ACT Science Passage Practice

When was the influenza virus discovered?

• In the 18th century

• In the 19th century

• In the 20th century

• In the 21st century

What is the main reason for the higher number of influenza cases in winter compared to summer?

• People are more likely to visit doctors in winter

• The virus spreads more easily in cold, dry air

• The virus mutates more in winter

• More people travel in winter

How many people were reportedly infected with the influenza virus in Australia in June 2010 according to Study 1?

• 500

• 750

• 250

• 100

If the reported number of influenza cases is underreported by five times, how many people would actually be infected in Australia in June 2010?

• 2,500

• 10,000

• 5,000

• 7,500

In Figure 2, how does the number of influenza cases in Mexico City in January compare to Guadalajara in June?

• Five times as much

• Twice as much

• One-fifth as much

• Half as much

Between which two months did the greatest increase in reported influenza infections occur in Australia?

• May and June

• July and August

• April and May

• June and July

What factor may play a role in the transmission of the influenza virus according to the passage?

• Rainy weather

• Warm temperatures

• Dry air

• High humidity

Which hypothesis was most likely tested in Study 2?

• Most influenza cases are not reported to medical authorities in Mexico

• Certain cities in Mexico have higher infection rates than others

• Influenza infections vary significantly between Mexico and Australia

• Influenza infections are highest in winter and lowest in summer

Why might the influenza virus survive longer on cool surfaces?

• Cool surfaces are more humid

• Cool surfaces are less exposed to sunlight

• Cool surfaces prevent the virus from drying out

• Cool surfaces are more frequently touched

What is a possible explanation for the difference in reported influenza cases between January and June in Mexican cities?

• The virus survives longer on warm surfaces and June is warmer

• The virus affects more people in summer than in winter

• People diagnosed in January recover by June

• The virus survives longer on cool surfaces and January is cooler