Mastering Integration of Knowledge and Ideas in ACT Reading

Claim

A statement the author implies or explicitly states as true.

Central Claim (Thesis)

The primary point the author is trying to prove, often found in the introduction or conclusion.

Secondary Claims

Smaller points that support the main thesis, often serving as topic sentences for body paragraphs.

Facts vs. Opinions

Differentiating objective evidence (facts) from subjective interpretation (opinions).

Fact

A statement that can be proven true or false with evidence.

Opinion

A statement reflecting a belief, judgment, or feeling.

Rhetorical Structure

Specific structures authors use to persuade readers.

Cause and Effect

A rhetorical structure showing one event leads to another.

Comparison/Contrast

A rhetorical structure highlighting similarities or differences.

Problem-Solution

A rhetorical structure that introduces a conflict and proposes a resolution.

Anecdotal Evidence

Using a personal story to make an abstract concept relatable.

Counterarguments

Anticipating opposing views and refuting them to strengthen credibility.

Relevance

The degree to which evidence directly relates to the claim made.

Sufficiency

The adequacy of evidence presented to support a claim.

Logical Fallacies

Errors in reasoning that undermine an argument.

Ad Hominem

A fallacy attacking the person rather than the argument.

Correlation vs. Causation

Assuming one event caused another based solely on their sequence.

Visual Information

Graphs, tables, or charts that support, refute, or expand upon the information in the text.

Integrating Information

The process of connecting visual data with textual claims.

Paired Passages

Two related passages where questions analyze their relationship.

Conflicting Viewpoints

When one passage argues for a policy, and the other against it.

Synthesis Questions

Questions that ask how one passage relates to another.

Common Mistakes

Frequent errors students make when evaluating arguments or interpreting data.

Ignoring the Axes

Failing to check the units on graph questions, leading to errors.

Projecting Outside Knowledge

Using prior knowledge to answer questions instead of only the provided information.

Misinterpreting 'Suggests'

Incorrectly inferring based on guesses instead of evidence from the text.