Tip #11: Data to Findings Questions: Identify claim, predict expected completion, check data accuracy, match to claim, use elimination process

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Pre-task Strategies

1. Identify the Claim
   • Focus on the last sentence before the blank (the claim/hypothesis).
   • Paraphrase it (e.g., "Counts are likely undercounts—actual numbers may be higher.").
2. Predict the Expected Completion
   • Ask: What kind of statement would logically fit?
   • Look for:
     • Undercounts (if the claim suggests data is incomplete).
     • Trends (if the claim is about patterns).
     • Comparisons (if the claim contrasts groups).
3. Check Data Accuracy
   • Eliminate options that misrepresent the table (wrong numbers, reversed roles, etc.).
   • Ignore true but irrelevant data (e.g., correct stats that don’t support the claim).
4. Match to the Claim
   • The best answer will directly extend the claim using table data.
   • Avoid options that:
     • Restate the table without adding new insight.
     • Introduce unsupported assumptions.
5. Process of Elimination
   • Cross out clearly wrong answers first.
   • Compare remaining options for best fit.

Practice

Model Passages & Questions

Passage 1: Library Patron Data
Table:
Patron Age Group     % Visiting Weekly        % Borrowing Physical Books
18–25                                      62%                                           45%
26–40                                    58%                                            60%
41–65                                     71%                                             68%
65+                                         82%                                           75%

A report notes that while libraries remain popular across age groups, younger patrons increasingly prefer digital access over physical books. For instance, _______

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the example?

A) 82% of patrons aged 65+ visit weekly, the highest rate of any group.*
B) Only 45% of 18–25-year-olds borrow physical books, compared to 75% of those 65+. 
C) 71% of 41–65-year-olds visit weekly, but their book-borrowing habits are unstudied. 
D) Patrons aged 26–40 borrow more physical books than 18–25-year-olds. 

Answer at end

Passage 2: Solar Panel Efficiency
Table:
Panel Type                     Avg. Efficiency (%)               Cost per Watt ($)
A                                                    22                                         0.85
B                                                    18                                         0.60
C                                                    25                                         1.20

A researcher argues that Panel Type C’s higher cost is justified by its superior efficiency. For example, _______

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table?

A) Panel Type A is cheaper than Type C but less efficient. 
B) Panel Type C is 39% more efficient than Type B but costs twice as much. 
C) Panel Type C’s 25% efficiency far exceeds Type B’s 18%, offsetting its higher cost over time. 
D) Panel Type B is the least efficient but also the cheapest. 

Answer at the end


Post-Task Assessments & Reflections

1. Self-Check Questions
   • Did I correctly identify the direction of the claim (undercount, trend, comparison)?
   • Did I eliminate options that misused data or were irrelevant?
   • Did the best answer logically extend the claim, not just repeat the table?
2. Common Pitfalls
   • "True but irrelevant" trap: Selecting accurate stats that don’t support the claim.
   • Overcomplicating: Ignoring simple, direct matches in favor of convoluted options.
   • Misreading data: Reversing numbers (e.g., mixing up efficiency % and cost).
3. Reflection
   • Practice paraphrasing claims quickly (e.g., "This suggests numbers are too low").
   • Prioritize clear cause-effect relationships (e.g., higher efficiency → justifies cost).
   • Annotate tables: Circle key numbers mentioned in the claim.

Want to practice a variation? For example:

• "Which choice most weakens the claim?"
• "Which data is missing to evaluate the claim?"

Answer Key

Passage 1
Correct Answer: B (Directly contrasts physical book use by age, supporting digital preference.)
A) *82% of patrons aged 65+ visit weekly, the highest rate of any group.* [True but irrelevant to digital preference.]
B) *Only 45% of 18–25-year-olds borrow physical books, compared to 75% of those 65+.* [Shows generational shift to digital.]
C) *71% of 41–65-year-olds visit weekly, but their book-borrowing habits are unstudied.* [Irrelevant—no digital comparison.]
D) *Patrons aged 26–40 borrow more physical books than 18–25-year-olds.* [True but doesn’t address digital trends.]

Passage 2
Correct Answer: C (Directly ties efficiency to cost justification.)
A) Panel Type A is cheaper than Type C but less efficient. [Compares A/C but doesn’t justify C’s cost.]
B) Panel Type C is 39% more efficient than Type B but costs twice as much. [Shows efficiency gap but undermines the claim.]
C) Panel Type C’s 25% efficiency far exceeds Type B’s 18%, offsetting its higher cost over time. [Links efficiency to cost justification.]
D) Panel Type B is the least efficient but also the cheapest. [Irrelevant to Type C’s value.]