Question 70·Easy·Command of Evidence
To evaluate a new training plan, a track coach recorded a runner’s time in the 400-meter dash at six invitational meets. The graph shows the runner’s time at each meet. In a message to the team, the coach wrote that the runner’s fastest time occurred at Meet 4.
Which choice most effectively uses data from the graph to justify the underlined claim?
For graph command-of-evidence questions, restate the claim as a specific graph feature (here, “fastest” = lowest time), locate that feature on the graph, and choose the option that cites the relevant point(s) and directly connects them to the claim.
Hints
Interpret “fastest”
In a time graph, “fastest” corresponds to the smallest number of seconds.
Look for the lowest point
Find which meet has the lowest plotted time on the graph.
Match that meet and value to a choice
Pick the option that names that meet and shows it is lower than the other times.
Step-by-step Explanation
Translate the claim into what to look for on the graph
The claim says the runner’s fastest time happened at Meet 4. In a race, a faster time means a smaller number of seconds.
Find the lowest time shown
Looking at the plotted points, the lowest y-value (time) occurs at Meet 4, at about 58 seconds.
Select the choice that states that evidence
The choice that uses that minimum value to support the claim is: At Meet 4, the runner’s time was about 58 seconds, lower than the time at any other meet shown.