Dear A,

Below you can find some steps to interpret graphs and charts.

First of all, read the title, look at the key, read the labels. Then study the graph to understand what it shows. Secondly, read the title of the graph or chart. The title tells what information is being displayed. Then look at the key, which typically is in a box next to the graph or chart. It will explain the symbols and colors used in the graph or chart. Read the labels of the graph or chart. The labels tell you what variables or parameters are being displayed. Draw conclusions based on the data. You can reach conclusions faster with graphs than you can use a data table or a written description of the data.

GMAT Integrated Reasoning questions can help you to practice all these bullets!

I wish you good luck. If you need some help, just drop me a line!

Best,

André

Best Rote Practice

Rocket Blocks: https://www.rocketblocks.me/

Best Practice Strategy

1) Read the Economist (especially the daily graph and Financial Time frequently

https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/05/29/america-first

2) Ask case partners to focus particularly on your chart-reading skills (i.e. by providing you with cases with many charts) - Bain and Deloitte cases tend to be chart heavy

Graph Interpretation Tips

1) Read the title - and understand it

2) Read the legends - and understand them

3) Remind yourself of the objective / hypothesis in the case, to see where this might fit

4) Find the differences - where does the line graph plummet or spike? Which column is a lot smaller or bigger than the others? Where does change occur? The differences are what matter

5) Talk outloud while interpreting - first, it helps you think and process your thoughts, second, it lets the interviewer provide guidance and course correct if needed.

Hi Anonymous,

For general advice how to improve graph reading with examples, the GMAT chapter for integrated reasoning is a good ressource (I believe it was added 2012 or 2013 to the GMAT, so you can take any GMAT ressource after that period).

In addition, also historical McKinsey PSTs (problem solving tests) have graphs included - also a good resource for practice.

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind to give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

The best way to practice these is to do drills until you get comfortable with them as it is a skill that gets better with practice. I have over 50 of these question types from real cases that I can practice with you during coaching if that is something you are interested in

Best,

Udayan

Hi, I recommend reading the dedicated Cosentino book ''Case in Point: Graph Analysis for Consulting and Case Interviews''

Best,
Antonello