How to answer it
- Read the labels and units before the numbers.
- Trace how one variable changes as the other increases.
- Describe the trend in the choice’s words.
Worked example
An original question in the ACT format, already answered.
ACT ScienceWorked example
A table lists water temperature and the dissolved oxygen it can hold: 10°C, 11.3 mg/L; 20°C, 9.1 mg/L; 30°C, 7.6 mg/L; 40°C, 6.4 mg/L.
Based on the table, as water temperature increases, the dissolved oxygen:
- Aincreases only.
- Bdecreases only.
- Cincreases, then decreases.
- Dstays the same.
Answer: B. Each step up in temperature comes with a lower value: 11.3, 9.1, 7.6, 6.4. That’s a steady decrease.
The most common trap
Reading the table backward. Check which column is increasing before you describe the other.
Practice it
Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix interpretation of data with the rest of ACT Science, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the ACT prep plan works, or browse the other ACT skill guides.