Reading charts and tables
Strategy card
Interpret data precisely and know what it can and can't support.
- Step 1: Identify variables, units and scale.
- Step 2: Extract the needed values exactly.
- Step 3: Compute rates, averages, or percent change carefully.
- Step 4: Ask whether the claim goes beyond what the data shows.
Tip: Percent change = (new − old) ÷ old. The base matters.
Worked example
How many cups in all?
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cups | 20 | 10 | 80 | 95 | 15 |
- A: 220 (the answer)
- B: 207
- C: 226
- D: 234
- E: 231
Why: Add them: 20 + 10 + 80 + 95 + 15 = 220.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
Which statement is supported by the data?
| Fish | Hamster | Turtle | Rabbit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| votes | 45 | 75 | 40 | 100 |
Your turn 2 of 3
What is the percent change from 2021 to 2022?
Your turn 3 of 3
What is the median (middle value when put in order)?
| Fish | Hamster | Turtle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| votes | 70 | 90 | 20 |
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Talk about correlation vs. cause in a real article. Parent guide
Next lesson: Unknowns and balances