Graphics Interpretation

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Graphics Interpretation

by DanaJ » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:38 am
For info on IR, go to the official website: www.mba.com/the-gmat/nex-gen/integrated ... rmats.aspx

The instructions for this new question type are as follows:

Interpret the graph or graphical image and select the option from a drop-down list to make the answer statements accurate.

Check out one of the questions that are posted as examples:

The diagram shows, in three column groupings, various divisions of Earth's geological history since its formation approximately 4,600 million years ago. In the leftmost column grouping, the Precambrian eon is subdivided into chronometric eons shown on the far left; but otherwise, in the rest of the graphic, each subsequent column to the right shows the subdivisions of the timeframes to its left. Each of the rightmost two column groupings is a magnification-with additional information-of a portion of the grouping directly to its left.

Fill each blank using the drop-down menu to create the most accurate statement on the basis of the information provided.

The Miocene epoch spans closest to 3% / 25% / 85% of the era of which it is a part.

According to the diagram the beginning of the Cambrian period / Triassic period / Pliocene epoch / Precambrian eon marks the onset of a new eon, era, and period in geological history.

For a great analysis on how to answer this question, read Stacey's post by clicking here.

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by qwerty12321 » Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:03 am
Let's pay attention to the question stem:

"The diagram shows, in three column groupings, various divisions of Earth's geological history since its formation approximately 4,600 million years ago."

The diagram gives information from the time since 4600 years ago. Now, if I ask you, what is the information given for the year "4600 million", would you tell me the information for the current year or the beginning year (i.e. the year which happened 4600 million years ago)?

It should be the beginning year because the language is phrased that way. You move from 4600 million years ago to present i.e. 0 years ago.

Besides, there is also a cue inside the diagram: the eon directly below "Cambrian period" is pre-cambrian eon. It means that this period occured before Cambrian period.

So, basically, you need to read the diagram downside-up if you want to read it chronologically. So, at the bottom, a time period (eon, era or period) starts and it ends at its top in the diagram.

Hope this helps :)