WorkKeys Graphic Literacy study guide

Learn how to find the right information, connect graphics and choose a conclusion the data actually supports.

Before comparing values, check the title, units, legend and time period. Then turn the question into a specific lookup or comparison.

View a 10-question drillTry the worked examples

38 questions · 55 minutes · 4 answer choices · No calculator

Work through two examples

Choose an answer before opening the explanation. These original examples are free to read and separate from the scored practice questions.

1. Compare a trend with a target

A print shop records completed orders at the end of each day. Its daily target is 50 orders.

Completed orders by team
Orders0204060MondayTuesdayWednesday405045354555

Scroll the chart horizontally to see all three days.

Team ATeam B

Which team increased its completed orders each day and reached the daily target on Wednesday?

  1. A.Team A only
  2. B.Team B only
  3. C.Both teams
  4. D.Neither team
Show answer and explanation

B. Team B only

  1. Check the two conditions separately: an increase on both day-to-day intervals, and at least 50 orders on Wednesday.
  2. Team A goes from 40 to 50 to 45. Its Wednesday value is below both Tuesday’s value and the target.
  3. Team B goes from 35 to 45 to 55. Both intervals rise, and Wednesday’s 55 orders exceed the target.

Read the entire series when asked about a trend. One high point does not establish a steady increase.

2. Use two tables for one decision

A dispatcher needs a bay that can take a refrigerated vehicle arriving at 8:30 a.m. A vehicle may use a bay at its listed opening time.

Bay availability
BayOpens
A8:15 a.m.
B8:20 a.m.
C8:40 a.m.
D8:30 a.m.
Bay equipment
BayRefrigerated vehicles permitted
ANo
BYes
CYes
DNo

Which bay meets both requirements?

  1. A.Bay A
  2. B.Bay B
  3. C.Bay C
  4. D.Bay D
Show answer and explanation

B. Bay B

  1. The availability table leaves A, B and D: all open at or before 8:30 a.m.
  2. The equipment table permits refrigerated vehicles in B and C.
  3. Match the bay labels across both tables. Only B is available in time and permits this vehicle.

Apply each condition to the same item. “Open in time” and “has the equipment” are both necessary.

A method you can reuse

  1. 1.Name the decision

    Read the question and identify what must be found: a value, a route, a trend or the best supported action. Keep every condition, such as “at least,” “after” or “excluding.”

  2. 2.Read the graphic’s instructions

    Check axis scales, row and column headings, the legend and any footnote. A bar may show one component rather than a total; a floor-plan symbol may mark a restriction.

  3. 3.Trace the evidence

    Use the relevant row, series or branch. For two graphics, match the same location, date, product or category before combining information.

  4. 4.Test the whole answer

    Choose the option that meets every condition. Reject a statement if any part depends on an unshown value, the wrong time window or a cause the graphic does not establish.

Choose the skill to practice next

Use the mistake you made to choose a focused 10-question drill.

Tables

Locate a value at the correct row and column, then apply headings and footnotes.

Common trap: A neighboring row, subtotal or different unit can look like the right answer.

View tables drill

Charts and graphs

Read bars, lines and part-to-whole displays; compare values and changes over the requested interval.

Common trap: The highest ending value is not necessarily the largest increase.

View charts and graphs drill

Maps and layouts

Use legends, directions and route restrictions to locate equipment or choose an allowed path.

Common trap: A short route may cross a barrier or use a one-way path backward.

View maps and layouts drill

Diagrams and flowcharts

Follow the process from its start and choose the branch that matches the stated condition.

Common trap: Do not jump to a familiar outcome before checking each decision point.

View diagrams and flowcharts drill

Dashboards

Separate indicators, identify the relevant time window and use the display suited to the question.

Common trap: A large total does not by itself establish a high rate or a missed target.

View dashboards drill

Multiple graphics

Match shared labels across displays and combine the evidence needed for a decision.

Common trap: Two similar labels may refer to different dates, locations or populations.

View multiple graphics drill

How the official skill levels progress

ACT describes skills at levels 3 through 7. Higher levels build on earlier skills and require more complex material and reasoning. ACT Graphic Literacy format and skill levels.

Graphic Literacy: summary of ACT’s level descriptions
Official levelWhat the task asks you to do
Level 3Find explicit information or the next process step in a relatively simple graphic.
Level 4Compare values, recognize patterns or cross-reference graphics; retrieve information from a more complex display.
Level 5Interpret trends, make supported decisions or choose an effective graphic; work with denser displays.
Level 6Combine and interpret information in complex graphics, then justify a conclusion or decision.
Level 7Explain relationships across difficult graphics and justify which information or representation best supports a decision.

Our Foundation, Developing, Intermediate, Advanced and Challenge labels organize practice difficulty. They are not calibrated ACT levels. Practice results show correct answers and skills to revisit.

See how official scores determine the NCRC tier

A five-session preparation plan

Use 20–30 minutes for each learning session and reserve 55 minutes plus review time for the full practice. Repeat a focused session when the same error keeps appearing.

  1. 1.Session 1 · Establish a baseline

    Complete a 10-question mixed drill. For each miss, record the error: lookup, unit or scale, condition, trend, or cross-reference. Read the explanation with the graphic in view.

  2. 2.Sessions 2–3 · Fix the recurring error

    Choose the topic behind your most common mistake. Before answering, say which label, unit or condition controls the decision. After review, explain why each tempting alternative fails.

  3. 3.Session 4 · Connect information

    Practice dashboards and multiple graphics. Write the common label you are matching and make sure both displays cover the same period. Use a different scenario to check that the method transfers.

  4. 4.Session 5 · Rehearse the timing

    Take the 38-question timed practice in 55 minutes. At about halfway, check whether roughly half the questions are complete. Flag a slow item and return to it after covering the remaining questions.

  5. 5.After the test · Turn review into the next session

    Separate reasoning errors from missed details and time pressure. Practice the weakest topic, then use unfamiliar questions when available. A replay checks your method; remembering an answer alone does not show improvement.

Make the 55 minutes work for you

Keep related questions together in your reading. If an item takes too long, choose your best answer, flag it and return after you have reached the remaining questions. ACT’s standard directions allow revisiting questions within the current assessment and do not penalize guessing. ACT WorkKeys test directions.

View timed Graphic Literacy practiceSee all practice options

Each subject has six topic drills, one mixed drill and five difficulty drills, with 10 questions per drill. A Graphic Literacy pass covers this subject’s full tests and drill replays; the other WorkKeys subjects have separate passes.

Common questions

How many questions are on WorkKeys Graphic Literacy?

The standard assessment has 38 questions in 55 minutes, with four answer choices. Some questions share a graphic. Our full timed practice also has 38 original questions in 55 minutes.

Can I use a calculator?

No. ACT permits a calculator on WorkKeys Applied Math, but not Graphic Literacy or Workplace Documents. Practice reading labels, comparing values and following graphics without a calculator.

Is Graphic Literacy the same as Locating Information?

Locating Information is the older assessment name and predecessor. Current Graphic Literacy specifications include a wider range of graphic interpretation and decision tasks. Prepare for the assessment named in your invitation.

What score do I need?

An employer or program may specify its own required score. For an NCRC, all three core assessment scores must reach at least 3 for Bronze, 4 for Silver, 5 for Gold or 6 for Platinum. Your lowest core score limits the certificate tier.

Can I convert my practice percentage to a WorkKeys level?

No. Correct answers out of our original practice questions are a practice result. ACT uses its own scoring process to report official level and scale scores; a percentage here does not convert to an official level or NCRC tier.

Official ACT references

Independent preparation from Game Assessment Prep; not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT.