The Graphic Literacy Assessment
Workplace graphics come in a variety of formats, but all communicate a level of information. From charts to graphs, diagrams to floor plans, identifying what information is being presented and understanding how to use it are critical to success. The Graphic Literacy assessment measures skills that individuals use when they read and comprehend graphical materials to solve work-related problems.
Number of Items: 38
Test Length
- 55 minutes (WorkKeys Internet Version and Paper)
What it Measures
There are five levels of difficulty. Level 3 is the least complex, and Level 7 is the most complex. The levels build on each other, each incorporating the skills assessed at the preceding levels.
For example, Level 5 includes skills used at Levels 3, 4, and 5. At Level 3, examinees are required to identify information in simple graphics and fill in information that is missing in forms. At Level 6, examinees may use the information found in a complicated graphic to make a decision or interpret a trend. The complexity of the graphics increase as the levels increase, and the skills required to answer the higher level items also becomes more complex.
Level 3
Characteristics of Items
- Elementary workplace graphics such as simple order forms, bar graphs, tables, flowcharts, maps, instrument gauges, or floor plans
- One graphic used at a time
Skills
- Locate and find information
- Identify the next step in a process
Level 4
Characteristics of Items
- Straightforward workplace graphics, such as order forms, bar charts, pie charts, diagrams, flow charts, maps, and dashboards
- May include multiple levels of data within a graph
- One or more graphics are used at a time
Skills
- Locate information in a graphic using information found in a second graphic
- Compare two or more pieces of information
- Identify a trend/pattern/relationship
- Make an inference or decision
- Identify the graphic that accurately represents the data
Level 5
Characteristics of Items
- More complicated workplace graphics – may include unusual graphic types
- Multiple variables
- Densely displayed information within a graphic
- One or more graphics are used at a time
Skills
- Locate information in a graphic using information found in another graphic
- Identify and interpret a trend/pattern/relationship
- Make and justify an inference or decision
- Identify the graphic that accurately represents the data
- Compare two or more trends/patterns/relationships
- Identify the most effective graphic given a defined purpose
Level 6
Characteristics of Items
- Very complicated and detailed graphs, charts, tables, forms, maps, and diagrams
- Graphics contain large amounts of information
- May include three axes and different scales within same graphic
- May include multiple graphics
Skills
- Locate information in a graphic using information found in another graphic
- Interpret trends/patterns/relationships
- Make a reasonable inference or decision based on one graphic after finding information in another graphic
- Justify a decision using evidence found in a graphic
- Identify the graphic that accurately represents the data
- Justify an inference or decision based on information
- Identify and justify the most effective graphic given a defined purpose
Level 7
Characteristics of Items
- Level 7 items use extremely complex, dense graphics (often multiple graphics) and require examinees to demonstrate the following skills
Skills
- Interpret trends/patterns/relationships
- Make a reasonable inference or decision based on one graphic after finding information in another graphic
- Justify a decision using evidence found in a graphic
- Identify the graphic that accurately represents the data
- Justify an inference or decision based on information
- Identify and justify the most effective graphic given a defined purpose