← Back to the Scatter Plots test
Last updated: October 22, 2026 · Written by the Math Made Easy math teachers
Standards: 8.SP.A.1 · Level: Grade 8
Question 1 Reading a scatter plot (3 points)
(a) The points rise from left to right along a line: positive linear association.
(b) The point (3, 30) is far above the others: outlier (3, 30).
(c) The other seven points lie close to a rising line, so the association is strong.
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 2 Name the association (2 points)
(a) Older cars sell for less: negative association.
(b) These have nothing to do with each other: no association.
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 3 Plot the data (3 points)
(a) Plot each pair: hours across, height up.
(b) The points rise and stay near a line: positive linear association.
Scoring: part (a) 2 points for all seven points (1 point for at least five); part (b) 1 point.
Question 4 Line or curve? (2 points)
The increases in y are 1, 3, 5, and 7. They are not constant, so the points curve upward.
Nonlinear (and positive)
Scoring: 1 point for the differences, 1 point for the conclusion.
Question 5 Clusters and gaps (3 points)
(a) One cluster has ages 3 to 5 with 12 to 18 words per minute. A second cluster has ages 14 to 16 with 52 to 62 words per minute. A wide gap separates them.
(b) Positive association: older students type faster.
Scoring: part (a) 1 point for each cluster described with ages and speeds; part (b) 1 point.
Question 6 Strong or weak (2 points)
(a) Plot A
(b) Points that cluster tightly around a line show a stronger association than points that are widely scattered.
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 7 Study time data (3 points)
(a) The main points rise along a line: positive linear association.
(b) (2, 30), far below the pattern for 2 hours of study.
(c) Accept any reasonable reason, such as the student was ill or skipped part of the test.
Scoring: 1 point per part.
Question 8 Tree growth (2 points)
The points rise, so the association is positive. The rise slows, so the points follow a curve.
Positive nonlinear association
Scoring: 1 point for positive, 1 point for nonlinear.