Use a consistent original practice folder structure

A practice folder structure is a fixed set of named folders you reuse for every task, so that source files, working files, outputs and evidence never mix. It appears in every practical task in file organisation and evidence, because a correct file saved in the wrong place is hard to hand in or find again.

All names and files below are invented for practice.

How is the structure built?

Create one parent folder per task, then four subfolders. Number them so they sort in the order you use them.

cafe_price_task/
  01_source/
  02_working/
  03_output/
  04_evidence/

1. 01_source holds files you were given. Never edit them.
2. 02_working holds copies you edit.
3. 03_output holds the finished artefacts you would submit.
4. 04_evidence holds screenshots and notes showing how you did the task.

Use lowercase letters, underscores instead of spaces, and a short task name. The numbers force the sort order, so the folders always appear in the sequence of your workflow.

Worked example

Invented task: update a café price list (cafe_prices.xlsx, given to you) and produce a printable PDF.

Step 1. Create cafe_price_task and the four subfolders.

Step 2. Put the given file in 01_source. It stays untouched.

Step 3. Copy it to 02_working and rename the copy cafe_prices_v1.xlsx. Edit this copy only.

Step 4. Export the finished sheet to 03_output/cafe_prices_v1.pdf.

Step 5. Take a screenshot of the total formula and save it as 04_evidence/total_formula.png.

Final tree:

cafe_price_task/
  01_source/cafe_prices.xlsx
  02_working/cafe_prices_v1.xlsx
  03_output/cafe_prices_v1.pdf
  04_evidence/total_formula.png

Anyone opening this folder can tell what was given, what was edited and what was produced.

The mistake to watch for

Aiman (invented) saves everything into one folder called ICT, and edits the given file directly.

Mistaken layout: ICT/cafe_prices.xlsx, ICT/cafe_prices (2).xlsx, ICT/price final.xlsx

Two things go wrong. The original is overwritten, so he cannot see what he changed. And the copies have no logic, so he cannot tell which is current.

The correction: restore the original into 01_source, work only in 02_working, and add a version suffix (_v1, _v2) when you save a meaningful change.

Check yourself

1. A teacher gives you members.csv. In which folder do you put it, and where do you edit?

2. Which folder would hold a screenshot showing a validation rule you set?

3. Suggest a better name than New folder (3)/report FINAL final.docx for a version-two report on school recycling.

Where this leads next

Next, learn how to distinguish a file type from its visible extension, then try the mixed practice set. The ICT practical task and evidence checker can review a finished folder.

A teacher who watches you start a task can fix routines early. That is part of our online one-to-one ICT tuition.