Which feature helps screen readers interpret graphics in documents?

• A. High-contrast text
• B. Brand logos only
• C. Color coding
• D. Alt text

Answer: (D)

Screen readers interpret graphics by relying on a text alternative that describes what the image conveys. Alt text provides that description directly with the image, so when a screen reader encounters the graphic, it reads aloud the alt text and the user understands the content or function of the graphic.

High-contrast text improves visibility for readers with low vision but doesn’t describe the image to a screen reader. Brand logos alone don’t explain the graphic’s meaning. Color coding communicates information visually, but screen readers can’t perceive color, so it doesn’t reliably convey meaning. Alt text, on the other hand, gives the necessary description so the graphic’s purpose and content are accessible to those who rely on assistive technologies. When writing alt text, aim for a concise description of the essential content, such as “Line chart showing quarterly sales increasing from Q1 to Q4,” and reserve empty alt text for decorative images that add no informational value.