OSSLT Interpreting Graphic Texts 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When reading a bar graph, what does the height (or length) of each bar represent?
- The category label
- The data value or quantity being measured (Correct answer)
- The title of the graph
- The source of the information
Correct answer: The data value or quantity being measured
In a bar graph, the height or length of each bar represents the data value or quantity for that category.
Question 2: In a pie chart, what does a larger slice indicate compared to a smaller slice?
- A smaller percentage of the whole
- A larger percentage or proportion of the whole (Correct answer)
- A different category type
- An error in the data
Correct answer: A larger percentage or proportion of the whole
In a pie chart, a larger slice represents a greater percentage or proportion of the total being displayed.
Question 3: When a graphic text includes a legend (also called a key), what is its purpose?
- To explain the title of the graphic
- To identify what different colors, symbols, or patterns represent (Correct answer)
- To list the sources used in the graphic
- To summarize the main idea in written words
Correct answer: To identify what different colors, symbols, or patterns represent
A legend or key explains what the different colors, symbols, or patterns in a graphic text represent so readers can interpret the data correctly.
Question 4: A line graph is BEST used to show which type of information?
- Parts of a whole adding up to 100%
- Changes or trends over a period of time (Correct answer)
- Comparisons between unrelated categories
- Relationships between two separate groups
Correct answer: Changes or trends over a period of time
Line graphs are specifically designed to display trends and changes over a period of time, making patterns easy to see.
Question 5: If a data table shows population figures by province, what is the BEST method to find which province has the highest population?
- Read the title of the table
- Compare the numbers in the population column to find the largest (Correct answer)
- Count the total number of rows in the table
- Look only at the column headings
Correct answer: Compare the numbers in the population column to find the largest
To find the highest value in a table, you must compare all the numbers in the relevant column and identify the largest figure.
Question 6: What does the term 'caption' refer to in a graphic text?
- The main heading displayed at the top of the graphic
- A brief explanation or description placed below or beside the image (Correct answer)
- The source cited at the bottom of the graphic
- The legend that explains the symbols used
Correct answer: A brief explanation or description placed below or beside the image
A caption is a brief piece of text appearing directly below or beside an image or graphic that explains or describes what it shows.
Question 7: When approaching a graphic text in an OSSLT reading passage, what should you do FIRST?
- Read every individual number in the graphic carefully
- Read the title and any headings to understand the overall topic (Correct answer)
- Ignore the graphic and focus entirely on the written text
- Look only at the largest or most prominent visual element
Correct answer: Read the title and any headings to understand the overall topic
Reading the title and headings first establishes the context you need to correctly interpret the specific data shown in the graphic.
OSSLT Interpreting Graphic Texts 1
When reading a bar graph, what does the height (or length) of each bar represent?