Tips on shaving off ACT Science Time?

made4him1027
Thu, 17 Apr 2014 13:28:30 +0000

I was stuck at 30-32 on the science. After two weeks of hard work, I increased my score to a 35-36.

Here’s my method:

The science section consists of 7 passages. 3 five questioners, 3 six questioners, and 1 seven questioner. 5ers are the easy one. You should almost never need to read anything but the graphs. 6ers are a little bit more difficult being roughly 70% graphs. 7ers are 0% graphs and all reading comprehension.

Now that you know the break down, simply count the questions for each passage before starting. If it has 5 questions do not look at the passage. If it has 6, only read the passage if the questions calls for it. Read the entire 7 question passage focusing on the first and last sentences of each scientist viewpoint.

When taking the test, complete the passages in this order: 5ers, 6ers, 7er. If this means skipping around, DO IT! This is very important. It lets start on the easy questions letting you rush through those. Next you can go relatively quickly on the 6ers. Lastly, you can take your time and read the conflicting viewpoints passage (7er) fully. With some practice, you should be able to finish the test with 5 minutes to spare to review questions you were unsure of.

While taking the test, if you do not quickly know the answer to a 5er or 6er, mark the question and go on.

While practicing, you’ll notice a trend of questions you miss and what time it is at different points on the test. Study these observations and put them to good use!