SAT Data Interpretation in Reading Passages

Data interpretation questions in the Reading & Writing section pair a short passage with a graph, table, or chart, then ask you to use both to answer. These appear 3–5 times per test.

The question usually asks you to complete a claim in the passage using data from the graphic, or to identify which statement is best supported by both the text and the data. You do not need to perform calculations — you need to read the data accurately and match it to the passage's argument.

Read the question before reading the passage — it tells you what to look for and prevents rereading. For completion questions, identify what the passage is arguing, then find the specific data point that supports that argument.

Check axis labels and units carefully. The correct answer often depends on a detail like "per 100,000 people" vs. "total count" — a difference that changes which data point is relevant.

Eliminate choices that contradict either the passage or the graphic, even if they sound plausible. Both sources must be consistent with the correct answer.

Choosing an answer that matches the graphic but contradicts the passage — or matches the passage but contradicts the graphic. Both sources must be consistent with the correct answer.

Picking a dramatic or interesting data point that isn't what the specific question is asking about. Stay focused on the exact claim or gap the question identifies.

Misreading graph scales when axes don't start at zero. Always check the y-axis starting value before reading any bar or line height.

Before answering, state in your own words: "The passage argues ___. The graph shows ___." Then match them to the answer choices. This two-sentence synthesis prevents either source from being ignored.

ScoreBooster's Information & Ideas topic includes data interpretation questions with paired texts and graphics formatted exactly as they appear on the Digital SAT.