Grade: Grade 7 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Data Interpretation Lesson: 3 of 6 SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Data Interpretation Question Types

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On standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, data interpretation questions fall into specific categories. Recognizing these question types helps you approach each problem with the right strategy.

The Five Main Question Types

1. Read and Locate Questions

These ask you to find a specific value directly from a graph or table. They are the most straightforward type.

  • Example prompt: "According to the graph, what was the temperature at 3:00 PM?"
  • Strategy: Locate the data point, read the value carefully, and check units.

2. Compare and Contrast Questions

These require you to compare two or more data points or sets.

  • Example prompt: "How much greater was the sales in June compared to March?"
  • Strategy: Find both values, then calculate the difference or ratio.

3. Trend and Pattern Questions

These ask about overall trends, patterns, or changes over time.

  • Example prompt: "During which period did the population grow the fastest?"
  • Strategy: Look at the slope or steepness of lines, or compare consecutive values.

4. Calculation Questions

These require mathematical operations using data from the display.

  • Example prompt: "What is the average monthly rainfall for the year shown?"
  • Strategy: Extract the needed values, perform the calculation, and check your work.

5. Inference and Prediction Questions

These ask you to draw conclusions or make predictions based on the data.

  • Example prompt: "Based on the trend, what would you expect the value to be in Year 6?"
  • Strategy: Identify the pattern, extend it logically, and choose the most reasonable answer.

Examples

Example 1: Read and Locate

A bar graph shows monthly book sales. The bars represent: Jan (45), Feb (38), Mar (52), Apr (61), May (55).

Question: According to the graph, how many books were sold in April?

Solution: Find the April bar and read its height: 61 books

Example 2: Compare and Contrast

Using the same data: Jan (45), Feb (38), Mar (52), Apr (61), May (55).

Question: How many more books were sold in April than in February?

Solution: 61 - 38 = 23 more books

Example 3: Trend Question

A line graph shows temperature readings: 6 AM (58°F), 9 AM (65°F), 12 PM (74°F), 3 PM (78°F), 6 PM (71°F).

Question: During which 3-hour period did the temperature increase the most?

Solution: Calculate each increase: 6-9 AM (+7°), 9 AM-12 PM (+9°), 12-3 PM (+4°). Answer: 9 AM to 12 PM

Practice

Identify the question type and solve each problem.

Problem 1: A table shows test scores for 5 students: Ana (87), Ben (92), Cal (78), Dina (95), Eve (88). What is the median score?

Question Type: Calculation

Problem 2: A pie chart shows that 35% of students chose pizza as their favorite lunch. If there are 200 students total, how many chose pizza?

Question Type: Calculation

Problem 3: A line graph shows a company's profits increasing each year from 2018 to 2022. The increases were: 2019 (+$10K), 2020 (+$15K), 2021 (+$12K), 2022 (+$18K). In which year did profits grow the most compared to the previous year?

Question Type: Compare and Contrast

Problem 4: According to a bar graph, City A has 450,000 residents and City B has 380,000 residents. What is City A's population?

Question Type: Read and Locate

Problem 5: A scatter plot shows a strong positive correlation between hours studied and test scores. If the pattern continues, what would you predict for a student who studies 8 hours if the trend shows each hour adds about 5 points starting from a base of 50?

Question Type: Inference and Prediction

Problem 6: A double bar graph compares rainfall in two cities. City X had 4.2 inches in June and City Y had 3.8 inches. What is the difference in June rainfall between the two cities?

Question Type: Compare and Contrast

Problem 7: A frequency table shows: Score 70-79 (8 students), Score 80-89 (15 students), Score 90-100 (7 students). How many students scored 80 or above?

Question Type: Calculation

Problem 8: A line graph of plant growth shows heights at: Week 1 (2 cm), Week 2 (5 cm), Week 3 (9 cm), Week 4 (14 cm). The growth rate is increasing. Which statement best describes the pattern?

Question Type: Trend and Pattern

Problem 9: A stacked bar graph shows total sales split by product type. If total sales are $500 and Product A represents 40%, what are Product A's sales?

Question Type: Calculation

Problem 10: A table shows average temperatures: Spring (62°F), Summer (85°F), Fall (58°F), Winter (35°F). What is the range of average temperatures across the seasons?

Question Type: Calculation

Check Your Understanding

1. What type of question asks you to find a specific value directly from a graph?

2. When a question asks "How much greater was X than Y?", what operation will you need to perform?

3. What should you look for when answering a trend question about a line graph?

4. Name two calculation-based question types that require you to compute averages or totals.

Next Steps

  • Practice categorizing questions before solving them
  • Create a personal reference card with the five question types
  • Move on to the timed drill to build speed with these question types