Data Interpretation

Tips and Strategies

* While viewing a graph, chart or table there can be a possibility of looking at wrong position in the graph, using wrong value from the graph to carry on further calculations, so it is very much a necessity to use your fingers or pencil to point to the correct position before reading it.

* If the question asks for approximation than you can round off the values for calculation purpose.

* During rounding off, follow a standard procedure, eg, if the value is 1.65 i.e > 1.5 than round it off to 2, if it is 1.35 i.e <1.5>

CAUTION: When rounding off fractions, round the numerator and denominator in the same direction (either up or down); otherwise you'll distort the value of the fraction.

* Think twice before answering DI questions in which the graphs, charts tables are on one page and the questions on back page. I.e the next page. Here there is high possibility of you spending more time than usual for solving the questions coz it urges you to turn your page very often.

* Spend sufficient time in understanding the graphs, charts, tables given. If you feel comfortable then only venture forward in solving the questions..

* Lay more emphasis on checking whether the numbers given on the graph are in percentage form or value form. Otherwise you will tend to get the answers wrong.

* During calculation you can round off numbers for eg. There is a number 199 you can round it off to 200. This will ease your calculation and save precious time. While going on for this rounding off it is very much necessary that the values in the options are not close enough .for eg. The values in the option should be a) 10.2 b) 23.6 c) 52.3 d) 62.4. These values shouldn’t be too close for comfort. Else you will have to go back square one and perform the calculation all over again.

* In DI you can rely on visual approximations for bar graphs and line graphs. The test setters are not out to test your eyesight.

* Last resort is to go by option and eliminate options based on assumptions.

* You can follow top down approach or bottom up approach.

* For questions regarding percentage change, highest, smallest average.. for particular year, itz always advisable to go by option. And perform calculations for only those year mentioned in the option.

* If you are good at visual reasoning than you can eliminate one or two options right away and can concentrate on the remaining two.