Slideshow C4: Drawing graphs

Features of a good bar chart

The bars should be drawn accurately with a pencil and ruler. They should be of equal width and with even spacing between the bars.

This axis should always show the thing that has been changed.The axis should have a label and each bar should have a label.

This axis should always show the variable which has been measured and results collected for.The axis should have a label and a unit. The axis should have a regularly spaced number scale and usually, but not always, start from 0.

Features of a good line graph

A 'line of best fit' can sometimes be drawn to show the pattern of the plotted points. This may not be a straight line.

This axis should always show the variable that has been changed.

This axis should always show the variable which has been measured and results collected for.

Both axes should have a label and a unit. They should have a regularly spaced number scale and usually, but not always, start from 0.

Points should be plotted accurately by drawing a small cross with a sharp pencil. The centre of the cross must be exactly at the point being plotted.