Analyze the data. Read the line plot and determine what information is being expressed on the graph. For example, a line plot may express the number of books elementary students read over the summer.
Identify data landmarks. Find the smallest numerical value and the largest numerical value, as well as the numerical value that occurs most often, referred to as the "mode."
Make factual statements about the landmarks. For example, using the summer reading topic, if only one student marked he read five books over the summer, while six students marked they read 10 books over the summer, you could make the statement that more students read 10 books over the summer than students who only read five books.
Make inferences based on your factual data as plotted on the line plot. For example, if the majority of students surveyed for the summer reading line plot signified they read 10 or more books, you could make the inference that elementary students like to read in the summer.