The ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test measures your ability to interpret data from visuals like graphs, charts, and diagrams. One of the best ways to prepare for this test is by mastering the different types of graphics you’ll encounter. Understanding how to read these visuals will help you solve questions more efficiently and boost your confidence on test day. In this post, we’ll cover five key types of graphics you need to know for your next ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy practice test: bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, and diagrams. By the end, you’ll be ready to easily tackle the most common visuals in the test.

Bar Graphs

What They Are

Bar graphs are one of the most common types of visuals used in the ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test. They use rectangular bars to show comparisons between different categories or groups. The length or height of each bar corresponds to the value or amount it represents. Bars can be placed vertically (column charts) or horizontally (bar charts), but their purpose is the same: to make it easy to compare data.

How to Read Them

When you encounter a bar graph, the first thing to do is identify the labels. The categories will be listed along one axis (usually the horizontal axis), while the values or amounts are marked on the other (usually the vertical axis). Each bar’s length or height will represent that category’s value. To read the graph accurately:

1. Look at the title to understand what the graph is showing.
2. Check the labels on both axes to identify the categories and units of measurement.
3. Compare the lengths or heights of the bars. The tallest or longest bar represents the highest value, and the shortest or smallest bar represents the lowest.
4. Use the scale on the value axis to find exact numbers if necessary.

Common Bar Graph Questions on ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Practice Tests

On the Graphic Literacy test, you may encounter questions like:

• Which category has the highest value?
• By how much does one category differ from another?
• Which two categories have the closest values?

These questions test your ability to compare and interpret the information presented in the bars.

Practice Question

Here’s an example of a simple bar graph for the weekly sales of four different stores.

Sample Question: Which store had the highest sales?

Answer Explanation: Store C had the highest sales with $3000.

Line Graphs

What They Are

Line graphs show how data changes over time or in relation to another continuous variable. They plot individual data points on a grid and connect them with straight lines. Line graphs are especially useful for identifying trends, patterns, or fluctuations in data over a period of time, such as sales growth, temperature changes, or stock prices.

How to Read Them

To read a line graph correctly, you must understand how the axes and data points work together. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Look at the title to understand what the graph is tracking.
2. Identify the x-axis (horizontal axis), which usually represents time intervals (days, months, years, etc.), and the y-axis (vertical axis), which represents the data being measured (sales, temperature, distance, etc.).
3. Follow the line that connects the data points. Each point on the line represents the value at a specific time or interval.
4. Look for trends (overall increases or decreases), peaks (high points), and valleys (low points).
5. Notice where the line is steepest. This shows where the biggest change occurred in the shortest time.

Common Line Graph Questions on ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Practice Tests

On the ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test, you’ll typically see questions like:

• What is the overall trend of the data?
• During which time period did the biggest increase (or decrease) occur?
• At what point did the value reach its highest or lowest?

Practice Question

Let’s look at a sample line graph scenario for the population in Watertown, NY, between 1870-2020.

Sample Question: What was the overall trend in population from 1930 to 1960?

Answer Explanation: From 1930 to 1960, the trend was mostly constant.

Focusing on the slope of the line and the positioning of the data points can help you answer trend-related questions like these.

Pie Charts

What They Are

Pie charts are circular graphs divided into sectors (or “slices”), with each sector representing a portion of a whole. They’re commonly used to show percentages or fractions, making it easy to see how individual parts contribute to the total. The larger the slice, the bigger the proportion of that category.

How to Read Them

Reading a pie chart is about comparing each slice to the others and to the whole pie. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Look at the title of the chart to understand what the data represents.
2. Check the labels or legend to see what each sector of the pie represents (for example, different categories, products, or expenses).
3. Pay attention to the size of each slice. The larger the slice, the bigger the proportion of the whole. Pie charts often show data in percentages, so each slice represents a portion of 100%.
4. Look for majority and minority slices: which category makes up the largest or smallest part of the total?

Common Pie Chart Questions on ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Practice Tests

Typical questions about pie charts on the ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test may include

• What percentage of the total is represented by a specific section?
• Which section of the pie chart is the largest or smallest?
• What advantage does the pie chart have over the other representation?

These questions assess your ability to work with proportions and quickly determine which parts of the whole carry the most or least weight.

Practice Example
The pie chart below shows the share of various energy sources.

Sample Question: What purpose would best be served by the graphic?

Answer Explanation: The graph will be well-suited for an environmental agency showing the share of energy from petroleum.

Tables

What They Are

Tables organize data into rows and columns, making comparing numerical or categorical information easier. Tables are common in the ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test because they present detailed data clearly and structured. Each row typically represents a different category or individual, and each column provides specific details or values for comparison.

How to Read Them

To read a table effectively, follow these steps:

1. Begin by reading the title to understand what the table is about.
2. Examine the column headers and row labels to know what data is being compared. The headers will tell you what each column represents, while the rows show the individual categories or items.
3. Look for patterns or differences between the rows and columns. For example, check whether the values in one column consistently increase or decrease.
4. Add or compare values across rows or columns, especially when asked to find totals or differences.

Common Table Questions on ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Practice Tests

You may encounter questions like:

• What is the total of this column?
• How does one entry compare to another?
• Which category has the highest value in a specific column?

Practice Example

Here’s an example of a simple table showing a marathon training program.

Sample Question: What is the longest a trainer will run on Day 3 of the week?

Answer Explanation: A trainer will run 10K in Weeks 1, 5, and 6.

Diagrams, Flowcharts, and Maps

What They Are

Diagrams like flowcharts or maps visually represent processes, sequences, or spatial relationships. Flowcharts show steps in a process using shapes and arrows to indicate direction, while maps display locations and directions. These diagrams are useful for understanding how things work or where they are located, making them a common feature in the Graphic Literacy test

How to Read Them

To read diagrams like flowcharts or maps, follow these steps:

1. Start by understanding the overall purpose of the diagram. For flowcharts, this will be a process or sequence of steps. For maps, it will be about movement or location.
2. In flowcharts, follow the arrows to understand the order of steps. Each shape represents an action, decision, or task.
3. Focus on landmarks, routes, and directions in maps. Check if the map includes a legend or scale to interpret distances or symbols.
4. Pay attention to connections and outcomes. For flowcharts, note what happens after each step and any branching decisions.

Questions on ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Practice Tests

• What happens after this step? (for flowcharts)
• Which direction should you go? or Which location is closest? (for maps)

Practice Example

Here’s an example of a map of hunting areas in a locality.

Sample Question: If a hunter comes from Old Park Road, what is the closest “No Hunting Area”?

Answer Explanation: Old Park Road goes into Waxahachie Creek Park, which has a No Hunting Area near the lake.

Conclusion

Mastering reading and interpreting visuals is crucial for doing well on the ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test. Whether analyzing trends in a line graph or comparing data in a table, understanding these five common graphics will help you answer questions more quickly and accurately. Take the time to practice these skills with sample tests and exercises, and you’ll be well on your way to acing the Graphic Literacy exam.

Need help preparing for your ACT® WorkKeys Graphic Literacy test?

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