OSSLT Interpreting Graphic Texts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a double bar graph, what does having two bars side by side for each category allow you to do?
- Display one data set more clearly with extra space
- Compare two different data sets for the same categories (Correct answer)
- Show changes in data over time
- Represent parts of a whole more accurately
Correct answer: Compare two different data sets for the same categories
Double bar graphs place two bars side by side per category to enable direct visual comparison between two related data sets.
Question 2: A graphic text shows a map with an arrow pointing north. This arrow or symbol is called a:
- Scale bar
- Compass rose or directional indicator (Correct answer)
- Legend
- Caption
Correct answer: Compass rose or directional indicator
An arrow indicating north, or a compass rose, is a directional indicator that helps readers orient themselves when reading a map.
Question 3: A graphic shows that school enrollment increased from 400 students to 600 students. By what percentage did enrollment increase?
- 25%
- 50% (Correct answer)
- 100%
- 200%
Correct answer: 50%
The increase is 200 students on an original base of 400, so 200 ÷ 400 × 100 = 50% increase.
Question 4: What is typically displayed on the x-axis (horizontal axis) of a bar or line graph?
- The measured values or quantities being tracked
- The categories, labels, or time intervals being compared (Correct answer)
- The title and source of the graph
- The legend explaining the data series
Correct answer: The categories, labels, or time intervals being compared
The x-axis typically displays the categories, labels, or time intervals that organize and identify the data being compared.
Question 5: When a graphic text uses small icons or symbols to represent quantities (e.g., one book icon = 50 books), this type of graphic is called a:
- Bar graph
- Pictograph (Correct answer)
- Scatter plot
- Flow chart
Correct answer: Pictograph
A pictograph uses repeated icons or symbols where each symbol represents a specific quantity, making numerical data visually intuitive.
Question 6: In an organizational chart, what do the connecting lines between boxes typically represent?
- The dates when positions were created
- Relationships or reporting structures between positions or groups (Correct answer)
- The financial value of each department
- Physical distances between office locations
Correct answer: Relationships or reporting structures between positions or groups
In organizational charts, connecting lines show the hierarchical or relational structure, indicating who reports to whom or how groups are connected.
Question 7: A survey shows: 45% of students prefer science, 35% prefer history, and 20% prefer art. Which type of graphic BEST displays this data?
- Line graph
- Pie chart (Correct answer)
- Double bar graph
- Timeline
Correct answer: Pie chart
A pie chart is ideal for displaying parts of a whole when percentages add up to 100%, making it the best choice for this survey data.
OSSLT Interpreting Graphic Texts 2
In a double bar graph, what does having two bars side by side for each category allow you to do?