Updated August 21, 2026

ACT Science Strategies for Reading Graphs & Figures

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It might seem basic, but reading figures is an essential skill in ACT Science. A lot of points depend on being able to get the right piece of data from the right figure – and it’s not always as easy as it sounds.

That’s why we’ve lined up 4 key strategies to help you master this question type and save time on the ACT.

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Jump to section:
What’s a “Reading Graphs & Figures” question on ACT Science?
Strategy Tip #1: Start with the question and the figure
Strategy Tip #2: Define the data you’re looking for
Strategy Tip #3: Mark up your figure or graph (especially weird ones)
Strategy Tip #4: Tackle one data point at a time
Next Steps

What’s a “Reading Graphs & Figures” question on ACT Science?

“Reading Figures” is what we call the type of ACT Science question that requires you to get a certain piece of data from a table, graph, or other figure. (This isn’t an official ACT Science name – it’s our term to help you recognize standard ACT question types so you know what strategies to use for each one. You can see all of the ACT Science question types right here.)

Here’s how typical Reading Graphs & Figures questions could look on ACT Science:

Based on Table 1, how many types of igneous rocks were observed in Cluster X?

Based on Figure 2, for robins, the difference in average nest size between Habitat A and Habitat B was closest to which of the following?

Which of the following observations for tall grasses was(were) the same in both Fields Y and Z?

Reading Graphs & Figures is one of two main ACT Science question types that you’ll see in passages about “Data Representation,” which is the official ACT term for one of the 3 ACT Science passage types. In this passage type, you’re presented with:

An introduction
A short piece of text
Data in the form of graphs, tables, drawings, or other figures

We have a dedicated guide to Data Representation passages here.

The questions on Data Representation passages will ask you to either:

Find a certain piece of data – that’s what this post will help you do
Or do something with the data, whether a calculation, interpolation, extrapolation, or reasoning. That’s a different question type that we have covered in this post.

So, how do you tackle these questions strategically? Let’s take a look.

Strategy Tip #1: Start with the question and the figure

Reading the whole passage on ACT Science costs you valuable time. And it’s usually not necessary.

Take this example:

Based on Table 1, for spotted piglets, the difference in average body mass between Habitat A and Habitat B was closest to which of the following?

F. 0.0 kg
G. 0.3 kg
H. 0.7 kg
J. 1.2 kg

Notice that you don’t need any context to answer this question – just the figure showing average piglet body mass.

To make things even easier, this type of question will always tell you where to look for the information. This example question says to look at Table 1. So only look at Table 1 – don’t even waste your time looking at any other figures provided.

All you have to do is:

Identify what piece of information you’re looking for
Identify where you’re told to look
Read the figure to find the answer

In our experience, on Data Representation passages, most questions can be answered without reading the passage.

That’s why some students skip straight to the questions. But if you’re not comfortable with that and want to get oriented first, that’s also fine. Skim the passage and circle or underline key words or phrases as you read –just don’t waste time reading in close detail. Then go to the questions.

This is one of the key strategy tips that you’ll need if you’re aiming for a competitive or even perfect ACT score. As you set your ACT goal score, you can find all the schools on your college list in our ACT Score Ranges resource to find out what score will make you a competitive applicant, then use our score calculator to see how you can reach it.

Strategy Tip #2: Define the data you’re looking for

While Reading Figures questions can be among the easier ACT Science questions, it’s also easy to lose points by answering the wrong question.

Questions will ask you for one very specific piece of data. The answer choices often include “trap” answers that you’ll choose if you didn’t read the question or the figure closely enough.

Here’s our example from before:

Based on Table 1, for spotted piglets, the difference in average body mass between Habitat A and Habitat B was closest to which of the following?

F. 0.0 kg
G. 0.3 kg
H. 0.7 kg
J. 1.2 kg

There are a few key words in this question that you’ll want to circle or underline as you read:

Based on Table 1, for spotted piglets, the difference in average body mass between Habitat A and Habitat B was closest to which of the following?

Say you go to Table 1 and you see lots of data about piglet body mass:

	Habitat A	Habitat B
Spotted piglets	1.2 kg	1.5 kg
Non-spotted piglets	1.9 kg	1.9 kg

Table 1

If you miss that you’re only interested in spotted piglets, you’ll incorrectly choose answer F or H. And if you don’t notice that you’re looking for the difference between Habitats A and B, you could end up picking answer J – which will also get you zero points.

But if you read the question carefully, it’s a pretty straightforward question. Spotted piglets in Habitat B weigh 0.3 kg more than those in Habitat A, so your answer is G.

This strategy might seem simple – but on ACT Science, when you’re answering 40 questions in just 40 minutes, it’s very easy to end up rushing and miss crucial details! Always define the data point(s) you’re looking for before you start looking.

For more ACT time management tips, check out our guide to everything you need to know about ACT Science – as well as essential strategies to improve your ACT Science score.

Strategy Tip #3: Mark up your figure or graph (especially the weird ones)

ACT Science is famous for throwing weird figures at test-takers.

Most graphs you’ll see will be standard formats you’ve probably seen in school – bar graphs, line graphs, and so on (If you need a refresher, we have a guide to graph types right here).

In these graphs, the labels are the most important part. Always check the axis labels first to see what the graph is actually showing, and circle the labels or units if that’s helpful for you. If you do that, you’ll be in good shape to answer the question.

But you might also see some strange-looking figures like this one:

At first glance, this type of figure is probably unfamiliar. But Strategy Tip #2 still applies here: define the data you’re looking for, then figure out where to find it.

First, circle what you need to know in the question. You’re being asked about the composition of andesite, so that’s all we’re interested in for now.

Then, circle the part of the figure that holds that information. Skimming Figure 1, we see andesite in only one place.

Now we’re looking only at the information we need: the part about andesite. That shows us that the biggest components of andesite are amphibole, micas, and plagioclase feldspar – answer choice C.

If you’re looking for more practice, here are 9 of the hardest ACT Science questions out there, along with detailed explanations for each one.

Strategy Tip #4: Tackle one data point at a time

Slightly more complex ACT Science questions will ask you to deal with multiple data points at once.

Which of the following observations for brown finches was(were) the same in both Habitats L and M?
1. Average nest size
2. The number of times Birdsong 2 was heard
3. Average number of eggs per nest

F. 1 only
G. 3 only
H. 1 and 2 only
J. 2 and 3 only

If you try to answer everything at once, you’re likely to get confused and make an avoidable mistake.

Instead, break this up into 3 separate questions:

Is average nest size the same in both habitats?
Is the number of times Birdsong 2 was heard the same in both habitats?
Is the average number of eggs per nest the same in both habitats?

Now, instead of one complex question, you have three very simple questions.

And as you answer these questions, use the process of elimination on the answer choices to save time.

If you’ve determined that #1 (nest size) was not the same, then you can cross off answer choice F – but you can also go ahead and cross off answer choice H.

And since both the remaining answer choices (G and J) contain #3 (number of eggs), you know that #3 must be the same. You don’t need the data to determine that.

If you do have extra time, it’s always smart to double-check your answer. But if not, you can save time this way.

This is complicated, so don’t worry if it takes some time to get used to this strategy. The more you practice, the more automatic it will become. An experienced ACT Science tutor can also make a big difference – give us a call to find the right option for you.

Next Steps

There you go – with these strategy tips, you’ll be ready to handle any data-based ACT Science question that comes your way!

The best way to get confident using these strategies is to practice, practice, practice. Working with a PrepMaven ACT expert can help you do just this! With one-on-one ACT tutoring, you’ll be well on your way to strategically approaching ACT Science and improving your score. Learn more about our options here, and get in touch with our team for a free consultation.

ACT Science Strategies for Reading Graphs & Figures

ACT Science Strategies for Reading Graphs & Figures

What’s a “Reading Graphs & Figures” question on ACT Science?

Strategy Tip #1: Start with the question and the figure

Strategy Tip #2: Define the data you’re looking for

Strategy Tip #3: Mark up your figure or graph (especially the weird ones)

Strategy Tip #4: Tackle one data point at a time

Next Steps

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