Sample ACT Lesson

Section 4: Science

• 6 passages (6 to 7 questions each)
• Detailing studies/experiments in biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science, and environmental science
• 40 questions total — all multiple choice
• Data analysis
• Data pattern/trend recognition for predicting results
• Inference
• Integrating information from multiple data sources
• Experimental procedure
• Limited outside science knowledge
• 35 minutes under standard timing
• Scored on a 1-36 scale

For an in-depth explanation of the elements tested in the Science section, listen to the audio above. Then, watch the video for a real-time look at how to tackle the Science section.

Video: ACT Science Tips

Watch the video to learn how the ACT Science works.

Practice Questions

Try the practice set below to get a feel for the ACT Science section.

Passage I

Vanadyl sulfate (VOSO₄) may have applications in preventing tumor growth. In order to further understand its chemical properties, scientists studied its molecular conductance (how well it conducted electricity) when it was dissolved as a solute in solution.

Experiment

In each trial, the following steps were performed:

1. Different concentrations of vanadyl sulfate solutions were prepared by dissolving certain masses of VOSO₄ in a mixed water-methanol solvent.
2. The solutions were then transferred to individual flasks, each fitted with a conductivity probe and thermometer, and placed on heat-stirrer plates. A stir bar was added to the flasks and the stir plate function was turned on.
3. The flasks were heated to and held at a specific temperature, at which point the conductances of the solutions were measured.
4. The flasks were then heated to and held at higher temperatures, and their conductances were measured.
5. The results of the experiment were graphed, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure adapted from Gomaa & Rashad, "Determination of Thermodynamic Parameters of VOSO₄ in Different Organic Mixed Solvents." ©2018 by the Authors.