Da VIP Academy / GED / Social Studies / Geography & Source Reasoning
Reasoning With Charts & Data
Draw supported conclusions from social studies tables, graphs, and maps.
How it works
State the trend, then test the choices
Read the labels and units, describe the pattern in one sentence, and eliminate any choice that goes beyond the data.
Watch the units
Percentages and raw counts tell different stories. A small percentage of a large population can be more people than a large percentage of a small one.
Worked examples
A chart shows turnout of 62% in 2020 and 50% in 2016. What is supported?
- Turnout rose 12 percentage points.
- Do not claim a cause.
- Supported: turnout increased.
Words to know
- Percentage point
- The arithmetic difference between two percentages.
Test-day tips
- • Choices containing 'proves' or 'because' usually overreach.