Text-and-data items provide two necessary sources of information. The passage supplies context, a definition, hypothesis, or qualification; the graphic supplies measurements, categories, trends, or contrasts.
What the SAT is testing
- Command of Evidence
- A supplied claim or point is evaluated with the textual or quantitative evidence that best supports, illustrates, weakens, or challenges it.
Core concept
Translate text qualifications into data filters. ‘Among older participants after treatment’ excludes younger participants and baseline values even if those numbers look dramatic.
Evidence distinctions
Text
Defines the question and relevant condition. Example: Evaluate recovery after treatment
Graphic
Supplies the measurements. Example: Older group: 52 to 71
Synthesis
Connects exact values to the qualified claim. Example: Only the older post-treatment comparison bears on it
Step-by-step strategy
Claim-first evidence method
- Identify
State the exact claim, including its population, condition, direction, and qualification.
- Predict
Ask what evidence would look like if the claim were true—or what would challenge it.
- Locate
Select only the text or data relevant to that predicted relationship.
- Compare
Evaluate direction, scope, directness, and required assumptions across choices.
- Verify
Check the chosen wording and every cited value against the stimulus.
Visual and data-reading strategy
- Older
- Younger
View chart data
| Series | Measurement point | Recall score |
|---|---|---|
| Older | Week 1 | 48 |
| Older | Week 2 | 50 |
| Older | Week 3 | 67 |
| Older | Week 4 | 72 |
| Younger | Week 1 | 61 |
| Younger | Week 2 | 68 |
| Younger | Week 3 | 70 |
| Younger | Week 4 | 72 |
Worked example
Apply 3-8
Text: A team predicts that the training improves recall specifically for older participants after week 2. Data: older 48, 50, 67, 72; younger 61, 68, 70, 72 across weeks 1–4.
Question: Which evidence best supports the prediction?
- Older participants rose from 50 at week 2 to 72 at week 4, while younger participants rose only from 68 to 72.
- Younger participants scored 61 at week 1.
- Both groups scored 72 at week 4.
- Older participants began below younger participants.
- Step 1
Carry ‘older’ and ‘after week 2’ from text to graph.
- Step 2
Compare changes over that interval.
- Step 3
A shared endpoint or baseline gap alone does not test the predicted post-week-2 effect.
Why each choice works or fails
- Correct: it integrates every qualifier with exact data.
- Wrong group and time.
- Endpoint only; no evidence of the specified change.
- Baseline contrast does not test what happens after week 2.
Common traps and wrong-answer patterns
Mini check
Text says the claim concerns Group B after month 3. Which evidence is relevant?
- Group A at month 1
- Group B from months 3 to 5
- Both groups at baseline
- Overall average across all months
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
It alone preserves both the population and time qualification.
Key takeaways
What to remember
- Text defines the claim; the graphic supplies evidence.
- Convert every qualifier into a data filter.
- Use both sources when the task requires both.
- Accurate numbers can be irrelevant to the stated condition.
Put these notes into practice
Apply the ideas with SAT-style questions, then reinforce key details with flashcards.