PSAT Reading and Writing Quiz: Evidence In Tables And Graphs

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Evidence In Tables And Graphs, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for PSAT Reading and Writing.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

Question 1

1. Education (correct answer)
2. Public Safety
3. Infrastructure
4. Health Services

Explanation: Three-eighths equals 37.5 %. The chart shows Education at 40 %, closest to and slightly above that fraction. Public Safety (25 %), Infrastructure (15 %), and Health (12 %) are all substantially smaller portions.

Question 2

1. 420 transactions, from 1,080 cash to 1,500 card in Store X (correct answer)
2. 300 transactions, from 1,200 cash to 1,500 card in Store Y
3. 420 transactions, from 1,500 cash to 1,080 card in Store X
4. 300 transactions, from 1,080 cash to 1,380 card in Store X

Explanation: The report claims that in Store X, card transactions exceeded cash transactions by a specific number, so we need data showing card higher than cash in that store with the correct difference. From the bar graph, Store X shows 1,080 cash transactions and 1,500 card transactions, yielding a 420-transaction difference where card exceeds cash. Choice C tempts with the same 420 difference but reverses the values, incorrectly showing cash exceeding card, which opposes the claim. Choice B calculates correctly but applies to Store Y, not the specified Store X. In graph questions, carefully match the exact categories like store names to avoid distractors with similar numbers from wrong groups.

Question 3

1. 4 cm, with 22 cm under Treatment C and 18 cm under Treatment A (correct answer)
2. 3 cm, with 21 cm under Treatment C and 18 cm under Treatment A
3. 4 cm, with 20 cm under Treatment C and 16 cm under Treatment A
4. 5 cm, with 23 cm under Treatment C and 18 cm under Treatment A

Explanation: The researchers argue Treatment C produced taller plants than A by a specific amount, needing data comparing heights with the correct difference. The bar graph shows 22 cm for Treatment C and 18 cm for A, a 4 cm difference. Choice C also gives a 4 cm difference but with incorrect heights of 20 cm and 16 cm, likely a misreading of bars. Choice B understates to 3 cm using different values. When interpreting bar graphs, measure heights precisely and confirm they match the claimed comparison.

Question 4

1. 120 Mbps, from 180 Mbps (Cable) to 300 Mbps (Fiber) (correct answer)
2. 90 Mbps, from 210 Mbps (5G) to 300 Mbps (Fiber)
3. 120 Mbps, from 300 Mbps (Cable) to 180 Mbps (Fiber)
4. 90 Mbps, from 180 Mbps (Cable) to 270 Mbps (Fiber)

Explanation: The report's claim requires data showing Fiber as fastest, exceeding Cable by specific Mbps. Choice A cites 120 Mbps from 180 (Cable) to 300 (Fiber), calculating 300 minus 180 as 120, confirming faster. Choice C uses 120 but reverses from 300 (Cable) to 180 (Fiber), implying Cable faster, contradicting the claim. Choice B shows 90 from 5G to Fiber, true but not Cable comparison. When using tables for speed comparisons, calculate differences in the direction that aligns with 'exceeding.'

Question 5

1. 42 mm
2. 48 mm (correct answer)
3. 52 mm
4. 60 mm

Explanation: The summary notes rainfall decreased monthly from May to August, dropping from 78 mm in May to a specific amount in August, so data should show the August value fitting the decline pattern. The table lists August at 48 mm, consistent with decreases from 78 mm. Choices like D at 60 mm would not show a decrease if misreading months. In sequential data tables, confirm the direction of change across all periods mentioned.

Question 6

1. 0.7 kg per plant, from 3.1 kg (A) to 3.8 kg (C) (correct answer)
2. 0.4 kg per plant, from 3.4 kg (B) to 3.8 kg (C)
3. 0.7 kg per plant, from 3.8 kg (C) to 3.1 kg (A)
4. 0.4 kg per plant, from 3.1 kg (A) to 3.5 kg (D)

Explanation: The researchers' claim requires data showing Fertilizer C's yield exceeds Fertilizer A's by a specific amount, emphasizing C as highest. From the bar graph, choice A cites 0.7 kg per plant from 3.1 kg (A) to 3.8 kg (C), correctly calculating the difference as 3.8 minus 3.1. Choice C uses the same 0.7 kg but reverses the order from 3.8 kg (C) to 3.1 kg (A), implying A exceeds C, which contradicts the claim. Choice B accurately notes a 0.4 kg difference but compares B to C instead of A to C, missing the required pairing. In bar graphs, always confirm labels and directions to avoid reversing comparisons or selecting incorrect bars.

Question 7

1. Technician, rising from $18.50 in 2015 to $24.00 in 2025
2. Retail associate, rising from $12.00 in 2015 to $15.50 in 2025
3. Nurse, rising from $28.00 in 2015 to $34.50 in 2025 (correct answer)
4. Teacher, rising from $22.00 in 2015 to $27.00 in 2025

Explanation: The economist claims the greatest absolute wage increase over the period was for a specific occupation, needing the largest dollar rise from 2015 to 2025. The table shows Nurse wages from $28 to $34.50, a $6.50 increase, surpassing $5.50, $3.50, and $5.00 in others. Choice A has a $5.50 rise for Technician, close but not the greatest if overlooking Nurse. In tables with changes, calculate all differences to confirm the maximum, not just spot high final values.

Question 8

1. $3,400, from $12,600 (Science Fiction) to $16,000 (Mystery) (correct answer)
2. $2,600, from $13,400 (Romance) to $16,000 (Mystery)
3. $3,400, from $16,000 (Science Fiction) to $12,600 (Mystery)
4. $2,600, from $12,600 (Science Fiction) to $15,200 (Nonfiction)

Explanation: The manager's claim requires data showing Mystery's highest revenue exceeding Science Fiction by specific dollars. Choice A cites $3,400 from $12,600 (Science Fiction) to $16,000 (Mystery), as 16,000 minus 12,600 equals 3,400. Choice C uses $3,400 but reverses from $16,000 (Science Fiction) to $12,600 (Mystery), suggesting lower for Mystery. Choice B shows $2,600 from Romance to Mystery, true but wrong genre. In tables by categories, ensure comparisons and directions match to support 'more than' claims.

Question 9

1. Treatment B, increasing yield from 2.1 to 3.4 kg per plant (+1.3). (correct answer)
2. Treatment D, increasing yield from 2.1 to 3.0 kg per plant (+0.9).
3. Treatment C, increasing yield from 2.1 to 2.8 kg per plant (+0.7).
4. Treatment A, increasing yield from 2.1 to 2.5 kg per plant (+0.4).

Explanation: The text notes that Treatment B had the highest average yield but asks for the treatment with the largest improvement over the no-fertilizer control of 2.1 kg per plant, so we need to calculate each treatment's gain from the table and identify the maximum difference. The table data show Treatment A at 2.5 kg (+0.4), B at 3.4 kg (+1.3), C at 2.8 kg (+0.7), and D at 3.0 kg (+0.9), confirming that B has the largest improvement of +1.3 kg, as stated in choice A. Choice B incorrectly selects Treatment D with +0.9, which is not the largest, perhaps confusing a moderate yield with the biggest gain. Choice D picks Treatment A with the smallest gain of +0.4, likely from miscalculating differences or focusing only on final yields. To build data literacy in such questions, subtract the control value from each treatment to compute improvements, then compare those deltas directly rather than the absolute yields.

Question 10

1. Island A rose from 100 pairs in 2005 to 130 pairs in 2020
2. Island B rose from 60 pairs in 2005 to 72 pairs in 2020
3. Island C rose from 80 pairs in 2005 to 120 pairs in 2020 (correct answer)
4. Island D rose from 150 pairs in 2005 to 165 pairs in 2020

Explanation: The group argues Island C had the greatest percentage increase, so data should show its numbers yielding the highest percent change. The table lists Island C from 80 to 120 pairs, a 50% increase, higher than 30%, 20%, and 10% in others. Choice A shows a 30% rise for Island A, tempting if confusing absolute with percentage change. In tables, compute percentages yourself to confirm claims about relative growth.

Question 11

1. 40 GWh, with wind+solar at 260 GWh and coal at 220 GWh (correct answer)
2. 60 GWh, with wind+solar at 280 GWh and coal at 220 GWh
3. 20 GWh, with wind+solar at 240 GWh and coal at 220 GWh
4. 40 GWh, with wind+solar at 260 GWh and coal at 200 GWh

Explanation: The analyst notes renewables (wind plus solar) exceeded coal by a specific GWh, requiring summed renewables higher than coal with matching difference. The table lists wind plus solar at 260 GWh and coal at 220 GWh, a 40 GWh excess. Choice D uses the same 40 but with coal at 200 GWh, which would actually be 60 GWh, showing inconsistent math. Choice B inflates to 60 with different sums. In tables, perform calculations like sums and differences yourself to validate stated figures.

Question 12

1. 0.6 points, with Parks at 4.2 and Public Transit at 3.6 (correct answer)
2. 0.4 points, with Parks at 4.0 and Public Transit at 3.6
3. 0.6 points, with Parks at 4.2 and Public Transit at 3.8
4. 0.8 points, with Parks at 4.4 and Public Transit at 3.6

Explanation: The report claims satisfaction was highest for Parks, exceeding Public Transit by specific points, requiring data with Parks at the top and correct difference. The bar graph shows Parks at 4.2 and Public Transit at 3.6, a 0.6-point excess. Choice C uses 0.6 but with Transit at 3.8, actually a 0.4 difference, inconsistent. Choice B understates to 0.4 with wrong Parks value. For bar graphs, compare exact values carefully, as small scale differences can trick quick glances.

Question 13

1. 140 mm, from 760 mm in 2019 to 900 mm in 2020 (correct answer)
2. 120 mm, from 780 mm in 2018 to 900 mm in 2020
3. 140 mm, from 900 mm in 2019 to 760 mm in 2020
4. 120 mm, from 760 mm in 2019 to 880 mm in 2021

Explanation: The summary's claim requires data showing 2020's highest rainfall exceeding 2019 by a specific millimeters. From the line graph, choice A notes 140 mm from 760 mm in 2019 to 900 mm in 2020, calculating 900 minus 760 as 140. Choice C cites 140 mm but reverses from 900 in 2019 to 760 in 2020, implying lower in 2020, opposing highest. Choice B shows 120 mm from 2018 to 2020, accurate but not 2019 comparison. When reading line graphs, verify peaks and calculate differences in the correct direction for exceeding claims.

Question 14

1. $8, from $42 in 2021 to $50 in 2022 (correct answer)
2. $6, from $44 in 2021 to $50 in 2022
3. $8, from $40 in 2021 to $48 in 2022
4. $5, from $42 in 2021 to $47 in 2022

Explanation: The analyst states the largest year-to-year price increase was from 2021 to 2022 by a specific amount, requiring the greatest rise in that interval. The line graph shows from $42 in 2021 to $50 in 2022, an $8 increase. Choice C states $8 but with $40 to $48, actually $8 but wrong values. Choice B understates to $6. For line graphs, check intervals precisely, as distractors may shift years.

Question 15

1. 6 minutes, from 28 minutes in Version 1 to 22 in Version 2 (correct answer)
2. 5 minutes, from 27 minutes in Version 1 to 22 in Version 2
3. 6 minutes, from 30 minutes in Version 1 to 24 in Version 2
4. 4 minutes, from 28 minutes in Version 1 to 24 in Version 2

Explanation: The company claims Version 2 reduced time for every task, with the largest on Task 3 by a specific minutes, needing data with the greatest drop. The table shows Task 3 from 28 to 22 minutes, a 6-minute reduction. Choice C states 6 but with 30 to 24, still 6 but different values. Choice D understates to 4. Verify all changes in tables to identify the true maximum reduction.

Question 16

1. 12 points lower, from 38% (Engineering) to 26% (Arts) (correct answer)
2. 9 points lower, from 35% (Science) to 26% (Arts)
3. 12 points lower, from 26% (Engineering) to 38% (Arts)
4. 9 points lower, from 38% (Engineering) to 29% (Business)

Explanation: The newspaper's claim requires data showing Arts' lowest acceptance rate, lower than Engineering by specific points. Choice A cites 12 points lower from 38% (Engineering) to 26% (Arts), as 38 minus 26 equals 12, confirming more selective. Choice C uses 12 points lower but reverses from 26% (Engineering) to 38% (Arts), implying higher in Arts. Choice B shows 9 points from Science to Arts, accurate but wrong department. In tables, calculate differences directionally to support comparative terms like 'lower than.'

Question 17

1. 18 thousand, from 42 thousand in 2020 to 60 thousand in 2022 (correct answer)
2. 10 thousand, from 50 thousand in 2020 to 60 thousand in 2022
3. 15 thousand, from 45 thousand in 2020 to 60 thousand in 2022
4. 8 thousand, from 42 thousand in 2020 to 50 thousand in 2022

Explanation: The report claims Line 2 rose more strongly from its 2020 low by a specific amount to 2022, requiring data with the largest increase from 2020 values. The line graph depicts Line 2 rising from 42 thousand in 2020 to 60 thousand in 2022, an 18-thousand increase. Choice D uses a smaller rise from 42 to 50 thousand, understating the change to 2022. Choice B shows only a 10-thousand increase from different 2020 data. For line graphs, trace the exact time period and line specified to verify trends against the claim.

Question 18

1. Box at 34%, exceeding Pouch at 28% (correct answer)
2. Bottle at 31%, exceeding Box at 34%
3. Pouch at 28%, exceeding Wrap at 7%
4. Wrap at 7%, exceeding Bottle at 31%

Explanation: The company plans to prioritize the largest share packaging, so data should identify the highest percentage. The table shows Box at 34%, exceeding others like Pouch at 28%. Choice B states Bottle at 31% exceeding Box at 34%, but 31% does not exceed 34%, showing logical error. Choice D reverses low and high. Rank all percentages in tables to confirm the maximum before comparing.

Question 19

1. Over the three-year period, the average daily steps for the younger group consistently decreased while the average for the older group consistently increased.
2. In every year of the study, the average number of daily steps for the younger group was at least 1,000 steps higher than that of the older group.
3. The difference in average daily steps between the two groups was largest in year one and smallest in year three. (correct answer)
4. The older group's average step count increased by a total of 200 steps over the period, while the younger group's count decreased by 400 steps.

Explanation: When analyzing data trends, you need to carefully examine both individual patterns within each group and comparative relationships between groups. This question tests your ability to identify which statement accurately describes what the numbers show. Let's trace through the data systematically. The younger group (18-30) went from 8,100 to 7,800 to 7,400 steps, showing a consistent decrease. The older group (45-60) went from 6,200 to 6,300 to 6,500 steps, showing a consistent increase. Now let's examine the gaps between groups: Year 1 had a difference of 1,900 steps (8,100 - 6,200), Year 2 had 1,500 steps (7,800 - 6,300), and Year 3 had 900 steps (7,400 - 6,500). The gap steadily narrowed from largest in year one to smallest in year three, making C correct. Choice A is wrong because while it correctly identifies the directional trends for each group, it doesn't capture the key insight about the changing relationship between them. Choice B fails because in Year 3, the difference was only 900 steps, not "at least 1,000." Choice D contains accurate calculations (older group +300 steps, younger group -700 steps) but gets the specific numbers wrong—it states +200 and -400. Strategy tip: On data analysis questions, calculate all the relationships mentioned in the answer choices before selecting. Often the correct answer focuses on comparative changes between groups rather than just individual group trends.

Question 20

1. More U.S. adults receive their international news from social media than from radio or podcasts. (correct answer)
2. No respondents aged 18-29 cited major television networks as their primary news source.
3. The number of people who chose a newspaper's website is exactly half the number who chose a major television network.
4. For U.S. adults overall, social media is a more popular primary news source than major newspaper websites.

Explanation: When you encounter data interpretation questions on the PSAT, focus on what the numbers actually tell you versus what they don't explicitly state. These questions test your ability to draw logical conclusions from given information without making unsupported assumptions. Let's examine what the survey data reveals. For the overall population of 1,000 adults, 15% chose social media as their primary international news source, while 10% chose radio or podcasts. Since 15% is greater than 10%, more adults do rely on social media than radio/podcasts, making choice A correct. Now let's check why the other options fail. Choice B claims no 18-29 year-olds cited television networks, but the passage only tells us that 40% of this age group chose social media as their top source—it doesn't provide the complete breakdown for younger adults. Choice C states that newspaper website users (25%) are exactly half of television network users (45%). However, $25\% ≠ 22.5\%$ (which would be half of 45%). Choice D reverses the actual relationship: social media accounts for 15% while newspaper websites account for 25% of respondents overall. The key trap here is confusing age-specific data with overall population data, or making calculations that seem logical but don't match the actual numbers. Always stick strictly to what the data explicitly shows, and double-check any mathematical relationships by doing the actual calculations rather than estimating.