When evaluating data in a chart, what should you do to determine if the chart supports the passage's claims?

• A. Read only the chart's title.
• B. Compare data to statements in the text.
• C. Ignore axis labels and data units.
• D. Focus only on the most dramatic data point.

Answer: (B)

To determine whether a chart supports the passage’s claims, you compare the actual data shown in the chart with what the passage states. The chart presents specific numbers, trends, and context (like time frame and units), and you need to check that those details align with the claims. Look at how values change over the same period, the magnitude of differences, and whether the described pattern is actually reflected in the data.

For example, if the passage says sales rose steadily over the year, verify that the chart shows an upward trend across consecutive points rather than a single spike or unrelated fluctuations. Don’t rely on the title alone, and don’t ignore axis labels or units, since they tell you what’s being measured and the scale. A single dramatic point can mislead you if the broader trend doesn’t support the claim.

So, the key idea is using the chart’s concrete data to confirm or challenge what the text says.