To write an effective abstract, include a brief introduction to the topic, highlight its importance, and state the research question or aim
. Your abstract should also indicate your research methods, key message, and a summary of your findings, concluding with an explanation of how your findings contribute to the field
. Key steps to writing an abstract:
- Determine the type of abstract Determine if you need to write a descriptive or informative abstract. An informative abstract summarizes the background, purpose, methods, results, and conclusion of the work, while a descriptive abstract outlines the topics covered, without detailing the arguments or findings
- Read other abstracts Look to already published abstracts in your field to understand the conventions for structure and style
- Follow the IMRaD structure Use the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structure to help organize your abstract
- Reverse outline For longer works, create a reverse outline by listing keywords and summarizing the central point of each chapter or section in one or two sentences. Then, revise the sentences to connect them and show the argument's development
- Write clearly and concisely Ensure each sentence clearly communicates one main point
. Use the active voice, avoid long sentences, eliminate jargon, and avoid repetition
- Include important keywords Add the most important keywords related to the method and content of your work to make it easier to find through computer searches
- Write it last Write the abstract after you've completed the rest of your paper, making it a summary of your already completed work
- Word count Typically, abstracts range from 100 to 300 words, so it is important to check for specific word limits and requirements
