Analyze the chart below and answer the question that follows.

Question

A 3-column table with 4 rows titled Literacy Rate (All adults). Column 1 has entries Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Column 2 is labeled Men with entries 85 percent, 84 percent, 84 percent, and 71 percent. Column 3 is labeled Women with entries 71 percent, 70 percent, 64 percent, and 30 percent.
Data from UNESCO Institute for Statistics

The chart above shows adult literacy rates in certain Middle Eastern countries. According to the chart, which of the following statements about these literacy rates is true?
A.
Literacy rates for men and women are equal.
B.
Literacy rates for both men and women are declining.
C.
Literacy rates for women are higher than the rates for men.
D.
Literacy rates for men are higher than the rates for women.

Answer 1

Based on the data provided in the table, the following insights can be drawn:

• For Saudi Arabia, the literacy rate for men is 85% while for women it is 71%.
• For Iran, the literacy rate for men is 84% and for women it is 70%.
• For Iraq, the literacy rate for men is 84% and for women it is 64%.
• For Yemen, the literacy rate for men is 71% and for women it is 30%.

Now, let’s evaluate the options:

A. Literacy rates for men and women are equal.
This is false. The literacy rates differ between men and women in all the countries listed.

B. Literacy rates for both men and women are declining.
There is no information provided in the table regarding trends over time, so we cannot determine if the literacy rates are declining.

C. Literacy rates for women are higher than the rates for men.
This is false. In all instances, the literacy rates for men are higher than those for women.

D. Literacy rates for men are higher than the rates for women.
This is true, as shown by the metrics in each country listed.

Given this analysis, the correct answer is:

D. Literacy rates for men are higher than the rates for women.