Exam Papers
Graph-Drawing Questions
Graph questions in Paper 2, motion graphs, inequality regions, ogives, trig curves, reward a neat, correctly scaled drawing. Here is how to earn full marks.
Draw for marks
Use the scale the question gives, label both axes with quantity and unit, and plot points accurately with a sharp pencil. Join with a ruler for straight lines or a smooth curve where needed.
A rushed, unlabelled graph loses marks even when the maths is right.
Frequently asked questions
What's the biggest reason students lose marks on graph-drawing questions?
Most lost marks come from an uneven or wrong scale on the axes, missing labels, or plotted points that are slightly off the grid, not from misunderstanding the underlying maths. A graph can show the right idea and still lose accuracy marks if the scale is inconsistent or the axes are not clearly labelled with units.
Do I need graph paper for every graph question, or can I sketch freehand?
It depends on the command word: a question asking you to plot points from a table and "draw" a graph needs graph paper with an accurate, evenly spaced scale, while a "sketch" question only needs the correct shape, key points and labels on ordinary paper. Using a rough sketch where an accurate plot was asked for will cost you accuracy marks.
How exact do my axis scale and labels need to be on a plotted graph?
Choose a scale that is easy to read and plot accurately, one square representing 1, 2, 5, or 10 units works well, while awkward scales like 3 or 7 units per square make precise plotting harder and easier to misjudge. Always label both axes with the quantity and its unit, and give the graph a title if the question asks for one.