Unique to ACT Science! (Only 1 passage of this type)
Format
One passage presents 2-3 different viewpoints on a scientific topic
Each viewpoint = different hypothesis, theory, or explanation
All viewpoints address the same phenomenon
What's Being Tested
Understanding each viewpoint
Identifying similarities and differences
Recognizing supporting evidence
Determining what would strengthen/weaken each theory
Passage Structure
Introduction
Describes the phenomenon or question being debated
Provides background information
Sets up the controversy
Scientist 1 (or Student 1/Hypothesis 1)
Presents first explanation
Provides supporting evidence
๐ Practice Problems
1Problem 1easy
โ Question:
In a Conflicting Viewpoints passage, what do the different scientists typically AGREE about?
A) The explanation for why something happens
B) The basic observations and facts
C) Which evidence is most important
D) The mechanism behind the phenomenon
Compare and analyze competing scientific theories and hypotheses
How can I study Conflicting Viewpoints effectively?โพ
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Practice with the 3 problems provided, checking solutions as you go. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Conflicting Viewpoints study guide free?โพ
Yes โ all study notes, flashcards, and practice problems for Conflicting Viewpoints on Study Mondo are 100% free. No account is needed to access the content.
What course covers Conflicting Viewpoints?โพ
Conflicting Viewpoints is part of the ACT Prep course on Study Mondo, specifically in the ACT Science section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.
Are there practice problems for Conflicting Viewpoints?
May explain mechanism
Scientist 2 (or Student 2/Hypothesis 2)
Presents alternative explanation
Provides different evidence
May contradict Scientist 1
Scientist 3 (sometimes)
Third perspective
May combine elements of 1 and 2
Or offer completely different view
Common Question Types
1. Understanding Each Viewpoint
"According to Scientist 1, X occurs because...""Scientist 2 would claim that..."
Strategy:
Go to that scientist's section
Find the specific claim
Don't confuse with other scientists
2. Comparing Viewpoints
"On which point would Scientists 1 and 2 agree?""Scientists 1 and 2 disagree about..."
Strategy:
Find points mentioned by BOTH
Agreement = same conclusion
Disagreement = different conclusions
3. Identifying Similarities
"Both scientists would agree that...""All three hypotheses assume that..."
What they often agree on:
Basic observations/facts
The phenomenon exists
Certain background information
General principles
What they disagree on:
The EXPLANATION
The MECHANISM
The CAUSE
Which factors are important
4. Supporting/Weakening Evidence
"Which finding would support Scientist 2's hypothesis?""Which observation would weaken Scientist 1's claim?"
Strategy:
Understand what each scientist claims
Support = evidence that matches their prediction
Weaken = evidence that contradicts their prediction
5. Prediction Questions
"Based on Scientist 1's viewpoint, if X increased, then Y would..."
Strategy:
Apply the scientist's logic
Make prediction consistent with their explanation
Think about cause-and-effect they proposed
How to Read Conflicting Viewpoints Passages
Step 1: Read the Introduction Carefully
Understand the phenomenon being explained
Note what is observed/known
Identify the question being debated
Step 2: Summarize Each Viewpoint
As you read each scientist, note:
Main claim/hypothesis
Key evidence
Mechanism explained
One key difference from others
Step 3: Create a Mental Table
Aspect
Scientist 1
Scientist 2
Main claim
...
...
Key evidence
...
...
Mechanism
...
...
Step 4: Answer Questions
Go back to specific sections
Compare across viewpoints
Apply the logic of each scientist
Types of Scientific Disagreements
1. Different Explanations, Same Data
Both observe the same thing
Disagree on WHY it happens
Example:
Observation: Dinosaurs went extinct
Scientist 1: Asteroid impact
Scientist 2: Volcanic activity
2. Different Emphasis on Factors
Agree multiple factors exist
Disagree on which is most important
Example:
Both agree genes AND environment matter
Scientist 1: Genes are primary
Scientist 2: Environment is primary
3. Different Mechanisms
Agree on outcome
Disagree on HOW it happens
Example:
Both agree evolution occurs
Scientist 1: Gradual changes
Scientist 2: Rapid changes after long stability
Common Wrong Answer Traps
1. Mixing Up Scientists
Attributing Scientist 1's claim to Scientist 2
Fix: Clearly note who says what
2. Overgeneralizing Agreement
Saying they agree when they only agree on basics
Fix: Look for substantive agreement, not just background
3. Picking Irrelevant Evidence
For support/weaken questions
Evidence doesn't relate to their specific claim
Fix: Match evidence to the KEY claim
4. Reversing Support/Weaken
Picking evidence that weakens when asked for support
Fix: Double-check what the question asks
Strategies for Success
Time Management
These passages take longer (more reading)
But questions are often straightforward
Spend time understanding viewpoints first
Active Reading
Underline or note:
Each scientist's main claim
Key pieces of evidence
Words showing contrast (however, unlike, in contrast)
Use Comparison
Make quick notes:
"S1: claims A, S2: claims B"
"Both agree: X, Disagree: Y"
Elimination Strategy
Cross out answers that contradict the passage
Eliminate answers mixing up scientists
Choose best remaining answer
Key Phrases to Watch
Agreement Indicators
"Both scientists acknowledge..."
"All hypotheses agree..."
"Neither scientist disputes..."
Disagreement Indicators
"Unlike Scientist 1, Scientist 2..."
"In contrast to..."
"Scientist 1 claims X, while Scientist 2 claims Y"
Support/Weaken Clues
"Would strengthen..." = find consistent evidence
"Would weaken..." = find contradictory evidence
"Is consistent with..." = matches the viewpoint
Sample Approach
Topic: Why do leaves change color in fall?
Scientist 1: Temperature triggers chemical changes
Evidence: Happens at same temp each year
Mechanism: Cold breaks down chlorophyll
Scientist 2: Day length (photoperiod) is the trigger
Evidence: Happens at same date, different latitudes
Mechanism: Shorter days signal chemical changes
Both agree:
Leaves change color
It's a biological process
Happens in fall
They disagree:
What triggers the change (temp vs. day length)
ACT Tips
Only 1 passage of this type on ACT (usually 7 questions)
Don't need science knowledge - all info is in the passage
Support/weaken questions: Think like each scientist
Take your time - understanding viewpoints makes questions easier
Background information
General principles
Example:
Both agree: Dinosaurs went extinct (fact)
Disagree: Why (asteroid vs. volcanoes)
Answer: B - The basic observations and facts
ACT Tip: They usually agree on WHAT happened, disagree on WHY or HOW!
2Problem 2medium
โ Question:
Scenario:
Scientist 1 claims climate change is primarily caused by solar activity.
Scientist 2 claims climate change is primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
Which finding would SUPPORT Scientist 2's hypothesis?
๐ก Show Solution
Solution:
Scientist 2's claim: Greenhouse gases cause climate change
Supporting evidence would:
Show correlation between COโ and temperature
Demonstrate greenhouse gas warming effect
Rule out solar activity as primary cause
Examples of support:
"Temperature increased as COโ levels rose"
"Laboratory shows COโ traps heat"
"Solar activity remained constant while temps rose"
Wrong answers would:
Support Scientist 1 (solar activity correlation)
Be irrelevant to either claim
Weaken Scientist 2
Answer: Evidence showing a strong correlation between greenhouse gas levels and temperature increases
ACT Tip: Supporting evidence makes their prediction come true!
3Problem 3hard
โ Question:
Two scientists propose different mechanisms for how birds navigate during migration:
Scientist 1: Birds use Earth's magnetic field
Scientist 2: Birds use visual landmarks and the sun
Both scientists would likely agree that:
๐ก Show Solution
Solution:
What they DISAGREE on:
The mechanism (magnetic field vs. visual cues)
How birds navigate
What they would AGREE on:
Birds DO migrate (basic fact) โ
Migration is a real phenomenon โ
Birds can navigate long distances โ
Navigation involves some sensory input โ
Common "both agree" answers involve:
The phenomenon exists
General observations
Underlying assumptions
Broader context
Answer: Birds successfully navigate long distances during migration
ACT Tip: "Both agree" answers are usually more GENERAL than each specific hypothesis!
โพ
Yes, this page includes 3 practice problems with detailed solutions. Each problem includes a step-by-step explanation to help you understand the approach.