1. General Graphing Rules
Line Graphs

2. However you may use a pen to draw the axes.
First things first!
Use a sharp pencil.
However you may use a pen to draw the axes.

3. The following are some rules for drawing line graphs.
Graphing Rules
The following are some rules for drawing line graphs.
The acronym T.A.I.L.S. can be used as a memory aide to help you check your graph for completeness and accuracy.

4. I – Intervals/Increments L – Lines S – Scale/Size
What does TAILS Mean?
T – Title
A – Axis
I – Intervals/Increments
L – Lines
S – Scale/Size

5. Can be any statement that describes the subject of the graph
Title
Can be any statement that describes the subject of the graph
Title must include the “Y-axis vs X- axis” (dependent variable vs independent variable)

6. Label the axes (the label must include appropriate units)
Axis
Label the axes (the label must include appropriate units)
Label the dependent variable on the y- axis
Label the independent variable on the x-axis

7. Intervals/Increments
The divisions on each axis must be evenly spaced

8. There are four types of lines:
Line of best fit – these lines follow the trend of the data points plotted.
Straight line
Smooth curve
Point-to-Point
Scatter-plot

9. The graph data points must fill the graph area.
Scale/Size
The graph data points must fill the graph area.

10. Key/Legend
Include a key or some way to identify lines and data points where necessary, especially when there is more than one line on a graph.