What is an Abstract?
An abstract is a brief summary of your research, usually no more than one paragraph (roughly 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words). A strong abstract serves numerous functions and is essential for academic success.
Key Functions of an Abstract
- Provides readers with a concise summary so they can decide whether to read the full paper
- Prepares readers to follow the exact facts, analysis, and arguments in your article
- Helps readers recall the paper's major ideas after reading
- Used by search engines and library databases for indexing and classification
- Enables other scholars to discover your work through keyword searches
Pro Tip
Your abstract must be comprehensible by itself without requiring the reader to read the full manuscript.
Essential Components of an Abstract
A well-structured abstract should include specific types of information. The percentage allocated to each component may vary based on your research type and field.
| Component | Description | Word Count (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Context and importance of your research topic | 25-30 words |
| Objective | Main research question or hypothesis | 20-25 words |
| Methods | Brief description of methodology used | 30-40 words |
| Results | Key findings and data highlights | 40-50 words |
| Conclusion | Implications and significance of findings | 25-30 words |
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Abstract
Step 1: Complete Your Research Paper First
While you might be inclined to compose your abstract initially since it will be the very first section of your paper, you should wait to write it until after you've prepared your entire work. This ensures you understand exactly what you're summarising.
Step 2: Identify Key Elements
- The basis or background knowledge for the research
- The broad topic being studied and your specific investigation
- The fundamental issues or problems addressed
- What was previously known from earlier research
- Why answering these questions is crucial
- Your research methodology
- Principal results and arguments
- Implications and relevance of your findings
Step 3: Choose the Right Verb Tense
| Research Type | Component | Recommended Tense |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | Basic statements and judgments | Present tense |
| Social Sciences | Previous research | Past tense |
| Social Sciences | Methods and findings | Present tense |
| Humanities | Finished events | Past tense |
| Humanities | Text descriptions and claims | Present tense |
| Sciences | Methods and results | Past tense |
| Sciences | Significance and conclusions | Present tense |
Step 4: Write Concisely and Clearly
A strong abstract is concise but persuasive. Every word should count and each sentence should effectively convey one primary idea.
- Avoid passive constructions - use active voice for clarity
- Replace long phrases with shorter alternatives (e.g., 'in order to' becomes 'to')
- Eliminate unnecessary words and redundancy
- Use pronouns where appropriate to reduce word count
- Avoid jargon unless your audience expects it
Figure 1: Abstract Structure Overview
A typical abstract follows the IMRAD structure: Introduction (background and objective), Methods, Results, and Discussion (conclusion). Each section should flow logically into the next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including citations or references in the abstract
- Adding information not present in the main paper
- Using vague or ambiguous language
- Exceeding the recommended word limit
- Including tables, figures, or abbreviations without definitions
- Starting with 'This paper...' or 'This study...' (be more engaging)
- Copying sentences directly from your paper without adaptation
Important
Never include citations in your abstract. The abstract should convey your research independently.
Abstract Checklist
| Criteria | Check |
|---|---|
| Within word limit (150-250 words) | Verify |
| States the research problem clearly | Verify |
| Describes the methodology briefly | Verify |
| Presents key findings | Verify |
| Highlights significance of results | Verify |
| Free from jargon and abbreviations | Verify |
| No citations or references included | Verify |
| Written after completing the paper | Verify |
A well-written abstract is a window into your research. Make it clear, concise, and compelling.
- Academic Writing Expert
Conclusion
Writing a perfect abstract requires practice and attention to detail. Follow the steps outlined above, and you'll be able to create abstracts that effectively communicate your research to readers and help your work get discovered.
Need Professional Help?
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