Tables organize values by rows and columns. SAT questions use them as evidence: the goal is usually not to retrieve any number, but to find the values whose comparison supports or challenges a stated point.
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
Trace the requested category to its row, then the requested measure to its column. Read the intersection and keep its unit attached. For a comparative claim, retrieve every cell needed for the comparison.
Evidence distinctions
Correct cell
Right row and right column. Example: Shade, day 3: 18%.
Wrong row
Correct measure for another category. Example: Sun, day 3: 11%.
Wrong column
Correct category at another time. Example: Shade, day 1: 24%.
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
Selected condition: 20°C germination result
| Temperature | Seeds tested | Germinated |
|---|---|---|
| 12°C | 100 | 41% |
| 20°C | 100 | 78% |
| 28°C | 100 | 63% |
Worked example
Apply 3-4
A synthetic trial compared seed germination under three temperatures after seven days: 12°C, 41%; 20°C, 78%; 28°C, 63%.
Question: Which evidence best supports the claim that germination was highest at 20°C?
- The 20°C value was 78%, exceeding both 41% at 12°C and 63% at 28°C.
- The 28°C value exceeded the 12°C value.
- The temperatures differed by 8°C and 16°C.
- All conditions used the same seven-day period.
- Step 1
Locate the germination column and all three rows.
- Step 2
Compare 78 with 41 and 63.
- Step 3
Use percentages, not temperatures, as the evidence measure.
Why each choice works or fails
- Correct: exact values establish the maximum.
- True but incomplete: it does not establish the 20°C claim.
- Wrong measure: temperature gaps are not germination results.
- Design detail: equal duration does not show which result is highest.
Common traps and wrong-answer patterns
Mini check
A table lists return rates: Route A 82%, Route B 74%, Route C 86%. Which route best illustrates a claim about the highest return rate?
- Route A
- Route B
- Route C
- All are equal
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
Route C's 86% exceeds 82% and 74%.
Key takeaways
What to remember
- Read title, headers, units, and notes before values.
- Trace the exact row-column intersection.
- A comparative claim needs all relevant comparison cells.
- Check every number in an answer against the table.
Put these notes into practice
Apply the ideas with SAT-style questions, then reinforce key details with flashcards.