When interpreting a chart or map, what should you do first?

When interpreting a chart or map, what should you do first?

• A. Read the title and legend.
• B. Ignore the labels.
• C. Focus on color choices only.
• D. Assume the data is flawed.

Answer: (A)

Begin by figuring out what the chart or map is about and what the symbols mean. The title tells you the topic or data being shown, and the legend explains what each color, line, or symbol represents and the units used. With that foundation, you can read values correctly, compare parts of the map or chart, and answer questions accurately. Ignoring labels leaves you without context, focusing only on color can mislead you about what the colors actually indicate, and assuming the data is flawed stops you from making sense of the information that's there.

Begin by figuring out what the chart or map is about and what the symbols mean. The title tells you the topic or data being shown, and the legend explains what each color, line, or symbol represents and the units used. With that foundation, you can read values correctly, compare parts of the map or chart, and answer questions accurately. Ignoring labels leaves you without context, focusing only on color can mislead you about what the colors actually indicate, and assuming the data is flawed stops you from making sense of the information that's there.