidence: Analyzing and evaluating scientific evidence to support or refute a claim.
• Graphs and Charts: Reading and interpreting graphs and charts to understand data and relationships.
• Scientific Vocabulary: Understanding scientific terms and concepts to answer questions.