Module 8 of 9Lesson 1 of 2 · Lab: Graph trainer — plot it like the examiner
BGCSE Science Double Award · Skills · Paper 4 practice
Lab · about 15 minutes

Graph trainer: plot it like the examiner

Almost every Paper 4 has a graph worth about 4 marks: axes with units, a sensible scale, accurate points, a best-fit line and a gradient from a large triangle. This trainer marks each of those, one by one.

Prof KitsoUse a sharp pencil on paper too. The trainer shows you what the examiner looks for; your own graph paper is where you practise it.

Trolley on a ramp

Plot speed against time for a trolley rolling down a ramp. One point is anomalous — find it before you draw the line.

Data set 1: trolleySpeed–time graph, gradient = acceleration

Spring and load

Plot extension against load for a spring. Then find the gradient and give its unit.

Data set 2: springExtension–load graph, gradient in cm/N

The examiner’s checklist

  • Axes: quantity and unit on both, e.g. “speed / m/s”.
  • Scale: easy steps (1, 2 or 5 per square); points fill at least half the grid.
  • Points: neat crosses, within half a small square.
  • Line: one straight best-fit line (or smooth curve); ignore the anomaly.
  • Gradient: a large triangle, using points on the line — not table values.

Stadira Training Institute · Gaborone, Botswana · BGCSE Science Double Award (0569) Complete Tutor

PreviousNext