Today, I'd like to face the reality of taking science courses...all students must learn to write formal lab reports. Lab reports seem very determined and organised in terms of criteria, although they are far more demanding than what they ask for. Here are some tips on how to make your lab report professional.
1. Overall Structure
Be aware of the structure your professor wants the lab report to be followed. Make sure you space out properly, use an appropriate font and have page numbers or whatever else is required. You should have a title page, underline or bold the headings, as well as have footnotes for all related or researched vocabulary. I'd suggest, before writing the actual report, create all heading and sub-headings to make sure they are in the same "design" and only then, fill out the information.
While looking the report over, see if there are any big white spaces, and cover them up as nicely, as possible.
2. Language
No doubt, you must be using all appropriate terms, although other than this - the language must be very confident and clear, meaning do not make phrases up or do not try to make your report sound like a poem.
Often, in my rubric for a lab report, I'll have a suggestion "be thorough - make sure a 12 year old would understand an experiment, comprehending this the first time". Use footnotes, diagrams (where appropriate) and make sure for correct spelling and grammar.
Obviously, avoid slang, since it is not professional. Repetition is fine, although only apply repetition in different sections and rephrase the information properly. All lab reports, have to be written in Past Passive tense, and no pronouns are to be used!!!
3. Content
The content of a lab report must be detailed (cover all concepts) and precise (don't run on with an explanation). Use numbers whenever required, as well as include any tables, pictures or graphs based on the experiment.
The content, would of course, depend on a topic of a lab report, but make sure to record all observations carefully, and note any potential defects. Also, make sure you apply the concepts discussed in class,by analysing the results of an experiment.
Reassure that you've covered all topics, by referring to the guide or the rubric.
4. Final Appearance
A lab report must be presented professional. Pages have to be clean, straight and ideally, a lab report should be presented in a folder. Make sure to include a rubric, if you have to.
CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!!! https://www.ncsu.edu/labwrite/lc/lc-improvinglaprep.htm
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