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That takes us back. Anyway, the science passages don’t rely on your knowledge of the topic: Everything you need to know is in the passage. You are expected to know the basics — for example, the Earth orbits the Sun, water boils when it’s hot, cells divide — but there’s no need to study any science topics to prepare for these passages. Instead, practice the strategies.

These passages cover such science topics as biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, experiments, and various phenomena. Try this approach to a science passage:

 Search out the facts. Whether describing an experiment, survey, or observation, some information is in the text and some in the graphic element, if the passage is illustrated. Pay attention to numbers, including percentages, populations, and rates of growth or change.

 Don’t worry about technical terms, but do know general science vocabulary. If you see a strange word, the definition is probably tucked into the sentence. You won’t encounter a question based on the definition of Tephritidae unless the passage explains what Tephritidae is. (It’s a type of fruit fly.) Look for these definitions as you read. You should, however, know general terms that pop up frequently in science-related material, such as control group (a group that doesn’t participate in an experiment and serves as a point of comparison) and catalyst (a substance that causes or increases the rate of a chemical process). As you work through practice exams, jot down these definitions from the answer explanations, because you may see them again on exam day.

 Identify the argument. Some SAT science passages present a dispute between two viewpoints. The SAT questions may zero in on the evidence for each scientific theory or hypothesis, and then quiz you about each author’s stance.

 Notice the examples. The SAT science passages tend to offer examples both in the text and in the graphics. The questions may ask what the examples prove.

The SAT includes graphic elements in most science and occasional social studies passages. Be sure to follow these guidelines:

 Look at everything. The title; the explanation on the top, bottom, or sides; the labels inside a diagram — everything. Don’t memorize it, but notice it: Are the numbers on the side in thousands? Is there a pattern or contrast? Imagine a graph with bars reaching the level of 12. You need to know whether this represents 12 actual or 12 thousand.

 Note the variables. The variable is the part that changes. Some graphs include more than one — perhaps a solid line showing peanut butter sales and a dotted line tracing jelly sales. Don’t worry about the detail — you’ll go back to the graph for the detail — but understand the trend or story that the graph is telling.

 Note the relationship between the graphic and the text. Usually these two parts work together. A bar graph may tell you how many test-takers earned scholarships, while the text may explain how many got Jeeps (such a great theme). Together, these statistics paint a clear picture.

Try this visual-elements question:

Which statement about Dengue Fever is true?

Cover the answers. In your own words, what do you think is up with the Fever? It seems to hit middle-aged folks the hardest. Good thing you’re young. Anyway, with this middle-aged point in mind, cross off the wrong answers:

(A) Infants are less likely to contract Dengue Fever than the elderly.

(B) In 2010, most cases of Dengue Fever occurred in people aged 40 to 60.

(C) The risk of catching Dengue Fever rises with age.

(D) Dengue Fever is especially dangerous for infants and children.

Choices (A), (C), and (D) are easy targets for crossing off, leaving Choice (B) as the only possible answer. This is because the bars for ages 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 are higher than those for other age groups.