AccelePrep for the ACT Test 2nd Edition Student Text

C HAPTER 11 | H YPER P REP S CIENCE • 203

DATA REPRESENTATION REVIEW AND STRATEGIES Data Representation passages require you to interpret information presented in graphs, charts, and tables. The ability to read and understand graphs and tables is essential to success on the Data Representation passages, so let’s begin our review by focusing on this skill. UNDERSTANDING FIGURES

A graph or chart consists not just of lines, bars, or other similar devices; it also includes a main title, categories, units, clarifying notes, and other information. These words and numbers are as important for understanding the presented information as the picture itself. Graphs and charts are always drawn to scale. The function of a graph or chart is to present data in pictorial form, and that function cannot be ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ‡† —Ž‡•• –Š‡ ’‹…–—”‡ ‹• ƒ……—”ƒ–‡Ž› †”ƒ™Ǥ ‘—…ƒ •ƒ˜‡…‘•‹†‡”ƒ„Ž‡ time by reviewing the graphs and charts visually, without reading the actual numbers. For example, in most cases, a taller column will correspond to a greater amount than a shorter column.