Greetings Challenger, Welcome to the World of Abstract Writing
If you are a budding scholar, a student, a researcher, or a professional, you must have come across the concept of an abstract while writing your academic papers or research work. Abstracts are critical elements for any research work or scholarly article, because they provide a concise summary of the paper, give the reader an idea of what the paper is about, and help them decide whether to read it or not. Writing an abstract is not rocket science, but it requires some skills to craft a well-written abstract that catches the attention of your audience. In this guide, we will explore the essentials of writing an abstract.
What is an Abstract?
An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper, thesis, review, conference proceeding, or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject, and is often used to help the reader quickly see the paper’s purpose. When used, abstracts are always at the beginning of an academic document or typescript, acting as the point-of-entry for any given academic paper or patent application.
Types of Abstracts
| Type of Abstracts | Description |
|---|---|
| Descriptive Abstract |
It is one of the most common types of abstract and is usually used for humanities and social sciences. It provides a concise summary of the research paper but does not include data, results, or any conclusion. It mostly highlights the topic, scope, and purpose of the paper. |
| Informative Abstract |
It is the most common type of abstract in scientific and technical research fields. It provides a summary of the research paper, includes data, results, and conclusions. It also includes a description of the purpose, method, scope, results, and conclusions of the paper, which helps readers decide whether to read the entire paper or not. |
| Critical Abstract |
It is a rare type of abstract that is mostly used for an academic paper review, such as a book or an article review. It provides objective evaluation or critique of the entire paper. |
| Highlight Abstract |
It is a more recent style of abstract that is designed to attract as many readers as possible by highlighting the most noteworthy or unusual parts of the paper. It is commonly used by academic journals or scientific papers that have the power to break new ground or make a significant contribution to the field. |
How to Write an Abstract in 7 Steps
Here are seven steps to follow to write a well-crafted abstract.
Step 1 – Identify the Purpose of Your Abstract
Before starting the writing process, you must know the purpose of your abstract. Are you writing a descriptive abstract or an informative abstract?
Step 2 – Identify the Type of Your Paper
The type of paper will determine the structure of your abstract. Is it a research paper, literature review, or meta-analysis?
Step 3 – Know Your Target Audience
You must know who your target audience is and adopt your writing style and structure accordingly.
Step 4 – Identify Your Keywords
Identify the keywords for your abstract. These keywords should be relevant and specific to your paper.
Step 5 – Write a Concise Introduction
Your introduction should provide a background to your research paper, thesis or review article. It should give readers an understanding of the research problem or issue.
Step 6 – Summarize Your Research Paper or Thesis
Summarize the most critical aspects of your research paper, thesis, or review article.
Step 7 – Write an Informative Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize the findings of your research paper, thesis, or review article. It should highlight the significance and implications of your research.
FAQs About Abstract Writing
What Should be Included in an Abstract?
A good abstract should include a brief background, the problem statement, the methodology, the results, and the conclusion.
How Long Should an Abstract be?
There is no definite answer to this question. Some journals require an abstract of 150 words, while others require an abstract of 250 words. However, the standard is 200-300 words.
Can I Use Abbreviations in an Abstract?
Yes, but it is important to define the abbreviations before using them.
Can I Cite References in an Abstract?
No. References are not included in an abstract. However, some journals may require a list of references for an informative abstract.
Should I Use Passive Voice in an Abstract?
Yes, it is recommended to use the passive voice in an abstract.
Is an Abstract the Same as an Introduction?
No. An abstract provides a concise summary of an academic paper or research work, while an introduction provides background information and sets the stage for the main paper.
Can I Include Figures or Tables in an Abstract?
No. Figures or tables are not included in an abstract.
How Many Keywords Should I Include in an Abstract?
The number of keywords depends on the journal or publisher’s guidelines. Usually, 3-6 keywords are recommended.
Should I Include Citations in an Abstract?
No. Citations are not included in an abstract. However, some journals may require a list of references for an informative abstract.
How Important is an Abstract in Research Publication?
Abstracts are an essential component of research publications. It is often the only part of research papers that gets read by many people, including researchers, students, and other professionals. An abstract should be well-crafted to engage readers and communicate the essence of the research paper.
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in Abstract Writing?
Avoid using too many technical jargon, using vague statements, being too lengthy or too short, including incomplete information, and not following the journal’s guidelines.
What is the Significance of Structuring the Abstract?
A well-structured abstract helps readers to navigate through the entire document easily. It enables them to get a brief overview of the paper’s content and decide whether to read the entire paper or not.
What is the Difference Between an Abstract and a Conclusion?
An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper or article at the beginning, whereas a conclusion is the final section that provides a summary of the key findings and interpretations of the research paper or article.
Conclusion – Write an Abstract that Sells
Writing a well-crafted abstract is essential for your research work, thesis, review article, or any academic paper. It is the first point of entry for readers and must be engaging and informative. Follow the tips and guidelines discussed in this guide to write an abstract that is informative, concise, and sells. Remember that your abstract should highlight the main paper’s purpose, methodology, significant findings, and conclusion to attract readers to your paper.
Take Action Now!
Get started by writing a well-crafted abstract for your research paper or thesis to attract readers to your work.
Disclaimer – Stay Informed
The information provided in this guide aims to help readers understand the basics of writing an abstract. However, the content should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Always consult professional academic writers, professors or instructors in your field for guidance on writing an abstract.