ACT Science Reasoning: Data Interpretation Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your ACT Science reasoning skills with this data interpretation quiz designed to test your ability to analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from scientific tables, graphs, and experiments. Great for those preparing to tackle ACT Science passages and improve their data analysis proficiency.

1. Reading a Bar Graph

   A bar graph shows the average growth of four plant species over one month: A (3 cm), B (5 cm), C (2 cm), and D (4 cm). Which species had the second highest average growth according to the graph?

   1. B
   2. C
   3. D
   4. A

   Explanation: Option D is correct because species D grew 4 cm, which is higher than both A (3 cm) and C (2 cm), but less than B (5 cm). B is incorrect as it is the highest, not second highest. A and C are both lower growth values and so do not fit the 'second highest' criterion. Carefully comparing the values is key to the correct interpretation.

2. Analyzing Table Data

   A table displays temperatures recorded over five days: Monday (72°F), Tuesday (68°F), Wednesday (74°F), Thursday (70°F), and Friday (74°F). According to the data, on how many days was the temperature above 70°F?

   1. Two days
   2. Five days
   3. Three days
   4. Four days

   Explanation: The correct answer is 'Three days': Monday (72°F), Wednesday (74°F), and Friday (74°F) are all above 70°F. Tuesday and Thursday are either exactly 70°F or below, so do not count. 'Two days' and 'Four days' are not accurate based on the counts, and 'Five days' assumes all were above, which is false.

3. Interpreting a Line Graph

   A line graph depicts a steady increase in the amount of dissolved oxygen in water from 6 mg/L to 10 mg/L over 4 days. What trend does this graph show about the concentration of dissolved oxygen over time?

   1. It decreases and then increases
   2. It remains constant throughout the period
   3. It increases steadily each day
   4. It fluctuates without a clear pattern

   Explanation: The correct answer is that the dissolved oxygen increases steadily each day, as the graph shows a continuous rise from 6 mg/L to 10 mg/L. If it were constant, it would remain at one value. There is no decrease shown, so the 'decreases and then increases' choice is incorrect. No irregular changes are shown, so the 'fluctuates' option is not accurate.

4. Comparing Experimental Results

   In a laboratory experiment, two chemicals (X and Y) are mixed in separate trials at temperatures of 20°C and 30°C. The rate of reaction for X increases from 2 units/min at 20°C to 4 units/min at 30°C, while Y rises from 2 units/min to 3 units/min under the same conditions. What can be concluded from the data?

   1. Both chemicals react at the same rate regardless of temperature
   2. Chemical Y reacts twice as fast as X with temperature increase
   3. Temperature has no effect on reaction rates
   4. Reaction rate for X is more sensitive to temperature change than Y

   Explanation: X's reaction rate doubles while Y's increases by only 50%, indicating X is more sensitive to temperature change. Option A is incorrect because Y does not react faster than X. Choice B is wrong as both reactions show an increase. C is incorrect because rates differ with temperature. The data supports the greater sensitivity in X.

5. Evaluating Hypotheses From Data

   An experiment measures bacteria growth in two petri dishes, one with nutrient agar (Dish A) and one with plain agar (Dish B), both kept at the same temperature. After 48 hours, Dish A shows significant growth; Dish B shows minimal. What hypothesis does this support?

   1. All agar types support equal bacterial growth
   2. Bacteria require darkness to grow
   3. Temperature is the only factor affecting bacterial growth
   4. Bacteria grow faster with access to nutrients

   Explanation: Because Dish A (with nutrients) shows more growth, the data supports the hypothesis that nutrients promote faster bacterial growth. Option B is unrelated to the variables tested. C is incorrect because temperature was constant in both dishes, not varied. D contradicts the results, as growth was unequal due to the different types of agar.