What strategies help determine the meaning of an illustration or graphic in a passage?

• A. Ignore the graphics and focus on the narrative.
• B. Read captions, analyze data, connect visuals to text, assess source.
• C. Rely on the color alone to interpret.
• D. Assume graphics are decorative.

Answer: (B)

Interpreting illustrations is about using visuals to illuminate the written content. Reading captions gives the immediate explanation of what the graphic shows and why it’s included. Analyzing data means looking closely at axes, labels, units, numbers, and trends to understand what the graphic is conveying. Connecting visuals to the surrounding text helps you see how the image supports, clarifies, or even expands on the ideas in the passage. Assessing the source involves considering who created the graphic, why it was produced, and what perspective or bias might influence what is shown.

Graphics aren’t just decoration; they often carry essential information that deepens your understanding of the passage. Relying on color alone or assuming a graphic is decorative can lead you to miss important details or misinterpret the meaning. So the best strategy is to read captions, analyze the data, connect visuals to the text, and assess the source.