How to write a lab report: structure, examples and common mistakes
The standard lab report structure from title to references, with what each section must contain and the mistakes that lose marks.
The standard structure
Most lab reports follow the same order: title, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, conclusion and references. Check your course handout, because some departments merge or rename sections.
Abstract and introduction
Write the abstract last. It summarises the aim, method, main result and conclusion in about 150 words. The introduction explains the theory, states the aim and, if needed, the hypothesis.
Method and results
Describe what you did in past tense with enough detail that someone could repeat it. In results, present data in clearly labelled tables and figures with units, and describe trends without explaining them yet.
Discussion and conclusion
Interpret the results, compare them with theory or published values, and explain errors and how large they are. The conclusion answers the aim in a few sentences, with no new information.
Mistakes that lose marks
Missing units, graphs without axis labels, copying the method from the handout, ignoring sources of error, and citations that do not match the reference list are the most common.
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