Common English Mistakes in Lab Reports by Korean Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Korean speakers from South Korea when writing a Lab Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

Inthe experiment, we observedthe reaction between sodium and water. RThe results showed that there wasa rapid release of gas andan increase in temperature. We recorded data using athermometer anda stopwatch to ensure accuracy. CThe conclusion ofthe study indicates that sodium is highly reactive with water, producing hydrogen gas and heat.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"There were several areas where the articles were missing. I have added them where needed. "

In the experiment, we observed the reaction between sodium and water. The results showed that there was a rapid release of gas and an increase in temperature. We recorded data using a thermometer and a stopwatch to ensure accuracy. The conclusion of the study indicates that sodium is highly reactive with water, producing hydrogen gas and heat.

In experiment, we observed reaction between sodium and water. Result showed that there was rapid release of gas and increase in temperature. We recorded data using thermometer and stopwatch to ensure accuracy. Conclusion of study indicates that sodium is highly reactive with water, producing hydrogen gas and heat.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical solution in different temperatures. The solution was placed on the heater and monitored at 10-minuteintervalsof 10 minutes. RThe results showed that the reaction rate increased significantly inat 50 degrees Celsius compared toat room temperature. Further analysis will be conducted in the laboratory to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some errors with the prepositions and polished up the text a little. Well done!"

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical solution in different temperatures. The solution was placed on the heater and monitored at 10-minute intervals. The results showed that the reaction rate increased significantly at 50 degrees Celsius compared to room temperature. Further analysis will be conducted in the laboratory to understand the underlying mechanisms.

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical solution in different temperatures. The solution was placed on the heater and monitored at intervals of 10 minutes. Results showed that the reaction rate increased significantly in 50 degrees Celsius compared to at room temperature. Further analysis will be conducted in the laboratory to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical when it was mixed with water, the temperature increased rapidly. The results, which were unexpected, showed that the compound, when heated, it decomposed faster than anticipated. It is important to note that the equipment used, although it was calibrated, it may have contributed to the error in measurement.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This text has a lot of grammatical errors, but the word order is okay."

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical when it was mixed with water, the temperature increased rapidly. The results, which were unexpected, showed that the compound, when heated, it decomposed faster than anticipated. It is important to note that the equipment used, although it was calibrated, it may have contributed to the error in measurement.

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical when it was mixed with water, the temperature increased rapidly. The results, which were unexpected, showed that the compound, when heated, it decomposed faster than anticipated. It is important to note that the equipment used, although it was calibrated, it may have contributed to the error in measurement.