Question 13·Easy·Command of Evidence
Video Game Availability by Initial Release Years
| Initial release years | Percentage of games still available |
|---|---|
| 1975–1979 | 0.89 |
| 1980–1984 | 3.65 |
| 1985–1989 | 15.38 |
| 1990–1994 | 19.33 |
| 1995–1999 | 14.22 |
In a recent study, researchers found that relatively few video games released over the decades remain available today. For example, only 14.22 percent of games are still available that were initially released in _____
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
For SAT questions that ask which statement or choice is supported by a table, first identify the exact number or detail mentioned in the question, then scan the relevant column in the table to find that value and read across to see the corresponding label (such as years). Only pick answers that match the table exactly, and quickly eliminate any choices that use ranges, numbers, or categories that do not appear in the table at all. This keeps you from guessing based on outside knowledge and saves time.
Hints
Use the specific number given
Underline or note the percentage given in the sentence. Your answer must match that exact number in the table.
Match the table entry, not just the time period
Don’t just pick a time period that seems reasonable. First find the 14.22 value in the percentage column, then see which initial release years go with it.
Beware of choices not in the table
Check whether each answer choice actually appears as a row in the table. If a year range isn't listed, it can’t be supported by the data.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the key data in the sentence
Focus on the exact number mentioned in the sentence: 14.22 percent. The question asks which initial release years match this percentage of games still available.
Locate 14.22 in the table
Look down the "Percentage of games still available" column to find the value 14.22. Then look to the left in the same row to see which initial release years correspond to that percentage.
Check all answer choices against the table
Compare each option with the table:
- Some year ranges in the answer choices may not appear in the table at all.
- The year ranges that do appear in the table may have percentages different from 14.22. Eliminate any choice that either isn’t listed in the table or is paired with a different percentage.
Select the matching year range
The only row in the table that shows 14.22 percent is the one for 1995–1999, so the correct completion of the sentence is "1995–1999."