Reading Graphs-Social Studies

In social studies, you’ll often encounter 2 or 3 questions that include graphs.

This lesson is a part of Onsego GED Prep.

Video Transcription

In social studies, you’ll often encounter 2 or 3 questions that include graphs. These questions are usually not complicated and can be solved by carefully analyzing the data. The goal is to understand trends.

Let’s look at two examples to show you what to expect.
Example 1: Voters in U.S. Elections by Age Group, 1970–2010
Question: Based on the trends in the graph, which age group is expected to be the largest group of voters by 2020?
• A) 18–24 (yellow line)
• B) 25–44 (orange line)
• C) 45–64 (red line)
• D) 65 and over (pink line)
The graph doesn’t include data for 2020, so you’ll need to predict the outcome based on the trends shown. Let’s analyze the data:
• The 18–24 group shows a steady decline from 1970 to 2010, so it’s unlikely to be the largest.
• The 25–44 group grew until 1990 but declined after 2000, meaning it’s also unlikely.
• The 45–64 group has shown consistent and substantial growth, surpassing the 25–44 group around 2000. This upward trend suggests it will likely be the largest by 2020.
• The 65 and over group has grown steadily but remains below the 45–64 group in 2010, making it unlikely to surpass it.
Conclusion: The 45–64 age group (C) is most likely to be the largest group of voters by 2020 based on its consistent growth trend.

Here is another question:
What does the graph indicate about changes in representation in Congress over time?
A) Minority members have consistently made up the majority of Congress throughout history.
B) Congress has seen an increase in diversity as the percentage of minority members has steadily grown.
C) The percentage of non-minority members has remained constant over time.
D) Representation in Congress has remained unchanged over the last several decades.
The Correct Answer is B) Congress has seen an increase in diversity as the percentage of minority members has steadily grown.
Explanation:
The graph shows a clear upward trend for minority members in Congress, rising from 5% in the 70th Congress to 35% in the 115th Congress. At the same time, the percentage of non-minority members has declined steadily. This reflects a growing trend of diversity in congressional representation.
Option A is incorrect because minority members have not been the majority in Congress at any point on the graph.
Option C is incorrect because the percentage of non-minority members has decreased over time.
Option D is incorrect because the graph clearly shows changes in representation over time.

Final Thoughts:
As you can see, these questions are not hard if you take your time and carefully analyze the data. Let’s practice a few more with quizzes to build your confidence!

Last Updated on February 2, 2026.