What strategy helps with interpreting charts or graphs in Reading tests?

• A. Read the title and labels, then relate the graphic to the text it accompanies.
• B. Start with the numeric values and work backward from there.
• C. Focus only on colors and shapes of the graphic.
• D. Ignore the accompanying text.

Answer: (A)

Interpreting charts and graphs in Reading tests works best by first reading the title and axis labels to understand what is being measured and in what units, then connecting that information to the text that accompanies the graphic. The title signals the main idea, the labels explain the variables, and the axis or legend shows exactly how the data relate. By tying the graphic to the surrounding passage, you confirm the context and interpret the numbers as the author intends, which helps you answer questions that require integrating information from both sources. Starting with numeric values alone misses what is being measured; focusing only on colors or shapes ignores the data; and ignoring the text loses the explanation that gives the chart its meaning.