Scoring Rubric for a Line Graph

Name _____________________________

                                                                                                                    Points                   Points

                                                                                                                   Possible                 Earned

 1.  Graph is done in pencil.  (If not, it’s a zero……redo the graph)                       0                      _____

 2.  Writing is legible.  (If not, it’s a zero…..redo the graph)                               0                      _____

 3.  Both axes are drawn with a straight edge                                                    5                      _____

 4.  Independent variable on x-axis; dependent variable on y-axis                     5                      _____

 5.  X-axis is labeled AND includes the units  (5 pts. each)                                 10                     _____

 6.  Y-axis is labeled AND includes the units   (5 pts each)                                10                     _____

 7.  Points are plotted correctly and connected with a smooth,

      solid line                                                                                                    10                     _____

 8.  Accurate scale on the x-axis                                              

      (every space has equal value, including the first one)                                  10                     _____

 9.  Accurate scale on the y-axis

      (every space has equal value, including the first one)                                  10                     _____

10.  All data fits on the graph                                                                            10                     _____

11.  Graph makes the best use of all available space

      (at least half of page for both axes is filled)                                              10                     _____

12.  A key is provided, if necessary                                                                   10                     _____

13.  There is a title and it includes both variables.                                             10                     _____

                                                                                                                   -----------

                                                                                                Total                100                   _____

Rules for Making Graphs:

 1.  Pencil only! 

 2.  Use a straight-edge to draw each axis.

 3.  The independent variable goes on the horizontal (X) axis.  The dependent variable goes on the vertical

      (Y) axis.

 4.  You must label the units on each axis!  This tells the reader what the numbers represent.  [If your

     horizontal axis is labeled “TIME,” you must put the unit in parentheses (hours, days, years, etc.)]

 5.  Lines must be smooth and solid and should not be thicker than the points they’re connecting.  This is

      not a “sketch” so lines should not be “hairy” or jagged.   [Although a “best-fit” line is acceptable, we

      prefer a point-to-point line.]

 6.  Use an appropriate scale for each axis  --  every space along that axis is worth the same amount.

            � If your data includes a zero, it MUST be at the origin of your graph (unless you also have

               negative numbers)

            � Use a scrunch (a.k.a. “heartbeat”) sign only if you must and use it only at the origin and if you

               don’t have a zero in your data  (Remember, graphs don’t HAVE to start at zero if your data

               doesn’t contain zero)

 7.  All data must fit on the graph scale.  If it doesn’t fit, choose a more appropriate scale. 

 8.  The graph should make the best use of all available space.  (It should not be crammed into a quarter

      of the piece of paper).

 9.  A key must be provided if there is more than one independent variable.

10.  The title must include both variables.   (Do not try to be clever or creative as if you are choosing a

       title for a story.)