Abstract writing

An abstract is a condensed version of a longer piece of writing that highlights the major points covered, concisely describes the content and scope of the writing, and reviews the writing's contents in abbreviated form.

Abstracts are short statements that briefly summarize an article or scholarly document. Abstracts are like the blurbs on the back covers of novels. They entice someone to read further. With an abstract, you have to prove why reading your work is worthwhile.

Two types of abstracts are generally used:

Descriptive Abstracts:

- tell readers what information the report, article, or paper contains;

- include the purpose, methods, and scope of the report, article, or paper;

- do not provide results, conclusions, or recommendations;

- are always very short, usually under 100 words;

- introduce the subject to readers, who must then read the report, article, or paper to find out the author's results, conclusions, or recommendations.

Informative Abstracts:

- communicate specific information from the report, article, or paper;

- include the purpose, methods, and scope of the report, article, or paper;

- provide the report, article, or paper's results, conclusions, and recommendations;

- are short – from a paragraph to a page or two, depending upon the length of the original work being abstracted. Usually informative abstracts are 10% or less of the length of the original piece.

- allow readers to decide whether they want to read the report, article, or paper.

All abstracts include:

- a full citation of the source, preceding the abstract;

- the most important information first;

- the same type and style of language found in the original, including technical language;

- key words and phrases that quickly identify the content and focus of the work;

- clear, concise, and powerful language.