Combining Text with Data — SAT Reading & Writing Explained
These questions require you to synthesize information from a written passage and an accompanying graph or table to form a complete, accurate conclusion.
The Core Idea
Text and data together can establish claims that neither could support alone. The author makes a claim in the text; the graph provides quantitative support. Your job is to find the answer that correctly uses both sources without misrepresenting either.
How To Combine Text And Data
1. Read the textual claim carefully and identify exactly what it asserts
2. Read the data source and identify what it actually shows
3. Look for the answer where the text and data align and together support the specific claim
4. Reject answers that use only the text or only the data (must use both)
Common Errors to Avoid
Using only the graph or only the text when both are needed
Choosing an answer consistent with the graph but contradicted by the text
Overstating what the data shows (e.g., claiming causation from correlation)
How This Connects to Other Topics
The synthesis skill of this entire chapter — draws from all previous Information & Ideas skills
Practice: Combining Text with Data
5 SAT-style questions. Select your answer and get an instant explanation.
Text: "The city's recycling program diverted 30% of waste in 2020." Table: Total waste collected was 100,000 tons in 2020.
About how many tons were diverted?
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