ACT Science Conflicting Viewpoints Evaluating Evidence Which Finding SupportsWeakens Each View

What This Is and Why It Matters for the ACT

Conflicting Viewpoints is a key concept in the ACT's Reading and Science sections. It appears on every Reading test and often in the Science section. This topic tests your ability to analyze and evaluate evidence to support or weaken different viewpoints. Be prepared to read carefully, identify key information, and think critically.

Key Concepts (What You Must Know)

• Definition: A viewpoint is an opinion or perspective on a topic.
• Grammar rule: Pay attention to verb tense consistency and subject-verb agreement.
• Reading skill: Identify the main idea and supporting details in a passage.
• Common vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with words like support, weaken, evidence, and argument.

Step-by-Step Strategy for This Topic

1. Read the passage carefully to understand the main idea and supporting details.
2. Identify the viewpoints presented in the passage.
3. Analyze the evidence provided to support or weaken each viewpoint.
4. Eliminate wrong answers by looking for inconsistencies or flaws in the evidence.
5. Choose the correct answer based on the strongest evidence.
6. Check your work by reviewing the passage and your answer choices.

Time Management Tips

• Spend under 9 minutes per passage in the Reading section.
• Focus on key information and main ideas to save time.

How It’s Tested on the ACT

• Reading: Passage-based questions that test your ability to analyze and evaluate evidence.
• Science: Data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints.
• Common distractors:
  • Misreading the passage or question.
  • Focusing on minor details instead of the main idea.
  • Ignoring the context or supporting evidence.

Common Mistakes & Exam Traps

1. The mistake: Misreading the passage or question.
   • Why it happens: Rushing or not reading carefully.
   • How to avoid it: Take your time and read carefully.
   • Exam board insight: The ACT penalizes misread questions.
2. The mistake: Focusing on minor details instead of the main idea.
   • Why it happens: Not understanding the passage or question.
   • How to avoid it: Identify the main idea and supporting details.
   • Exam board insight: Minor details are often used to distract you.
3. The mistake: Ignoring the context or supporting evidence.
   • Why it happens: Not reading carefully or not understanding the passage.
   • How to avoid it: Read carefully and consider the context.
   • Exam board insight: Context is crucial in evaluating evidence.
4. The mistake: Not analyzing the evidence provided.
   • Why it happens: Not understanding the passage or question.
   • How to avoid it: Analyze the evidence and evaluate its strength.
   • Exam board insight: Evidence is key in supporting or weakening viewpoints.
5. The mistake: Not eliminating wrong answers.
   • Why it happens: Not reading carefully or not understanding the passage.
   • How to avoid it: Eliminate wrong answers based on inconsistencies or flaws.
   • Exam board insight: Eliminating wrong answers increases your chances of getting the correct answer.
6. The mistake: Not checking your work.
   • Why it happens: Rushing or not reviewing your answer.
   • How to avoid it: Review your answer and check your work.

Practice Questions

Question 1: Read the passage and identify the viewpoint that is supported by the evidence.

Passage: The new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

A) The policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
B) The policy will have no impact on carbon emissions.
C) The policy will increase carbon emissions.
D) The policy will lead to a moderate reduction in carbon emissions.
E) The policy will have a negative impact on the economy.

Answer: A) The policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Explanation: The passage states that the new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy sources. This evidence supports the viewpoint that the policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Question 2: Read the passage and identify the viewpoint that is weakened by the evidence.

Passage: The new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy sources. However, the cost of implementing this policy is expected to be high.

A) The policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
B) The policy will have no impact on carbon emissions.
C) The policy will increase carbon emissions.
D) The policy will lead to a moderate reduction in carbon emissions.
E) The policy will be too expensive to implement.

Answer: E) The policy will be too expensive to implement.

Explanation: The passage states that the cost of implementing the policy is expected to be high, which weakens the viewpoint that the policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Question 3: Read the passage and identify the viewpoint that is supported by the evidence.

Passage: The new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Studies have shown that this approach is effective in reducing carbon emissions.

A) The policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
B) The policy will have no impact on carbon emissions.
C) The policy will increase carbon emissions.
D) The policy will lead to a moderate reduction in carbon emissions.
E) The policy will be too expensive to implement.

Answer: A) The policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Explanation: The passage states that studies have shown that increasing the use of renewable energy sources is effective in reducing carbon emissions. This evidence supports the viewpoint that the policy will lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Quick Reference Card

• Verb tense consistency: Use the same verb tense throughout a passage.
• Subject-verb agreement: Make sure the subject and verb agree in number (singular or plural).
• Main idea: Identify the main idea of a passage to understand the context.
• Supporting details: Identify supporting details to evaluate the evidence.
• Evidence: Analyze the evidence provided to support or weaken viewpoints.
• Context: Consider the context to evaluate the evidence.
• Time management: Spend under 9 minutes per passage in the Reading section.

If You Get Stuck on Test Day

• Don't panic: Take a deep breath and read the passage carefully.
• Eliminate wrong answers: Look for inconsistencies or flaws in the evidence.
• Make an educated guess: Choose the answer that is most likely correct based on the evidence.
• Skip and come back: If you're stuck, skip the question and come back to it later.

Related ACT Topics

• Identifying Pros and Cons: This topic is similar to Conflicting Viewpoints, but it focuses on identifying the advantages and disadvantages of a particular option.
• Evaluating Arguments: This topic is similar to Conflicting Viewpoints, but it focuses on evaluating the strength of an argument.
• Analyzing Data: This topic is similar to Science, but it focuses on analyzing data to answer questions.