Which statement about graphics in informational texts is most accurate?

Which statement about graphics in informational texts is most accurate?

• A. Graphics should always be ignored when reading.
• B. Graphics illustrate data, show relationships, and aid understanding; read captions and scales.
• C. Graphics replace the need to read the text.
• D. Graphics are only decorative and have no relation to content.

Answer: (B)

Graphics in informational texts help you understand by illustrating data, showing relationships, and supporting the ideas in the writing. They’re there to make concepts clearer, not to replace the words. To get the most from a graphic, read the caption and pay attention to scales, legends, and labels—these tell you what the graphic is showing and how to interpret the numbers or categories. For instance, a chart might summarize a trend the author discusses, or a map might visualize locations mentioned in the passage, helping you see connections more quickly. If you ignore graphics, you miss these helpful clues. They’re not meant to replace the text; they supplement it and can make patterns or comparisons easier to notice. And graphics that are decorative or not tied to the content don’t add meaning, but when they’re relevant, they reinforce understanding.

Graphics in informational texts help you understand by illustrating data, showing relationships, and supporting the ideas in the writing. They’re there to make concepts clearer, not to replace the words. To get the most from a graphic, read the caption and pay attention to scales, legends, and labels—these tell you what the graphic is showing and how to interpret the numbers or categories. For instance, a chart might summarize a trend the author discusses, or a map might visualize locations mentioned in the passage, helping you see connections more quickly.

If you ignore graphics, you miss these helpful clues. They’re not meant to replace the text; they supplement it and can make patterns or comparisons easier to notice. And graphics that are decorative or not tied to the content don’t add meaning, but when they’re relevant, they reinforce understanding.