Question

The graph below shows global trade and percentage of GDP.

A bar graph titled Global Trade, percent of G D P is shown. The x axis shows years and the y axis shows percent of G D P, from 0 to 100. 1980, 40; 1990, 40; 2000, 48; 2011, 59.

What conclusion should be drawn from the graph?

Trade has minimal impact on GDP.
Trade increased between 1980 and 1990.
Trade between nations declined between 1990 and 2000.
Trade increases create higher GDP percentage rates.

Answer 1

None of the provided choices is correct.

The graph shows global trade as a share of GDP was 40% in 1980 and 1990, rose to 48% in 2000 and to 59% in 2011 — so trade increased overall (especially between 2000 and 2011).

Why the choices are wrong:
- “Trade has minimal impact on GDP.” — the graph shows trade is a large share of GDP (40–59%), not necessarily “minimal.”
- “Trade increased between 1980 and 1990.” — it stayed the same (40%).
- “Trade between nations declined between 1990 and 2000.” — it rose (40% → 48%).
- “Trade increases create higher GDP percentage rates.” — the graph shows trade’s share of GDP rising, but it does not prove causation.