1.

add excess amount of the metal/ insoluble base/ insoluble carbonate to the
required acid (this is to ensure that all acid has reacted completely. If not, the
salt solution would be contaminated by the excess acid)  acid is the limiting
reagent
(heat the reaction mixture to speed up the reaction if necessary)
How can we know that excess oxide has been added?
Ans: Some white zinc oxide remains undissolved in the acid.

2. wait until there is no further change.

3. Remove the excess solid by filtration. (residue excess zinc oxide ; filtrate 
zinc sulphate solution)

4. Heat the filtrate to make the solution concentrated. (better use steam bath/
water bath  if using evaporating dish, it may crack easily)

How can you know that the solution is saturated?

Ans: Dip a glass rode into the solution and take it out. If the immersed end
becomes “cloudy” within a few seconds (some small solid forms on the rod when
the solution at the tip evaporates), the remaining solution has become
concentrated enough.

5. Let the hot concentrated solution cool down slowly at room temperature to let
the crystallization take place. (filter paper to keep out dust  the water vapour
formed from evaporation of the solution can pass through the paper)

Why zinc sulphate crystals formed from the saturated solution when it is left in
the fume cupboard for a few days?
Ans: As the saturated solution evaporates gradually, it cannot hold all of the
dissolved copper sulphate. Some of it will be separated out.

6. Separate the crystal from the reaction mixture by filtration.

7. The crystal is washed with a small amount of distilled water to remove soluble
impurities. (zinc sulphate is soluble in water. Cleaning the crystal with a little
distilled water can reduce the loss)

8. Dry the crystals formed with filter paper (better not in an oven  at last the
crystals will become powder when the temperature is too high)