Question 1·Easy·Command of Evidence
Test Results for Two New Battery Recycling Processes
A team of scientists wants to improve the recycling of two of the most common types of lithium-ion batteries used in electronic devices. The team tested two new processes that involve grinding battery materials and aluminum foil together. The highest percentage of lithium recovered in the tests was closest to _____
Which choice most effectively uses data from the test results to complete the statement?
For graph-based Reading & Writing questions that ask for an extreme value (highest, lowest, maximum, minimum), first restate in your head exactly what you’re looking for (for example, “the single highest percentage for any test”). Then scan the graphic for the tallest bar or largest point, confirm its approximate value using the axis labels, and finally match that value to the closest answer choice. Avoid distractions like averages or totals, and make sure you compare all visible values before choosing your answer.
Hints
Clarify the target
You are not being asked for an average or a total—only for the single highest recovery percentage shown for any of the tests.
Use the axes and labels
Carefully read the labels and scale on the vertical axis of the chart (or the percentages in the table) to see what each bar or number represents.
Compare all the values
Once you find the largest value in the chart, compare that value to the four options and decide which option it is closest to.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking for
The prompt asks for the highest percentage of lithium recovered in the tests for the two new battery recycling processes. This means you are looking for the single largest recovery percentage shown in the figure (for either process).
Locate the relevant data in the graphic
Look at the chart or table that shows lithium recovery percentages for the two processes. Find the bar, point, or value with the greatest height or largest numerical percentage. Ignore anything that is clearly lower, even if it appears first or is more visually prominent.
Estimate or read the largest percentage
Read the scale on the vertical axis (or the percentages listed in a table) and match the highest bar/value to its approximate number. Decide which approximate percentage that highest value is closest to among the answer choices: 10%, 20%, 45%, and 75%.
Match to the closest answer choice
From the graphic, the largest lithium recovery percentage is in the mid-70s, which is much closer to 75% than to any of the other options. Therefore, the correct answer is 75%.