Natural science passages typically present informational texts dealing with biology, physics, chemistry, medicine, earth science, or technology. They are often factual, explanatory, or theoretical, and are written in an objective tone. The emphasis is on understanding scientific concepts, evaluating hypotheses, and analyzing evidence or reasoning.
Evaluating Scientific Hypotheses or Claims
Skills Assessed:
- Identifying a claim or hypothesis
- Understanding how evidence supports or challenges it
- Distinguishing between speculation and supported conclusions
How to Answer:
- Identify the main hypothesis or theory (usually stated early on).
- Track how each paragraph builds the case with studies, models, or examples.
- Look for qualifying language like “suggests,” “may,” “confirms,” “calls into question”.
Example Question:
Which claim about genetic mutation is most directly supported by the evidence presented in the passage?
Comparing Theories, Models, or Explanations
Skills Assessed:
- Recognizing competing or alternative scientific explanations
- Analyzing how the passage contrasts them
- Evaluating which theory is better supported
How to Answer:
- Look for transitional language that introduces new or competing ideas (“An alternative explanation is…”).
- Identify what each model explains, and where it succeeds or fails.
- Pay attention to author stance—do they endorse one or remain neutral?
Example Question:
What is one way in which the theory proposed in paragraph 3 differs from the earlier explanation?
Understanding Use of Scientific Evidence
Skills Assessed:
- Interpreting the purpose of an experiment, example, or study
- Evaluating whether the evidence supports or complicates a claim
How to Answer:
- For each experiment or example, ask: What was it testing? What was the result?
- Note whether the outcome supports, contradicts, or raises further questions.
- Pay attention to study design or limitations, if discussed.
Example Question:
The reference to the 2012 volcano simulation serves primarily to...
Synthesizing Information Across the Passage
Skills Assessed:
- Connecting earlier hypotheses to later findings
- Drawing a conclusion based on multiple pieces of evidence
- Recognizing progression in argument or research
How to Answer:
- Keep track of how the argument or investigation evolves—what’s introduced first, and how it's built upon.
- Understand how multiple studies or points work together to support a bigger claim.
Example Question:
Which of the following statements best summarizes the relationship between the first and final paragraphs?
Analyzing the Role of Analogy, Metaphor, or Simplified Models
Skills Assessed:
- Interpreting analogies used to explain complex ideas (e.g., “DNA is like a zipper”)
- Understanding how the metaphor helps (or limits) comprehension
How to Answer:
- Ask: What real-world process is this metaphor describing?
- Consider whether it’s clarifying, oversimplifying, or revealing assumptions.
Example Question:
Why does the author compare the cell membrane to a security checkpoint?