This is general educational guidance. Check the linked official sources and your child’s school instructions for the applicable syllabus and assessment year.
Identify variables precisely
Name what is changed, what is measured and what is kept the same. Use measurable descriptions rather than broad labels. ‘Amount of water in millilitres’ is clearer than ‘water’.
Then ask why each controlled variable matters. A fair-test statement becomes meaningful when the student can explain how an uncontrolled factor could affect the result.
Keep observations and explanations separate
An observation reports what can be seen or measured. An explanation uses scientific knowledge to account for it. Mixing them can cause unsupported claims.
Practise with photographs, diagrams and tables: write one observation first, then add the relevant concept and causal link.
Interpret data in stages
Read axes, headings, units and scales before describing a trend. Compare specific values when the question requires evidence, but do not list every number.
After describing the pattern, decide whether the data supports a relationship or conclusion. Consider whether another variable could also explain the result.
Evaluate methods and predictions
A strong suggestion names a change and explains how it improves reliability, fairness or measurement. ‘Repeat the experiment’ is incomplete unless the student states how repeated results will be used.
Predictions should follow from the identified pattern and relevant concept. The official assessment explicitly includes predictions, hypotheses, analysis and evaluation.