GRAPHS AND STATISTICS

Reading Tables

Learn the reliable method for reading tables, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Reading Tables questions test how accurately you read, summarise and compare data.

Picture itRead the row and column together
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Read the title, labels, key and scale.
  2. Extract only the values needed.
  3. Apply the correct statistic or comparison and check the unit.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

How many books were returned on Tuesday and Thursday altogether?

  1. The table shows 30 for Tuesday and 33 for Thursday.
  2. Their total is 30 + 33 = 63.
Answer: 63
Example 2

How many books were returned on Tuesday and Thursday altogether?

  1. The table shows 27 for Tuesday and 30 for Thursday.
  2. Their total is 27 + 30 = 57.
Answer: 57
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Read the scale before reading any bar, point or symbol.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

Counting symbols instead of using the key

Multiply the number of symbols, including partial symbols, by the key value.

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.