Search

Search instruction words and topic guides

Sketch / Draw

Afrikaans: Skets / Teken

'Sketch' means an approximate diagram that clearly shows the key features, intercepts with both axes, asymptotes, turning points, and the general shape. It does not need to be to scale. 'Draw' means an accurate, correctly scaled diagram, usually on graph paper provided in the exam. The instruction word tells you how precise to be.

Common mistake

Producing a rough, unlabelled sketch when the question specifically says 'draw', which loses the accuracy marks. The reverse error: spending excessive time drawing a precise diagram when 'sketch' is asked, wastes time in the exam. For a sketch, mark every intercept and asymptote with its coordinate or equation, even if the curve itself is approximate. An unlabelled sketch earns partial or no marks regardless of how accurate the shape is.

Signal phrases

These are the words that tell you this instruction is being used.

  • Sketch the graph of f
  • Draw the graph accurately on the grid provided
  • Sketch f, clearly indicating all intercepts and asymptotes
  • Sketch the graph of g, showing all key features

Past paper examples

Sketch the graph of f, clearly indicating all intercepts with the axes and the asymptotes.

Source: DBE Mathematics Paper 1, November 2022, Question 6.1

Test yourself

Before you read the answer, what is this question asking you to do?

Given: f(x) = 2/x − 3. Sketch the graph of f, clearly showing the intercepts with the axes and the equations of the asymptotes.

Practice question: not from a past paper

Where this comes up