Year 5 Mathematics · AC9M5ST02

Interpret line graphs representing change over time; discuss the relationships that are represented and conclusions that can be made

Students construct line graphs for ordered data, read interpolation and trends cautiously, and recognise how a broken or truncated vertical scale changes visual impact…

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Learning goalsSay it simply

Students construct line graphs for ordered data, read interpolation and trends cautiously, and recognise how a broken or truncated vertical scale changes visual impact without changing the data.

A line graph connects values in an ordered variable; its axis scale controls how differences appear and must be read before interpreting trend.

Plot time on the horizontal axis, temperature on the vertical axis and connect points because values are ordered through time.

A discontinuous scale can reveal detail but can also exaggerate differences. Quote numerical change and inspect axis intervals.

Learning routine: Represent → Reason → Calculate → Interpret → Verify

Success looks like

  • Construct or represent accurately
  • Use correct vocabulary and notation
  • Interpret relationships
  • Apply to a new example
  • Justify and evaluate
Key conceptTeach from the board

Construct a temperature-over-time line graph

time (min)05101520temperature (°C)2024313536change+4+7+4+1

Plot time on the horizontal axis, temperature on the vertical axis and connect points because values are ordered through time.

  1. Read every label and identify the quantities, parts or evidence.
  2. Explain the relationship shown—not just the final answer.
  3. Check the conclusion against the original question and units.

Compare full and discontinuous vertical scales

0–100 scalesmall changes look modest
30–40 scale with breaksame changes look dramatic
responsible uselabel break clearly and discuss actual values
conclusionvisual steepness alone is insufficient

A discontinuous scale can reveal detail but can also exaggerate differences. Quote numerical change and inspect axis intervals.

Now transfer the same relationship to a new situation and justify the result with precise vocabulary.

Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9M5ST02 - Interpret line graphs representing change over time; discuss the relationships that are represented and conclusions that can be made
Example 1

time (min) 0 5 10 15 20 temperature (°C) 20 24 31 35 36 change +4 +7 +4 +1

Example 2

0–100 scale small changes look modest

Example 3

time (min) 0 5 10 15 20 temperature (°C) 20 24 31 35 36 change +4 +7 +4 +1

Example 4

0–100 scale small changes look modest

Curriculum examplesCopied content

Content description: interpret line graphs representing change over time; discuss the relationships that are represented and conclusions that can be made.

  • E1: reading and interpreting different line graphs, discussing how the horizontal axis represents measures of time such as days of the week or times of the day, and the vertical axis represents numerical quantities or ordinal categorical variables such as percentages, money, measurements or ratings such as fire hazard ratings
  • E2: interpreting real-life data represented as a line graph showing how measurements change over a period of time and make simple inferences
  • E3: matching unlabelled line graphs to the context they represent based on the stories of the different contexts
  • E4: interpreting the data represented in a line graph making inferences; for example, reading line graphs that show the varying temperatures or UV rates over a period of a day and discussing when would be the best time to hold an outdoor assembly
  • E5: exploring how line graphs can be used to train AI systems to make predictions by providing historical data and showing trends
Questions and answersWith answers

Core idea: A line graph connects values in an ordered variable; its axis scale controls how differences appear and must be read before interpreting trend.

Remember

  • Construct or represent accurately
  • Use correct vocabulary and notation
  • Interpret relationships
  • Apply to a new example
  • Justify and evaluate

Important questions

  • Choose axes. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Describe a trend with values. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Explain a scale break. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Estimate between points cautiously. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Limit a conclusion. Explain using the model or evidence above.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Categories connected as if continuous — Use line graphs only when order or continuity is meaningful.
  • Axis break ignored — Inspect labels before judging steepness.
  • Line assumed to prove values between points — Interpolation is an estimate unless measured.
  • Trend described as cause — The graph shows relationship, not necessarily cause.

Learn from the Topic Guide and fixed Teacher Slides, complete the Practice Sheet, use Practice for supported feedback, then take the Test when ready.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

Students construct line graphs for ordered data, read interpolation and trends cautiously, and recognise how a broken or truncated vertical scale changes visual impact without changing the data.

A line graph connects values in an ordered variable; its axis scale controls how differences appear and must be read before interpreting trend.

Plot time on the horizontal axis, temperature on the vertical axis and connect points because values are ordered through time.

A discontinuous scale can reveal detail but can also exaggerate differences. Quote numerical change and inspect axis intervals.

Learning routine: Represent → Reason → Calculate → Interpret → Verify

Success looks like

  • Construct or represent accurately
  • Use correct vocabulary and notation
  • Interpret relationships
  • Apply to a new example
  • Justify and evaluate
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