A clear, brief description of the figure. Additional Comments about Report Writing 1. Use a formal writing style. Avoid sudden shifts in tense. Past tense is usually appropriate for literature review, experimental design and procedure.
Present tense is appropriate for results that are literally before the reader.
Future tense is rarely needed. Be sure that verbs agree with their subjects, and pronouns with the nouns to which they refer. Published reports attempt to convey research as accurately and concisely as possible. Part of the purpose of lab reports is to provide practice and guidance in writing concisely and objectively. A second purpose is to encourage creative thinking about a research exercise.