Question 127·Easy·Command of Evidence
Growth of Solar Power Capacity, 2010–2020
| Country | 2010 capacity (GW) | 2020 capacity (GW) |
|---|---|---|
| Country A | 2 | 50 |
| Country B | 5 | 25 |
| Country C | 1 | 15 |
| Country D | 10 | 40 |
Solar power capacity grew in every country shown over the decade. But one country experienced a much larger absolute increase in capacity than any of the others: _____
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
For table/graph questions asking which statement is best supported, first underline key terms in the prompt (here, “absolute increase”) to clarify what you’re looking for. Then quickly compute or read off the specific numbers that match that concept (differences, not ratios, for “absolute”), write them down, and only then scan the answer choices to find the one that exactly matches your calculation and focus, rejecting choices that either misuse the numbers or address a different idea (like proportional growth or unrelated comparisons).
Hints
Focus on the key word in the prompt
Look carefully at the phrase before the blank: it highlights a much larger absolute increase in capacity. Ask yourself what type of math operation “absolute increase” suggests.
Do the same calculation for each country
For each country, compare the 2010 and 2020 capacities by using the same operation each time. Write those results next to the table so you can compare them directly.
Match your numbers to the answer choices
After you find the increases, look for the choice that accurately states one of your computed differences and directly connects it to being the largest increase, rather than focusing on ratios or unrelated comparisons.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what “absolute increase” means
The statement is about a larger absolute increase in capacity.
- An absolute increase is the simple difference between the 2020 value and the 2010 value (how many more gigawatts).
- It is not about how many times bigger (that would be proportional or relative growth).
So you should subtract 2010 capacity from 2020 capacity for each country.
Calculate each country’s absolute increase
Use subtraction (2020 value minus 2010 value) for each country:
- Country A: GW
- Country B: GW
- Country C: GW
- Country D: GW
These numbers are the absolute increases for each country over the decade.
Identify the largest increase and match it to an answer choice
Compare the increases you calculated:
- Country A: 48 GW
- Country B: 20 GW
- Country C: 14 GW
- Country D: 30 GW
The largest absolute increase is 48 GW, for Country A. The answer choice that correctly reports this and clearly states it is the largest absolute increase is:
D) Country A added 48 GW of capacity, the largest absolute increase among the four countries.