AST ACT Scaling Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: If h(x) = x³ - 4x, what is h(-2)?

-8
8
0 (Correct answer)
2

Correct answer: 0

h(-2) = (-2)³ - 4(-2) = -8 + 8 = 0.

Question 2: In fiction, the central struggle between opposing forces is called:

Theme
Climax
Conflict (Correct answer)
Resolution

Correct answer: Conflict

Conflict is the core tension or problem that drives the plot of a story.

Question 3: Which sentence best uses hedging language appropriate for academic writing?

Everyone knows that exercise cures anxiety.
The data suggests that increased exercise may reduce anxiety levels. (Correct answer)
The data proves that exercise eliminates anxiety completely.
Exercise and anxiety are probably related somehow.

Correct answer: The data suggests that increased exercise may reduce anxiety levels.

Hedging language ('suggests,' 'may') accurately represents the limits of evidence without overclaiming or being too vague.

Question 4: The law of conservation of energy states that energy:

Is always converted into heat
Is created during chemical reactions
Increases when matter is destroyed
Cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed

Energy cannot be created or destroyed — it only changes from one form to another.

Question 5: Which of the following weakens the credibility of evidence in a text?

Evidence is cited from a recent study.
Multiple sources corroborate the claim.
The source is an anonymous blog. (Correct answer)
The data includes graphs and statistics.

Correct answer: The source is an anonymous blog.

An anonymous blog lacks accountability, verifiable authorship, and often, expert review. Evidence from such a source is inherently unreliable because there's no way to confirm the author's qualifications, potential biases, or the accuracy of the information presented. This significantly weakens the credibility of any claims made.

Question 6: Which option correctly punctuates a nonrestrictive clause?

My sister who lives in Austin, is a nurse.
My sister, who lives in Austin, is a nurse. (Correct answer)
My sister; who lives in Austin, is a nurse.
My sister who lives in Austin is a nurse.

Correct answer: My sister, who lives in Austin, is a nurse.

Nonrestrictive clauses add extra information and must be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 7: Solve the inequality: 3x - 5 > 10.

x > 15
x > 3
x > 5 (Correct answer)
x > 7

Correct answer: x > 5

3x > 15 → x > 5.

Question 8: A car travels 180 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?

70 mph
55 mph
60 mph (Correct answer)
50 mph

Correct answer: 60 mph

Speed = distance ÷ time = 180 ÷ 3 = 60 mph.

Question 9: The principle that physical and chemical processes operating today also operated in the past is called:

Relativity
Gradualism
Catastrophism
Uniformitarianism (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Uniformitarianism

Uniformitarianism is the principle that geological processes have been consistent throughout Earth's history.

Question 10: What is the median of the data set: 3, 7, 9, 11, 15?

45
7
9 (Correct answer)
11

Correct answer: 9

With 5 values in order, the median is the middle (3rd) value, which is 9.

Question 11: Which punctuation mark is correctly used to show a sudden break or interruption in dialogue?

Semicolon
Colon
Ellipsis
Em dash (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Em dash

An em dash (—) indicates a sudden break, interruption, or abrupt change in thought.

Question 12: If f(x) = 2x² - 3, what is f(4)?

25
32
13
29 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 29

f(4) = 2(4²) - 3 = 2(16) - 3 = 32 - 3 = 29.

Question 13: Which of the following best describes the cultural significance of the Harlem Renaissance?

It represented a return to traditional European styles of art and literature.
It represented the rise of Southern literature and its influence on mainstream culture.
It was a brief period in which African American culture was isolated from the mainstream.
It marked the emergence of African American artists, writers, and musicians who influenced American culture. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It marked the emergence of African American artists, writers, and musicians who influenced American culture.

The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal period in the 1920s and 1930s when African American culture flourished, particularly in Harlem, New York. It marked a significant emergence of Black artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals who created a distinct cultural identity and profoundly influenced American arts and society, challenging racial stereotypes and promoting racial pride.

Question 14: Line m passes through (1, 3) and (4, 9). What is its slope?

1
2 (Correct answer)
3
6

Correct answer: 2

Slope = (9 - 3)/(4 - 1) = 6/3 = 2.

Question 15: Which option corrects the run-on sentence: 'I finished the test early I reviewed my answers'?

I finished the test early: I reviewed my answers.
I finished the test early; I reviewed my answers. (Correct answer)
I finished the test early and, I reviewed my answers.
I finished the test early, I reviewed my answers.

Correct answer: I finished the test early; I reviewed my answers.

A semicolon properly joins two independent clauses that are closely related without a conjunction.

Question 16: Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The team celebrated ___ victory'?

their's
its'
it's
its (Correct answer)

Correct answer: its

'Its' is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.'

Question 17: A direct comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' is a:

Simile (Correct answer)
Allusion
Metaphor
Hyperbole

Correct answer: Simile

Similes use 'like' or 'as' to draw a comparison, e.g., 'brave as a lion.'

Question 18: What is 15% of 240?

48
40
30
36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36

15% × 240 = 0.15 × 240 = 36.

Question 19: Which of these best describes an inference?

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)
A direct quotation from a source
An opinion without supporting data
A restatement of an author's main claim

Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning

An inference is a logical conclusion reached by interpreting available evidence and reasoning.

Question 20: A graph shows that as temperature increases, enzyme activity first rises then falls sharply. What can be concluded?

Low temperatures destroy enzymes instantly.
Enzymes have an optimal temperature range beyond which they denature. (Correct answer)
Higher temperatures always improve enzyme function.
Enzymes are unaffected by temperature changes.

Correct answer: Enzymes have an optimal temperature range beyond which they denature.

Enzymes function best within an optimal temperature range; excessive heat disrupts their structure (denaturation).

Question 21: Select the sentence free of wordiness.

The report was concise and brief in nature.
Due to the fact that the report was brief, it was concise.
The report was brief. (Correct answer)
The report was brief and concise.

Correct answer: The report was brief.

'Brief' already implies conciseness, so 'The report was brief' is the most concise correct option.

Question 22: Which of the following is a primary theme in George Orwell’s 1984?

The consequences of totalitarianism (Correct answer)
The importance of individuality in a society
The dangers of excessive freedom
The value of democracy

Correct answer: The consequences of totalitarianism

George Orwell's 1984 is a dystopian novel that primarily explores the extreme dangers and dehumanizing effects of a totalitarian government. It depicts a society where the ruling party, Big Brother, exercises absolute control over every aspect of citizens' lives, thoughts, and history, highlighting the loss of freedom and individuality.

Question 23: Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Neither the students nor the teacher was late. (Correct answer)
Neither the students nor the teacher be late.
Neither the students nor the teacher were late.
Neither the students nor the teacher are late.

Correct answer: Neither the students nor the teacher was late.

When 'neither…nor' joins subjects of different persons, the verb agrees with the closer subject ('teacher,' singular).

Question 24: Which sentence is the clearest example of a claim that requires argumentation?

Social media use among teenagers has negative effects on mental health. (Correct answer)
Social media includes platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Social media platforms were founded in the early 2000s.
Many people use social media every day.

Correct answer: Social media use among teenagers has negative effects on mental health.

A claim that requires argumentation is debatable and must be supported with evidence, unlike statements of fact.

Question 25: Which unit would most likely be used to measure the mass of a small laboratory sample?

Kilograms
Grams (Correct answer)
Meters
Liters

Correct answer: Grams

Grams are the standard SI unit for measuring small masses in laboratory settings.

Question 26: Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy?

"You can’t trust her opinion on climate change because she isn’t a scientist." (Correct answer)
"This solution has worked in similar situations before."
"Data shows a significant reduction in crime rates after the program started."
"If we implement this policy, it will benefit our economy."

Correct answer: "You can’t trust her opinion on climate change because she isn’t a scientist."

The statement "You can’t trust her opinion on climate change because she isn’t a scientist" is an example of an ad hominem fallacy. This fallacy attacks the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. It dismisses the opinion based on the speaker's credentials or character, rather than evaluating the merits of their actual claims or evidence.

Question 27: Which of the following strengthens the evidence presented in an argument?

The evidence is derived from a small, isolated case study.
The evidence comes from multiple reputable sources. (Correct answer)
The evidence is speculative and hypothetical.
The evidence is anecdotal but persuasive.

Correct answer: The evidence comes from multiple reputable sources.

Evidence is significantly strengthened when it comes from multiple reputable sources. This corroboration indicates that the information is consistent and reliable, reducing the likelihood of bias or error from a single source. Reputable sources are generally recognized for their expertise, objectivity, and thoroughness in research.

Question 28: Identify the correctly spelled word in the context of academic writing.

occurrance
occurence
occurrence (Correct answer)
occurance

Correct answer: occurrence

'Occurrence' is spelled with double 'c' and double 'r' followed by '-ence.'

Question 29: A passage cites data from 2002 to support a claim about current technology trends. Why might this evidence be considered weak?

The data is too specific.
The source is not named.
The data is outdated. (Correct answer)
It includes statistics.

Correct answer: The data is outdated.

For claims about current technology trends, data from 2002 is significantly outdated. Technology evolves rapidly, so information from two decades ago would not accurately reflect present-day developments or trends. Using old data weakens the argument by failing to provide current and pertinent support for the claim.

Question 30: If a bar graph shows a category with zero frequency, what does this indicate?

The graph is inaccurate.
The data is incomplete.
No observations fall into that category. (Correct answer)
The category was not measured.

Correct answer: No observations fall into that category.

In a bar graph, a category with zero frequency indicates that no data points or observations fall into that specific category. This means that, within the scope of the data collected, that particular category simply did not occur or was not represented. It is a valid data point showing absence, not incompleteness or inaccuracy of the graph itself.

Question 31: Which question would best help you evaluate the strength of an argument?

"How long is the argument?"
"Are the claims supported by credible evidence?" (Correct answer)
"Does the conclusion use emotional language?"
"Is the author well-known?"

Correct answer: "Are the claims supported by credible evidence?"

The strength of an argument is primarily determined by the quality and credibility of the evidence supporting its claims. An argument is strong if its assertions are backed by reliable, relevant, and sufficient evidence from trustworthy sources. Evaluating the evidence directly assesses the logical foundation and persuasiveness of the argument.

Question 32: Which statement correctly identifies a counterargument's role in writing?

It acknowledges and refutes an opposing viewpoint. (Correct answer)
It provides evidence for the main claim.
It restates the thesis.
It introduces background information.

Correct answer: It acknowledges and refutes an opposing viewpoint.

A counterargument acknowledges a conflicting view and then responds to or refutes it, strengthening the essay.

Question 33: Which of the following is equivalent to 2/5 as a percentage?

20%
45%
25%
40% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40%

2 ÷ 5 = 0.40, which equals 40%.

Question 34: Simplify: (3x³y²)(4xy³).

12x⁴y⁵ (Correct answer)
12x³y⁵
7x⁴y⁵
12x⁴y⁶

Correct answer: 12x⁴y⁵

Multiply coefficients (3 × 4 = 12) and add exponents: x^(3+1)=x⁴ and y^(2+3)=y⁵.

Question 35: In a data set of 9 numbers sorted in ascending order, which position is the median?

6th
5th (Correct answer)
7th
4th

Correct answer: 5th

For n = 9, the median is at position (9+1)/2 = 5th.

Question 36: Which of the following would most weaken the argument that 'Exercise improves academic performance'?

Research showing no correlation between exercise and academic results (Correct answer)
A study showing students who exercise get better grades
Evidence that physical education classes are popular
Anecdotal reports of athletes who succeed in school

Correct answer: Research showing no correlation between exercise and academic results

Evidence showing no correlation directly contradicts the claim and most weakens the argument.

Question 37: Which organizational strategy works best for an essay arguing that stricter environmental laws should be passed?

Begin and end with counterarguments
List supporting points randomly
Present all counterarguments before any supporting arguments
Present strongest arguments last for maximum impact (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Present strongest arguments last for maximum impact

Saving the strongest argument for last creates a powerful closing impression in persuasive writing.

Question 38: Which inequality represents all values of x where 2x - 4 > 10?

x > 7 (Correct answer)
x > 6
x > 3
x < 7

Correct answer: x > 7

Adding 4 to both sides gives 2x > 14; dividing by 2 gives x > 7.

Question 39: Which writing purpose is best served by an expository essay?

Entertaining readers with a fictional narrative
Arguing for a position on a controversial topic
Explaining how a process works (Correct answer)
Persuading readers to take a specific action

Correct answer: Explaining how a process works

Expository writing informs or explains—its purpose is to communicate information clearly and objectively.

Question 40: A reader notices that a paragraph begins with a general statement and then provides specific examples. This structure is called:

Inductive organization
Compare-contrast organization
Chronological organization
Deductive organization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deductive organization

Deductive organization moves from a general claim to specific supporting examples.

Question 41: Which sentence is written in active voice?

The budget has been approved.
Approval of the budget was given.
The budget was approved by the committee.
The committee approved the budget. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The committee approved the budget.

Active voice places the subject ('the committee') as the doer of the action.

Question 42: How can you determine if evidence is relevant to an argument?

It contains complex terminology.
It contradicts other evidence in the text.
It is presented in a visually appealing way.
It supports the conclusion directly or indirectly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It supports the conclusion directly or indirectly.

Evidence is relevant to an argument if it directly or indirectly supports the conclusion or claims being made. It must provide information that helps to prove, illustrate, or strengthen the argument's central point. Irrelevant evidence, regardless of its presentation or complexity, does not contribute to the argument's validity.

Question 43: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 8 and 12?

16
36
48
24 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 24

The LCM of 8 and 12 is 24 because it is the smallest number divisible by both 8 and 12.

Question 44: A graph shows monthly sales figures for a year. Which of the following is NOT a valid conclusion you can draw?

Sales figures for the next year will be higher. (Correct answer)
Sales increased steadily from January to June.
The highest sales occurred in December.
Sales in April were less than those in May.

Correct answer: Sales figures for the next year will be higher.

A graph displays past or present data and trends, allowing for analysis of what has already occurred. However, it cannot definitively predict future events or sales figures. While past trends might suggest possibilities, making a definitive statement about future sales is a speculative conclusion, not a valid one directly drawn from the presented data.

Question 45: A mineral's resistance to being scratched is measured by its:

Density
Luster
Cleavage
Hardness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hardness

Hardness measures a mineral's resistance to scratching, rated on the Mohs scale.

Question 46: What is the probability of rolling an even number on a standard six-sided die?

1/3
1/2 (Correct answer)
1/6
2/3

Correct answer: 1/2

Three of the six faces (2, 4, 6) are even, giving a probability of 3/6 = 1/2.

Question 47: In a historical document, what is the purpose of analyzing the author’s point of view?

To understand the physical setting of the document
To compare the document with similar historical documents
To identify the biases and motivations behind the document (Correct answer)
To assess the emotional tone of the document

Correct answer: To identify the biases and motivations behind the document

Analyzing an author's point of view in a historical document is crucial for understanding the context and potential biases influencing the content. It helps identify the author's motivations, perspectives, and any personal or societal biases that might shape their account, allowing for a more critical and informed interpretation of the document's reliability and message.

Question 48: What is the role of a counterargument in a persuasive essay?

To acknowledge opposing views and refute them, strengthening the writer's position (Correct answer)
To end the essay on a note of uncertainty
To disprove the writer's own thesis
To confuse the reader with multiple viewpoints

Correct answer: To acknowledge opposing views and refute them, strengthening the writer's position

Addressing and refuting counterarguments shows the writer is aware of other perspectives and strengthens their own argument's credibility.

Question 49: The series of events that lead up to the climax of a story is called:

Falling action
Rising action (Correct answer)
Exposition
Resolution

Correct answer: Rising action

Rising action includes the sequence of events that build tension toward the climax.

Question 50: What is the most reliable source of evidence for a scientific argument?

Social media posts
Peer-reviewed research articles (Correct answer)
Anecdotal experiences
Opinions of public figures

Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research articles

Peer-reviewed research articles are considered the most reliable source of scientific evidence because they undergo a rigorous evaluation process by other experts in the field. This process ensures that the methodology is sound, the data is accurately interpreted, and the conclusions are supported by evidence, thereby enhancing the credibility and validity of the research.

Question 51: A story in which characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities is called:

Fable
Satire
Parable
Allegory (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Allegory

An allegory uses characters and events symbolically to convey deeper moral or political meanings.

Question 52: What is the significance of the "Stream of Consciousness" technique in modern literature?

It simplifies the plot for easier reading.
It focuses solely on visual imagery in the narrative.
It provides a clear, structured plot with distinct beginning, middle, and end.
It allows the reader to experience a character’s thoughts and emotions directly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It allows the reader to experience a character’s thoughts and emotions directly.

The 'Stream of Consciousness' technique is a narrative method that attempts to depict the multitudinous thoughts and feelings that pass through the mind of a character. It allows readers to experience the character's inner world, including their unfiltered thoughts, memories, and emotions, directly as they occur, often without traditional narrative structure.

Question 53: A rectangle has a length of 14 cm and a width of 6 cm. What is its area?

96 cm²
72 cm²
84 cm² (Correct answer)
40 cm²

Correct answer: 84 cm²

Area of a rectangle = length × width = 14 × 6 = 84 cm².

Question 54: Choose the correct form: 'There are fewer/less students enrolled this semester.'

fewer (Correct answer)
least
less
lesser

Correct answer: fewer

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like 'students'; 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.

Question 55: Choose the correct pronoun: '___ is going to the conference, him or her?'

Who (Correct answer)
Whomever
Whoever
Whom

Correct answer: Who

'Who' is correct here because it functions as the subject of the verb 'is going.'

Question 56: A line graph shows a city's population grew from 50,000 in 2010 to 75,000 in 2020. What is the percent increase?

40%
50% (Correct answer)
55%
33%

Correct answer: 50%

(75,000 - 50,000)/50,000 × 100 = 25,000/50,000 × 100 = 50%.

Question 57: A class scored: 72, 85, 90, 88, 76, 92, 85. What is the mode?

88
85 (Correct answer)
90
72

Correct answer: 85

85 appears twice; all other values appear once. Mode = 85.

Question 58: Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy called 'ad hominem'?

If we allow this, it will lead to total chaos.
Your argument is invalid because you have no degree. (Correct answer)
We should adopt this policy because it worked in another country.
All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore Socrates is mortal.

Correct answer: Your argument is invalid because you have no degree.

Ad hominem attacks the person making an argument rather than the argument itself.

Question 59: In a poem, if a poet uses vivid descriptions of a storm to represent a character's emotional turmoil, what literary device is being used?

Irony
Metaphor
Allusion
Symbolism (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Symbolism

Symbolism is a literary device where an object, person, or idea represents something else, often an abstract concept. In this case, the vivid descriptions of a storm are not just literal weather but are used to represent the character's inner emotional turmoil, making the storm a symbol of their feelings.

Question 60: What is the function of the word 'although' in: 'Although it rained, the game continued'?

Coordinating conjunction
Preposition
Conjunctive adverb
Subordinating conjunction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Subordinating conjunction

'Although' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.

AST ACT Scaling Test

The AST (ACT Scaling Test) is a standardized assessment used to scale and equate ACT exam forms. It covers evidence evaluation, data analysis, humanities, English grammar, and mathematics, aligning with ACT subject domains.

Questions

55 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

bsss.act.edu.au — Retake policy, eligibility, exam format, passing score, score release, test dates · verified Oct 2026