1. Label all axes with names and units.
be sure each label is clearly written
use the accepted, technical names for each label
be sure to have the correct information on the correct axis; the independent variable on the x-axis, the
dependent variable on the y-axis
2. Use consistent spacing between the lines on the graph paper.
look at all the data you need to put into the graph--be sure you have numbers large/small enough to
accommodate all the information you will be placing on the graph
spacing on the x and y axes do not need to match each other
3. Have the graph fill the entire page.
your data should not be squeezed into one small portion of the page
4. Use straight lines or curves and not dot-to-dot lines.
use "best-fit" lines--watch for the general trend of your graph; is it going mostly in an upwards or
downwards direction? does it seem to be a curve or a straight line?
a best-fit line allows you to make predictions about information that is outside the scope of your graph
5. If you have different lines on a graph, use different colors or symbols to clearly show separate
information.
6. Graphs do NOT always begin at zero, zero (the corner of the x and y axes does not always sit at 0,0)
7. Look through your book to see if there are similar graphs (NOT TO COPY!!!) for reference
8. Be honest with your graphing--if you think that one, or more, of your data points is incorrect, DO NOT
change your information to "fit" the line. Leave the unusual data on the graph, but you may make your
line fit the other information, and ignore the unusual data point(s).