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1. D
2. F
3. A
ACT Science 1, Set 2
Answers & Explanations
Both scientists agree that this caused their
extinction; the disagreement is in the manner
of things that actually blocked out the sun.
The other answer choices do not have much
to do with the ideas behind Scientist
1’s assertions.
The basis of Scientist 2’s argument is that a
‘mantle’ plume is a more likely cause
than asteroid impact.
4. H When you refute something, you prove it
false. If there was volcanic ash, the asteroid
theory would have to be false.
5. C
Nothing confirms a theory like a repeat of the
event that was supposed to have happened!
6. J
The crater would confirm that a large asteroid
can hit the earth.
7. B
These plumes will probably be the same as
those that killed the dinosaurs.
8. F
Even though Scientist 2 does not like the
plastics, s/he never refutes their benefits to
man.
9. A
While looking at someone’s motivation, it
is helpful to consider who might be paying
for the opinion. One never wants to publish a
negative opinion of the person that is paying
you.
10. H While there is disagreement about the relative
safety, there is no disagreement about
the usefulness.
11. D This is the only syndrome of the choices that
has been possibly attributed to the use of
phthalates and PVC, according to the
passage.
12. J The disorders that were mentioned are not
common at all among children, but
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only happen later.
13. D Both of the scientists agree, to different
degrees, that care should be taken in
genetically modified planting.
14. J Scientist A’s argument was against
genetically modified organisms, but if they
were going to be used, the scientist
argued that the consumer should be able to
choose if they want to eat them or not.
15. A Scientist B believes that they have been
tested enough and are fit for consumption.
16. G Scientist B argues that they have been tested
and that they are safe while Scientist A argues
that they haven’t been studied longitudinally.
17. C Scientist A thinks the genetically modified
organisms are different from the original
while Scientist B does not.
18. H Scientist B argues that using genetically
modified foods will allow farmers to
grow food more efficiently, yielding a
larger harvest in a smaller area.
19. A Scientist B approves of the way that they
have been tested and goes on to support
testing of any new material created.
20. F Scientist B is concerned that the leakage
of hydrogen will ultimately undo all of the
good we’re trying to do with
the hydrogen cars. If hydrogen isn’t really
going to be released, then it isn’t something
to worry about, but that’s something
that should be studied, according to Scientist
B.
21. B If cars are being powered by hydrogen, they
are not using oil.
22. J Scientist A is very fond of hydrogen cars and
argues fervently in their favor. He or she
ACT HOMEWORK SCIENCE 1, SET 2
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would like to see some on the road.
23. C Scientist B does admit this is quite the
variable, but does not really give an answer to
it, only that it needs more study.
24. F Since hydrogen produces water, its byproducts can be released harmlessly, unlike
carbon monoxide
ACT HOMEWORK SCIENCE 1, SET 2
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