Conflicting Viewpoints (ACT Science)

What Are Conflicting Viewpoints Passages?

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
• 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
• Make a simple chart comparing viewpoints
• Watch for: "both," "neither," "all" - check carefully!
• Support/weaken questions: Think like each scientist
• Take your time - understanding viewpoints makes questions easier