Why are charts, diagrams, and maps included in informational texts, and how should you interpret them?

• A. To fill space.
• B. To replace text.
• C. They organize information visually; read titles, labels, legends, and units to interpret data accurately.
• D. To confuse readers.

Answer: (C)

Visuals like charts, diagrams, and maps organize information in a way that lets you see patterns, compare ideas, and understand quantities quickly. To read them well, start with the title to know what the data is about. Then look at the labels to understand what each part stands for, such as what the axes or categories represent. Check the legend to decode colors, lines, or symbols, and note the units to understand the measurements being used. With all of that, you can interpret the data accurately and answer questions about what the information shows. These visuals aren’t meant to fill space, replace the text, or confuse readers; they’re designed to present data clearly and efficiently.