Integration of Knowledge (ACT Reading)

What is Integration of Knowledge?

Integration = Combining information from multiple sources or parts of a text

These questions test your ability to:

• Connect ideas across a passage
• Synthesize information from different sections
• Compare and contrast viewpoints
• Draw conclusions from combined evidence

Types of Integration Questions

1. Synthesizing Information

Synthesis = Putting together information from different parts

Question format: "Based on the passage, both X and Y:"

How to answer:

1. Find where X is discussed
2. Find where Y is discussed
3. Identify what they have in common
4. Choose answer supported by both sections

Example:

Paragraph 2 discusses benefits of solar energy (renewable, clean)
Paragraph 4 discusses benefits of wind energy (renewable, clean)

Question: "The passage indicates that both solar and wind energy are:"

Answer: "renewable and produce no pollution"

2. Connecting Concepts

Questions ask you to link related ideas

Question format: "The information in lines 20-25 supports the point made in lines 45-48 by:"

How to answer:

1. Read both sections
2. Identify the connection (example, evidence, illustration, contrast)
3. Choose answer describing that relationship

Relationship types:

• Evidence: Second section proves first
• Example: Second section illustrates first
• Contrast: Second section opposes first
• Elaboration: Second section expands on first

3. Making Inferences Across Text

Unlike simple detail questions, these require connecting multiple pieces

Question format: "Based on information in the passage, it can reasonably be inferred that:"

How to answer:

1. Check that answer is supported by passage evidence
2. May require combining info from 2+ places
3. Still close to text — not wild speculation!

Example:

Passage states:

• "Species A is found only in high-altitude environments"
• "Global warming is reducing high-altitude habitat"

Reasonable inference: "Species A is threatened by global warming"

4. Comparative Passages

Some ACT Reading sections have two short passages on same topic

Questions ask you to compare/contrast:

• Main ideas
• Authors' perspectives
• Evidence used
• Conclusions reached

Question format: "Unlike the author of Passage A, the author of Passage B:"

How to answer:

1. Identify what Passage A says/does
2. Identify what Passage B says/does
3. Find the difference
4. Choose answer reflecting that difference

Analyzing Arguments

Identifying Claims

Claim = Statement author wants you to believe

Usually:

• In introduction (thesis)
• In conclusion (main point)
• In topic sentences

Question format: "The author's main argument is that:"

How to answer:

1. Find the central claim
2. Eliminate supporting details
3. Choose broadest answer that encompasses passage

Evaluating Evidence

Evidence = Facts, examples, data used to support claims

Question format: "Which of the following does the author use to support the claim that X?"

How to answer:

1. Find where claim X is made
2. Look at surrounding sentences for support
3. Identify type of evidence (statistics, examples, expert opinion, etc.)

Types of evidence:

• Statistics/Data: Numbers, percentages
• Examples: Specific instances
• Expert testimony: Quotes from authorities
• Logical reasoning: Cause-effect, if-then
• Historical precedent: Past events
• Anecdotes: Personal stories

Recognizing Counterarguments

Counterargument = Opposing view that author addresses

Signal phrases:

• "Some argue that..."
• "Critics claim..."
• "However, opponents believe..."
• "On the other hand..."

Question format: "The author mentions the opposing view in order to:"

Common purposes:

• Acknowledge and then refute it
• Show complexity of issue
• Strengthen own argument by addressing criticism
• Present balanced perspective

Drawing Conclusions

Inference vs. Stated Fact

Stated fact: Directly written in passage
Inference: Logical conclusion based on passage evidence

Valid inference: ✓ Small logical step from text
✓ Supported by passage evidence
✓ Reasonable and likely

Invalid inference: ❌ Requires huge logical leap
❌ Not supported by evidence
❌ Based on outside knowledge

Question format: "It can be reasonably inferred that:"
"The passage suggests that:"

How to answer:

1. Find relevant passage section
2. Ask: What logically follows from this information?
3. Eliminate unsupported choices
4. Choose best-supported inference

Applying Passage Ideas

Application questions ask you to extend passage concepts to new situations

Question format: "Based on the passage, which of the following situations would be most similar to X?"

How to answer:

1. Understand X thoroughly
2. Identify key characteristics
3. Check each answer choice for those characteristics
4. Choose best match

Example:

Passage describes mutualism: relationship where both species benefit

Question: "Which is most similar to mutualism?"

Answer: "Bees pollinating flowers while gathering nectar" (both benefit)

Comparing and Contrasting

Finding Similarities

Question format: "Both the first and second paragraphs discuss:"
"The author uses both X and Y as examples of:"

How to answer:

1. Read both sections
2. Identify shared elements
3. Choose answer present in BOTH

Finding Differences

Question format: "Unlike X, Y is characterized by:"
"The author's tone in discussing X differs from the tone in discussing Y in that:"

How to answer:

1. Identify characteristic of X
2. Identify characteristic of Y
3. Find the contrast
4. Choose answer showing difference

Analyzing Multiple Perspectives

Identifying Different Viewpoints

Some passages present multiple perspectives:

• Historical debates
• Scientific theories
• Different interpretations
• Contrasting experiences

Question format: "According to Scientist 1, the cause of X is:"
"Unlike Scientist 1, Scientist 2 believes that:"

How to answer:

1. Locate each perspective
2. Note key differences
3. Keep perspectives separate (don't mix them up!)

Comparing Perspectives

Question format: "Scientists 1 and 2 would likely agree that:"
"The main point of disagreement between X and Y concerns:"

How to answer:

• For agreement: Find common ground
• For disagreement: Identify key conflict

Understanding Implications

Predicting Outcomes

Question format: "Based on the passage, if X occurred, what would likely happen?"

How to answer:

1. Find passage discussion of X or related concepts
2. Identify established patterns/relationships
3. Apply that pattern to new scenario
4. Choose logical outcome

Example:

Passage explains: More exercise → increased muscle mass → higher metabolism

Question: "Based on the passage, a person who exercises more would likely:"

Answer: "have a higher metabolism"

Understanding Significance

Question format: "The author's discussion of X is significant because it:"

How to answer:

1. Find where X is discussed
2. Ask: Why did author include this?
3. Consider how it relates to main idea
4. Choose answer showing its importance

Common Integration Patterns

Pattern 1: Part-to-Whole

Connect specific detail to broader concept

"The example of X (lines 23-28) primarily serves to illustrate:"

Pattern 2: Cause-to-Effect

Link cause mentioned early to effect described later

"The outcome described in paragraph 4 resulted from the action mentioned in:"

Pattern 3: Question-to-Answer

Connect problem posed early with solution given later

"The solution proposed in the final paragraph addresses the problem raised in:"

Pattern 4: Claim-to-Evidence

Link assertion to supporting facts

"Which of the following provides support for the claim in line 12?"

Strategies for Success

Strategy 1: Map the Passage

As you read, note:

• Main idea of each paragraph
• Key transitions
• Where important concepts appear
• Relationships between sections

Mental map helps you:

• Quickly find information
• See connections
• Answer synthesis questions

Strategy 2: Look for Connections

Watch for:

• Repeated words/concepts
• Cause-effect relationships
• Comparisons and contrasts
• Examples and evidence

These signal important connections!

Strategy 3: Use Process of Elimination

For integration questions:

1. Check if answer is supported (eliminate if not)
2. Check if answer connects relevant parts (eliminate if it brings in wrong section)
3. Check if connection makes sense (eliminate if illogical)
4. Choose best remaining answer

Strategy 4: Verify with Text

Don't rely on memory!

For every integration question:

• Go back to relevant sections
• Verify each part of answer
• Make sure connection is actually in passage

Common Mistakes

❌ Answering from only one section
Integration questions require combining information

❌ Making unsupported inferences
Must have clear passage evidence

❌ Confusing correlation with causation
X and Y happening together ≠ X causes Y

❌ Choosing answer with familiar passage words
ACT loves to trick with answers that sound familiar but don't actually integrate correctly

❌ Not checking both/all parts
If question asks about "both X and Y," answer must apply to BOTH

Quick Tips

✓ Create passage map — note main idea of each section
✓ Look for transitions — signal important connections
✓ Verify all parts — integration answers must connect multiple pieces
✓ Watch for "both" and "all" — every element must fit
✓ Check each perspective — don't mix up different viewpoints
✓ Find common ground — what do sections share?
✓ Identify differences — how do sections contrast?
✓ Use line references — they point you to what to connect

Practice Approach

For Integration questions:

1. Identify what needs integrating

   • Two paragraphs?
   • Multiple examples?
   • Different perspectives?

2. Locate all relevant sections

   • Use line numbers
   • Check passage map

3. Read each section

   • What does each say?
   • How are they related?

4. Identify the connection

   • Similar? Different?
   • Cause-effect?
   • Example-concept?

5. Choose answer that reflects integration

   • Must combine information
   • Must be supported by ALL relevant parts

Remember: Integration questions test higher-level reading skills. You're not just finding facts — you're connecting ideas, synthesizing information, and seeing the big picture. Take time to understand relationships between different parts of the passage!