(IGP) IAS Pre: GS - Paper -2 - Data Interpretation And Data Sufficiency - Approaches to Data Interpretation

Approaches to
Data Interpretation

Tips for Data Interpretation

Here are some hints to remember while solving problems based on data interpretation:

  • Take your time and read carefully. Understand what you are being asked to do before you begin figuring.
  • Check the dates and types of information required. Be sure that you are looking in the proper columns, and on the proper lines, for the information you need.
  • Check the units required. Be sure that your answer is in thousands, millions, or whatever the question calls for.
  • Check the units required. Be sure that your answer is in thousands, millions, or whatever the question calls for.
  • In computing averages, be sure that you add the figures you need and no others, and that you divide by the correct number of years or other units.
  • Be careful in computing problems asking for percentages.
    • Remember that to convert a decimal into a percent you must multiply it by 100. For example, 0.04 is 4%.
    • Be sure that you can distinguish between such quantities as 1% (1 percent) and 0.01% (one-hundredth of 1 percent), whether in numerals or in words
    • Remember that if quantity X is greater than quantity Y, and the question asks what percent quantity X is of quantity Y, the answer must be greater than 100 percent
  • Don’t be afraid of the unfamiliar: Maybe you have never seen such charts before; do not panic and approach with an open mind.
  • Practice from a lot of sources: Look at different graphs and charts and see how data is represented.
  • Note that there are no purely DI or purely Reasoning Questions. All the questions require some amount of Reasoning.
  • Look at different newspapers and also the sites on the Internet where you find graphs and charts. An exposure to different types of charts is essential.
  • In Reasoning, do some puzzles from varied sources. Doing these from a variety of sources will help.
  • Do a number of section tests before you start doing full length tests. Time yourself and stick to the time limits strictly.
  • Rather than doing conventional sums, rely on logic and develop a reasoning mind. In the exam, there is no particular type of question that will be repeated, but most questions can be done by using logic.
  • Do the questions with low weight at the outset. This will give you the confidence to attempt the more difficult questions
  • Develop your strategy by appearing in a number of mock tests. Do not change it at the last moment by listening to friends or others.
  • Finally, Do Not Panic. Even if you are scoring well in the mock tests, be prepared for something that you may not have seen before. Learn to keep control even if the paper is formidable; usually it is not.

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