Introduction & Tips

for

Data Interpretation

Introduction of Data Interpretation

Tables (Known as data tables)

Charts (Pie, Bar, Pert, etc.)

Graphs (2D and 3D)

Diagrams (Geometric or Venn diagram)

Question Patterns of Data Interpretation

There are a multiple ways in which data can be shown to you. They are various forms of tables,

charts, bars, diagrams. For SSC exams, you can expect Data Interpretation questions on singular

bar, multiple bars, tables, pie chart, line diagram etc. There you will be provided certain data and

instructions. On the basis of the instructions you have, you have to answer the questions asked to

you, along with the data.

While Solving Data Interpretation Questions

While solving the Data Interpretation questions, you must keep some points in mind. Experts

suggest the following points which you should keep in mind while you start attempting the Data

Interpretation questions.

Read the title carefully

Take your time and read both the questions and data set carefully. Understand what you are

being asked to do before you begin figuring out the information.

Check the data and types of information required. Be sure that you are looking at the right part

of graph or chart, i.e., on paper columns or rows or proper lines.

Read the parameters listed along with axes and the scale. This is the most important points as

generally one assumes standard scale as 1 unit = 100 or 1 unit = 10. Also the scales of two axes

might be different.

The footnotes give the additional information for particular data. This also explains the jargons

and lists the formulae that might be needed to solve the questions asked.

Check the units required. Be sure that your answer is in thousand, millions or whatever it is that

the question specifie

Tips for Data Interpretation

Here are some hints to remember while solving problems based on data interpretation:

1. Take your time and read carefully. Understand what you are being asked to do before you

begin figuring.

2. Check the dates and types of information required. Be sure that you are loking in the proper

columns, and on the proper lines, for the information you need.

3. Check the units required. Be sure that your answer is in thousands, millions, or whatever the

question calls for.

4. Check the units required. Be sure that your answer is in thousands, millions, or whatever the

question calls for.

5. In computing averages, be sure that you add the figures you need and no others, and that you

divide by the correct number of years or other units.

6. Be careful in computing problems asking for percentages.

1. Remember that to convert a decimal into a percent you must multiply it by 100. For example,

0.04 is 4%.

2. Be sure that you can distinguish between such quantities as 1% (1 percent) and 0.01% (one-

hundredth of 1 percent), whether in numerals or in words.

3. Remember that if quantity X is greater than quantity Y, and the question asks what percent

quantity X is of quantity Y, the answer must be greater than 100 percent.

7. Dont be afraid of the unfamilliar: Maybe you have never seen such charts before; do not

panic and approach with an open mind.

8. Practice from a lot of sources: Look at different graphs and charts and see how data is

represented.

9. Note that there are no purely DI or purely Reasoning Questions. All the questions require

some amount of Reasoning.

10. Look at different newspapers and also the sites on the Internet where you find graphs and

charts. An exposure to different types of charts is essential.

11. In Reasoning, do some puzzles from varied sources. Doing these from a variety of sources

will help.

12. Do a number of section tests before you start doing full-length tests. Time yourself and stick

to the time limits strictly.

13. Rather than doing conventional sums, rely on logic and develop a reasoning mind. In the

exam, there is no particular type of question that will be repeated, but most questions can be

done by using logic.

14. Do the questions with low weight at the outset. This will give you the confidence to attempt

the more difficult questions.

15. Develop your strategy by appearing in a number of mock tests. Do not change it at the last

moment by listening to friends or others.

16. Finally, Do Not Panic. Even if you are scoring well in the mock tests, be prepared for

something that you may not have seen before. Learn to keep control even if the paper is

formidable; usually it is not.