Question 40·Easy·Command of Evidence
Average Prices Received by US Growers for Citrus Fruits, 2020–2021 (dollars per box)
| Fruit | June 2020 | June 2021 | July 2020 | July 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grapefruits | $13.80 | $23.72 | $16.13 | $22.98 |
| Oranges | $16.15 | $11.09 | $15.53 | $13.79 |
| Lemons | $19.50 | $28.94 | $21.01 | $31.78 |
An employee of a citrus grower in the United States is analyzing the prices of several varieties of fruit over the course of a growing season. The employee wishes to know how much a grower could have expected to receive on average for a box of lemons in July 2021. Consulting the table, the employee finds that this amount is ______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
For table and graph questions, start by underlining exactly what is being asked (here: specific item, month, and year). Then, in the table, first find the correct row (the item), next the correct column (the time), and finally read off the number at their intersection. Ignore all other rows and columns to avoid being distracted by similar-looking numbers, and always double-check that both the category and time period match the question before selecting your answer.
Hints
Focus on the correct row
Which fruit does the question ask about? Find that fruit’s row in the table and ignore the other fruits.
Focus on the correct month and year
The question gives both a month and a year. Make sure you are looking at the column that matches both the month and the year requested, not just one of them.
Use the intersection of row and column
Once you have the correct fruit row and the correct month–year column, what number is in the cell where they intersect? That is the value you need to match to an answer choice.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the correct fruit row
The question is specifically asking about lemons, so in the table you should focus on the row labeled “Lemons.” Ignore the grapefruit and orange rows, since they are not relevant.
Identify the correct time column
The question asks for the amount in July 2021. In the table, find the column labeled “July 2021.” Ignore the June columns and the July 2020 column.
Find the value at the row–column intersection
Locate the cell where the “Lemons” row and “July 2021” column intersect. This number represents the average price per box of lemons in July 2021 according to the table.
Match the table value to the answer choices
The value in the lemons row under the July 2021 column is 31.78.