International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Foundation Level Practice Test

In the context of defect reporting for a train booking system, including the actual results in the initial defect report is crucial because it provides concrete evidence of what occurred during testing. Actual results are the outputs observed after executing a test case, and they are directly compared to the expected results to determine whether a defect exists. Clearly stating what happened when the test was executed allows developers and other stakeholders to quickly understand the nature of the issue, making it easier for them to reproduce and analyze the problem.

By specifying the actual results, the report gives a direct indication of the failure’s manifestation, which is vital for diagnosing the underlying cause. This piece of information facilitates more efficient troubleshooting and faster resolution. While the other elements, such as severity, environment details, and identification of the test item, are valuable in their own right and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the defect, the actual results provide the necessary context for evaluating and prioritizing the defect itself.