In this resource you will write verbal descriptions of given graphs.

To create a verbal description of a relationship given a graph, the first step is to identify the independent and dependent quantities.

The x-axis is always labeled with the independent quantity and the y-axis is always labeled with the dependent quantity.

For example, the graph to the right shows the relationship between time and speed of a runner named Alexander. The independent quantity is time and the dependent quantity is speed.

To describe the relationship between time and speed in this graph, consider the graph in segments.

First, segment a is a horizontal line segment. Notice that the y-intercept of this line segment is not at the origin. This shows that the initial speed of the runner is not 0. Since the line segment is horizontal, this represents a consistent pace of the runner. In other words, the runner is neither speeding up nor slowing down during this time frame.

Next, notice segment b. This portion of the graph is increasing, or slanted up to the right. This shows that the runner's speed is increasing during this time frame. Since segment b is a line, rather than a curve, it represents the runner's speed increasing steadily.

To describe the graph, narrate the graph like a story. For example: Alexander jogs at a steady pace in his neighborhood. Then, he jogs down a hill, increasing his pace steadily.