Which statement best describes the role of graphics in SOL Reading items?

• A. They provide data to interpret and answer questions about trends, comparisons, or conclusions drawn from the text or visuals.
• B. They are optional and rarely used.
• C. They replace reading passages.
• D. They only appear in mathematics.

Answer: (B)

Graphics in SOL Reading items are there to give you data and visual information you use together with the written passage to analyze what’s happening, compare ideas, and draw conclusions. They aren’t optional—many reading questions ask you to interpret a chart, diagram, or map along with the text. They don’t replace the passage; you still read the text and rely on the graphics to deepen understanding. They aren’t limited to mathematics; graphics appear in reading items to accompany informational or narrative passages. So the best description is that graphics provide data to interpret and answer questions about trends, comparisons, or conclusions drawn from the text or visuals.