Skills in Social Studies

The Line Graph

Key Features of a Line Graph

A Line Graph should have the same key points to it as a Bar Graph:

• A Title• Both axis ruled• Clearly labelled unit of measurement on

both axis• Equal spacing on both axis• Numbers increasing at regular intervals

Key Features of a Line Graph

A Line Graph should have the same key points to it as a Bar Graph:

• The only main difference is that the horizontal labels should be on the point instead of in between the points

Key Features of a Line Graph

DNOSJ AJMAMFJ

Line Graph of Temperature of Lake Tekapo

Temperature of Lake Tekapo

Tem

pera

ture

(C

)

Months

Month Temp

Jan 15 CFeb 13 CMar 12 CApr 9 CMay 5 CJune 2 CJuly 1 CAug 3 CSep 6 COct 8 CNov 11 CDec 13 C

18

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

1416

J F M A M J AJ S O N D

Create your own Line Graph• Use these figures to create your

own line graph.• Remember the Key Features of a

Line Graph.• Hint: Decide on vertical axis

spacing now.• Be careful when plotting the

years as not all the figures are in 10 year intervals.

• Complete graph and then put your hand up so I can check your graph.

Year Maori Popn in NZ

1901 45,000

1911 52,000

1921 56,000

1936 82,000

1951 115,000

1961 167,000

1971 227,000

1976 257,000

1981 280,000

Maori Population in New Zealand

Years (1900s)

Maori Population in New Zealand

270

0

30

60

90

120

150

180

210240

01 21 4131 51 61 8171

300

11

Popu

latio

n (0

00s)

Maori Population in New Zealand

• Now you have completed your graph I want you to write 2-3 sentences describing what your graph is showing.

• e.g. The above line graph is showing . . .

Maori Population in New Zealand

• Now answer these questions about your completed graph.

• Between which 10 year period was the biggest increase in population?

• Between which 10 year period was the lowest increase in population? 1911-1921

1971-1981