How to write an A+ practical report
Follow these steps to write an A+ practical report
 Use correct English
 Spelling, punctuation and readability are all important
 Sentences should be short. Don’t use too many joining words such as “and”
 Use capital at the beginning of sentences
 Marks are allocated for neatness. Reports are best word processed.
 Include the following sub-headings:
TITLE
Date :
Name:
Partner(s) :
AIM: This should be 1 or 2 sentences only, describing why you are doing the experiment. They often start
with “To determine” “To measure” “To observe”
MATERIALS (sometimes referred to as apparatus) This should be a list of the equipment and chemicals that
you need. Be specific e.g “250 ml beaker” rather than just “beaker”
METHOD This is a very important section which is often poorly done.
 You should write in past tense, without the use of personal pronouns such as “I” and “We” i.e “The
beaker was filled with 150ml of water.” Rather than “we put 150ml of water in the beaker”
 Your method should enable someone else to repeat the experiment. Check that you have included
sufficient detail.
 Make sure you use your own words.
 Remember: A picture tells a thousand words. A carefully drawn and clearly labeled diagram showing
how the equipment is set up can save you several sentences and is often clearer. Make sure you refer
to the diagram in your method. i.e. “The equipment was set up as shown in fig1 below.”
 If applicable, make sure you explain what variables exist in the experiment and which variables you
are keeping constant. (You should only change one variable at a time)
RESULTS / OBSERVATIONS In this section you will record your observations and measurements.
 The most effective way of doing this is by using tables for data. Tables must have a title and headings
for each column.
 Units (e.g.cm) should be recorded in the heading row rather than the main part of the table
e.g.Table 1: Measurement of blocks
Sample
Length (cm)
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Volume (cm3)
Volume (cm3)
L
W
H
measured
Calculated
LxWxH
Block1

Observations not recorded in tables should be detailed and data should have units. E.g. 25ºC rather
than just 25
DISCUSSION (QUESTIONS )
 This is where you analyse your results and give your thoughts about what you have found. Analysis
may include drawing and interpreting a graph of experimental data, calculations, comparing a result
with what was expected and comparing your result with those of others in the class. Did you find out
anything unexpected?
 Answer any questions that were asked in the practical activity in full sentences.
 You may also comment on problems you encountered and as you progress to older year levels, should
also include error values
CONCLUSION This should “answer your aim” It should be short (1-2 sentences) and precise. It may take the
form of a summary of your results.