ACT Science Science Strategy Conflicting Viewpoints Last Passage Strategy

What This Is and Why It Matters for the ACT

Conflicting Viewpoints Last: Passage Strategy is a crucial skill for the ACT Science section. It appears on every Science test and is typically difficult, with a moderate to high level of complexity.

Key Concepts (What You Must Know)

• Definition: Conflicting viewpoints refer to situations where two or more scientists have different opinions or results on a particular topic.
• Grammar rule: Use parallel structure when listing multiple viewpoints, ensuring that each item has the same grammatical form.
• Reading skill: Identify the main idea of a passage and the author's tone, which can indicate the presence of conflicting viewpoints.
• Common vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with terms like hypothesis, experiment, and data analysis.

Step-by-Step Strategy for This Topic

1. Read the passage carefully, paying attention to the author's tone and any conflicting viewpoints.
2. Identify the main idea of the passage and the key points that support it.
3. Look for words or phrases that indicate conflicting viewpoints, such as "however," "on the other hand," or "in contrast."
4. Eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect or don't match the main idea of the passage.
5. Check your work by reviewing the passage and your answer choices.
6. Manage your time effectively, allocating approximately 9 minutes per passage.

How It’s Tested on the ACT

In the ACT Science section, conflicting viewpoints are often presented in the form of a research summary or a data representation, where two or more scientists have different opinions or results on a particular topic. Be prepared to: • Identify the main idea of the passage and the key points that support it.
• Analyze the data and identify patterns or trends.
• Evaluate the author's tone and make inferences about the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

Common Mistakes & Exam Traps

• The mistake: Failing to identify the main idea of the passage and the key points that support it.
• Why it happens: Rushing through the passage or not paying attention to the author's tone.
• How to avoid it: Take your time and carefully read the passage, paying attention to the author's tone and the key points that support the main idea.
• Exam board insight: The ACT Science section penalizes students for not identifying the main idea of the passage and the key points that support it.

• The mistake: Failing to eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect or don't match the main idea of the passage.
• Why it happens: Not carefully reviewing the passage and answer choices.
• How to avoid it: Carefully review the passage and answer choices, eliminating any that are clearly incorrect or don't match the main idea.
• Exam board insight: The ACT Science section penalizes students for not carefully reviewing the passage and answer choices.

Practice Questions (3-5 questions)

Question 1:
A recent study found that the use of a new medication can lead to improved symptoms in patients with a certain disease. However, another study found that the same medication can have negative side effects in some patients.

Options:
A) The new medication is effective in treating the disease.
B) The new medication has negative side effects in some patients.
C) The new medication is not effective in treating the disease.
D) The study found that the medication had no effect on the disease.
E) The study found that the medication had a positive effect on the disease.

Answer: B) The new medication has negative side effects in some patients.

Explanation: The passage presents conflicting viewpoints on the use of the new medication, with one study finding it effective and another finding it to have negative side effects. The correct answer is the one that acknowledges the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

Question 2:
A recent study found that the use of a new technology can lead to improved productivity in workers. However, another study found that the same technology can have negative effects on worker morale.

Options:
A) The new technology is effective in improving productivity.
B) The new technology has negative effects on worker morale.
C) The new technology is not effective in improving productivity.
D) The study found that the technology had no effect on productivity.
E) The study found that the technology had a positive effect on productivity.

Answer: B) The new technology has negative effects on worker morale.

Explanation: The passage presents conflicting viewpoints on the use of the new technology, with one study finding it effective and another finding it to have negative effects on worker morale. The correct answer is the one that acknowledges the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

Quick Reference Card (60-Second Summary)

• Identify the main idea of the passage and the key points that support it.
• Look for words or phrases that indicate conflicting viewpoints, such as "however," "on the other hand," or "in contrast."
• Eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect or don't match the main idea of the passage.
• Manage your time effectively, allocating approximately 9 minutes per passage.
• Analyze the data and identify patterns or trends.
• Evaluate the author's tone and make inferences about the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

If You Get Stuck on Test Day

• Don't panic if you're stuck on a question. Take a deep breath and carefully review the passage and answer choices.
• Eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect or don't match the main idea of the passage.
• Manage your time effectively, allocating approximately 9 minutes per passage.
• Skip the question if you're unable to answer it and move on to the next one.

Related ACT Topics

Data Representation: This topic is closely related to conflicting viewpoints, as it also involves analyzing data and identifying patterns or trends.
Research Summary: This topic is also related to conflicting viewpoints, as it involves summarizing research findings and identifying the main idea of a passage.
Author's Tone: This topic is closely related to conflicting viewpoints, as it involves evaluating the author's tone and making inferences about the presence of conflicting viewpoints.