Describe Graphs in Words, Increasing and Decreasing

Start with the labeling sheet, then the matching sheet. Finish with sketching and writing, which work well as partner tasks.

Write short stories for graphs of distance, temperature, water level and kite height over time. The directions on the page read: Write a story of 2 or 3 sentences that fits each graph. Tell where the graph is increasing, decreasing or constant, and whether each part is linear or nonlinear. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade functions, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

The distance is not changing, so the person has stopped. Match Stories to Qualitative Graphs uses this when Ravi shops for a while before walking home.

The graph gets steeper as it goes. A part that gets flatter shows slowing down, and a straight part shows a steady rate.

Break the story into parts and decide whether the quantity rises, falls or stays level in each one. Sketch a Graph From a Story asks students to show this without numbers.