<p>Reading and science are my two worst subjects on the Act, scored 24
When it comes to science, I'm clueless, I had to guess a lot of answers, while using the strategy of reading questions first, graphs second. How do I improve?</p>
<p>I’m not sure how to help you with science because I’m in the same boat, but I can help with the reading. Do you read a lot? I’ve noticed that the more someone reads the easier the reading section is. Some people are better at certain types of passages in the section. When you take practice tests try to see which passage type you find easier. Those are the ones you should do first on the actual test. Some people find it easier to look at the questions and then read the passage. My biggest suggestion is to practice the reading a lot (or read more) so that your reading speed will increase.</p>
<p>The ACT tests speed and quick regonition much more than the SAT does. If there is any way to raise your score when you are guessing on a few of these questions its to learn tricks so that you don’t slow down when you don’t have to (as on a math test).</p>
<p>For English, the SAT/AP strategy of reading the first question, reading up to the place the question is asking you about, and answering questions isn’t as effective; from what I’ve noticed, ACT likes to vary the order of the questions so the first question isn’t first on the passage. What I’ve read that would work well on that section of the test is that you skim the passage first, then come back to the passage to answer the questions. You aren’t reading the passage as meticulously as you would if you were reading the same passage for language arts, so you increace your reading speed while still getting a general feel about what the passage is about. That way, when you get to the questions, you should know what the question is asking about, knowing where the exact phrase is if you aren’t given a line reference, and will be able to answer the question. That’s not to say it’s not a bad idea to slow down with a passage if that is how you read most efficiantly; I got a 28 doing the same thing and only guessing on approximatly half of the last passage. Just make sure you’ve at least looked and answered every question before you go back and ensure that your answers are right.</p>
<p>Science is the hardest in theory, but the easiest in practice. You don’t have to know a lick of science to get a 36 (though it does help) and, like in Reading, all the answers are in front of you. All you have to do is find them. The best way of increasing speed is to read a question, search the passage for the data you need, and then answer the question. Unlike reading, you don’t have to read everything to get a feel for the answers even on the interpertation of data questions (even though you will likely at least glance over every fact). Also, don’t slow down since you get caught up on the terminology; even if you don’t know what the heck complexation chemistry is, you don’t have to get how it works. The data about a topic (with some help from the intro) is all you need to get the question right. Also remember that, since the ACT is a speed test, they are purposly trying to “wear you out” and put what is likely the hardest section of the test conceptually last. Don’t let the fact that you have been in a confined room for close to 3 hours taking very rigorous standardized tests be the reason that you have to re-read every passage at least once. Work as hard as you can on this last section and, if your brain can no longer function, then feel free to take a breather for the rest of the day.</p>
<p>Good luck fellow ACT tester!</p>