What Graphics Interpretation tests
Graphics Interpretation shows a graph or other image, such as a bar chart, an x/y graph, a scatter plot, a pie chart, or a statistical curve, with sentences below it that contain dropdown blanks. You read the graphic, work out what each blank needs, and choose from its dropdown. The blanks ask for a value, a difference, a percent change, a ratio, a trend, or a count of points past a threshold. The format tests whether you read the title, axes, units, legend, and notes before the data.
How the GMAT Focus scores it
A question earns credit only when you get every dropdown right. Each question counts once in the 20-question Data Insights section, which reports a score from 60 to 90 that GMAC weights equally with Quant and Verbal.
Timing rule of thumb
Budget about 2 minutes. Give the graph’s frame 20 seconds: title, axis labels, units, where each axis starts, legend, and notes. Estimate first; the options show how much precision a blank needs, so calculate only when two options sit close together.
The two most common traps
1.The axis that does not start at zero
When the axis starts at 90, a bar that looks twice as tall as its neighbor can stand for a 10 percent difference. Read the scale before you compare lengths.
2.The near-miss option
Dropdowns include the results of common slips: the wrong series, a slope instead of a ratio, a percent of the wrong base. If an option matches your first estimate too easily, recheck the base and the series.