Data Interpretation from Text — SAT Reading & Writing Explained
These questions require you to interpret numerical or statistical information embedded in the text — percentages, rates, comparisons, and quantitative claims — and understand what they mean in context.
The Core Idea
Numbers in a passage require the same careful reading as words. The key is understanding what a number measures, what it's being compared to, and whether the claim being made is actually supported by that number.
Types Of Data
Relative proportions — always ask: percentage of what?
Raw counts — context determines whether they're large or small
A quantity per unit (per year, per capita) — units matter
One thing measured against another — what's the baseline?
Change over time — direction and magnitude both matter
Common Data Misreadings
Confusing an increase in the rate with an increase in absolute numbers
Missing the baseline when interpreting percentages
Assuming correlation (two things moving together) implies causation
How This Connects to Other Topics
Directly connected to Graphs and Tables Analysis and Combining Text with Data
Practice: Data Interpretation from Text
5 SAT-style questions. Select your answer and get an instant explanation.
The passage states that between 2010 and 2020, annual solar installations in the region grew from 50 megawatts to 200 megawatts, while coal-fired capacity held steady at 1,000 megawatts.
Based only on the passage, which statement is best supported?
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