Which element helps accessibility by screen readers when graphics are included?

• A. Color-coded legends only.
• B. Complex jargon in captions.
• C. No captions.
• D. Alt text for images.

Answer: (D)

Alt text for images describes graphics in words so screen readers can convey their meaning. When a sighted user sees a graphic, the information is conveyed visually, but a screen reader needs a textual description to explain what the image shows or does. Providing concise, accurate alt text lets someone who cannot see the image understand the content, data, or function it represents—whether it’s a chart, icon, or decorative image. If the image is only decorative, using an empty alt attribute keeps screen readers from cluttering the narration with unnecessary details. The other options don’t reliably provide this spoken description: relying on color alone doesn’t translate for those who can’t perceive color, captions with complex jargon may be harder to process or might not be read consistently by screen readers, and leaving graphics without descriptive text deprives users of essential context. Alt text directly supports access to the image’s meaning, which is what screen readers rely on.