Module 01 Knowledge Check
5 questions. Pass mark 4 out of 5. Answer every question before checking the answer key below, then retry after reading the feedback.
1. Before choosing a chart type you should first write…
- A. the axis labels
- B. the question the chart answers
- C. the data source
- D. the colour palette
2. A chart that prompts no action…
- A. is always a defect
- B. may be legitimate context, if labelled as such
- C. should be deleted
- D. needs a recommendation added
3. A second y-axis…
- A. saves space usefully
- B. can be made to show any relationship you like
- C. is required for two series
- D. improves readability
4. The best way to test a chart is to…
- A. ask colleagues what they think of it
- B. ask three readers the questions it should answer and compare their answers
- C. check it against a style guide
- D. count the data-ink ratio
5. A good chart title…
- A. describes what the chart shows
- B. states the finding, with a figure
- C. names the data source
- D. is optional if the axes are labelled
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Answer Key and Explanations
Check these only after attempting every question.
1. B - the question the chart answers
Chart type follows from the comparison, and the comparison follows from the question.
2. B - may be legitimate context, if labelled as such
Inventing a recommendation for a context chart asserts a finding the data was never asked to support.
3. B - can be made to show any relationship you like
Where the series appear to cross is a property of the axis limits, not of the data.
4. B - ask three readers the questions it should answer and compare their answers
Opinions surface colour preferences; answers surface misreadings.
5. B - states the finding, with a figure
'This chart shows revenue by region' leaves the reader to do the analysis.
Practical Check
Apply this module to your own work: complete the module activity for *What a Good Chart Is Supposed to Do*, then write one sentence naming what your result shows and one naming what it does not.
Strong Answer Pattern
A strong answer names the task, the evidence used, the check performed, and the remaining limitation. It avoids "proved", "guaranteed", or "always" unless the evidence genuinely supports it.