Common errors found in laboratory write-ups:
The following are some of the common errors (not all) seen for student
laboratory write-ups.
Abstract:
- being too long.
- having too much detail such as data (Extensive properties have no place in the abstract, but determined intensive properties probably do.)
- not including the final results
Experimental Methods:
- when using the imperative mood (cookbook instruction style), not starting
with an introductory sentence
- using the word "you" in the imperative
- excessive use of "then", "next", etc. This section is assumed
to be in sequence and these words are unnecessary (and annoying)
- leaving out major steps
- including experimental results in this section
Experimental Results
- leaving out data that is important for the experiment
- when using tables or figures, not having a sentence referring to them
- leaving out the final results or calculation
General Grammar note
- The use of the passive voice is common in scientific writing.
Inspite of what your English teacher says, it is correct in this context.
- Use of the "to be" sentences mixed in with the passive voice is also OK.
- For the Experimental Methods section the use of the imperative is also appropriate.
- Do not mix tenses or moods without a reason.
Words that you should avoid and words that are not allowed
The following words you should avoid:
- "Next"
- "then"
- "firstly", etc.
- "found to be"
The following words are forbidden:
- "I", "me", "we", "mine", "my", "our", "the author", etc. - leave yourself out.
- "you", "your" - these are not part of the imperative