How to Write an Abstract

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Introduction

When writing a report, article, thesis, or research paper, you are often required to include an abstract. An abstract is a concise summary of the entire work and is usually placed before the main body. It gives readers a quick overview of what to expect and helps them decide whether to read the full paper. A well-written abstract is based entirely on your completed work and should reflect its content accurately.

Definition

The word abstract comes from the Latin term abstractum, meaning a condensed version of a longer piece of writing. An abstract is a short summary of completed research. It presents the main elements of the work in a highly condensed format and may include the scope, purpose, methods, results and conclusions. It is not a review or a critique and while it may include keywords from the original work, it must be a standalone piece, not simply an excerpt.

Size and Structure

Abstract length may vary depending on the submission requirements of a university, institute, or publisher. However, the structure of the abstract should reflect the structure of the full work and summarize all its major components.

Purpose of Writing an Abstract

Abstracts serve two primary functions:
1. Selection– They allow readers to determine whether the full work is relevant to their interests.
2. Indexing– Abstracts are often used in online databases to categorize and index larger works, so they should include relevant keywords to enhance discoverability.

When Abstracts Are Required

You may need to write an abstract in the following situations:
Submitting an article to a journal (especially online)
Applying for research grants
Writing a book or chapter proposal
Completing a Master’s thesis or Ph.D. dissertation
Proposing a paper for a conference

What Makes a Good Abstract?

A strong abstract:
Is one well-developed, coherent, and concise paragraph
Includes all essential elements: background, purpose, focus, methods, results, and conclusion
Follows the structure and chronology of the full paper
Does not introduce new information or reference external sources
Is written in clear, accessible language suitable for both specialists and non-specialists
Often uses passive voice to emphasize findings over the researcher
Uses simplified language based on the original paper
Avoids citations or references
Appears at the beginning of published papers or on a separate preliminary page in academic assignments

Types of Abstracts

There are two main types of abstracts:

1. Descriptive Abstracts

Common in the humanities, social sciences, and psychology essays.
Features include:
Brief overview of background, purpose and focus
May include an overview of contents
Does not include results or conclusions

2. Informative Abstracts

Common in scientific, engineering, and psychology research.
Features include:
Background and purpose
Methods or procedures
Findings or results
Conclusion and recommendations

This type of abstract summarizes the essential elements and helps the reader understand the full report’s purpose and content.

Components of an Abstract

The following elements are typically included:
Motivation/Problem Statement: Why is the research important? What gap is it addressing?
Methods/Approach: What methodology or procedure was followed?
Results/Findings: What were the key findings or outcomes?
Conclusion/Implications: What do the findings mean, and what are the broader implications?

Note: The emphasis placed on each component may vary depending on the academic discipline.

How Not to Write an Abstract

Avoid the following:
Over-referencing other works
Including information not present in the full text
Defining basic terms or concepts

Conclusion

Writing an effective abstract is challenging but worthwhile. A well-crafted abstract increases the visibility, impact and accessibility of your research. By including all the key components and maintaining clarity and accuracy, you can engage readers and encourage them to explore your work in more detail.

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