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Published on: Jun 24, 2021
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Abstracts are an essential component of any academic or scientific paper, providing a concise summary of the research study.
However, writing an abstract can be challenging for many writers, especially for those who are new to the field.
A poorly written abstract can undermine the quality of the research and fail to engage readers.
Moreover, a lack of clarity and conciseness in an abstract can lead to rejections from journals or conferences.
In this blog, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a compelling abstract. We will provide step-by-step guidelines, and engaging examples to help you master this art.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
An abstract is a concise summary of a larger piece of work, such as a research paper, article, thesis, or conference presentation.
It serves as a standalone representation of the main points and findings of the completed work. This enables readers to quickly grasp the essence and significance of the content without having to read the entire document.
An abstract acts as a preview or snapshot of the full work, giving readers an overview of what to expect. It serves as a critical tool for researchers, scholars, and professionals in various fields, as well as for individuals seeking relevant information on a specific topic.
You should know that there are different types of abstracts. Every kind of abstract is written according to the requirements of a research paper.
If a writer uses the right type of abstract, it will be easier for the reader to understand the concept.
Some common types of abstract are mentioned below:
Here are the steps to help you write a good abstract.
Identifying and highlighting the purpose of the research paper is important not just for the readers but also for you. No matter what topic your research paper has, you must have a strong reason for working on that topic specifically.
When you know your researchâs reason and purpose, you would also justify things to potential readers.
Specifically, to write an abstract, a writer must know the purpose of the research. This is because the abstract starts with the statement in which the research purpose is stated.
Being the writer, you should start writing the abstract by explaining why people should consider your study.
Also, highlight your researchâs significance and scope in the abstract and state what you expect to achieve from it.
Answer the following research question while writing the abstract part.
Remember, an abstract serves as the essence of your essay. It is essential to write it carefully.
Stating the problem statement means that your research is addressing a missing component of previous research. Writing the problem statement is just like handling a missing piece of the puzzle; you will try to find and fill in the gap.
While you are working on your research problem statement, there are a few essential things that you should consider. Those essential elements are:
Once you have stated the purpose of your research, the next step is to mention the research methods you have used. While citing the methodologies, you also include how you have executed the research and how you progressed each step.
If you have taken references from previously done research, mention them in this part. In case you have used any specific models for analysis, they also need to be discussed here.
Make sure to mention the following elements in this section:
Once you have stated the purpose, methodology, and scope of your research, you should move towards summarising. In this section, you need to provide an overview of the outcome of your study.
While writing the summary in the abstract, use expressive and vivid words to explain your context to the reader. Make sure that you use some quantitative terms.
Include the following elements in this part.
The conclusion is the last part of the abstract of your research paper. In this section, you need to state the implications and limitations of your research study. Make sure that you write this part to be closely connected to the rest of the body of your paper.
While concluding the abstract, make sure that you answer the following questions:
When writing a research paper or scientific article, one commonly used structure is the IMRaD structure.
IMRaD stands for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. It provides a logical and organized framework for presenting your research findings.
Here's a breakdown of each section within the IMRaD structure:
Section | Purpose |
Introduction | Provides background, context, and objectives |
Methods | Describes the research methodology |
Results | Presents the findings of the study |
Discussion | Analyzes and interprets the results |
Each section serves a specific purpose in presenting your research effectively and logically.
By following the IMRaD structure, you can guide readers through your research paper or article in a systematic manner.
Examples help in understanding things in a better way. They not just help in merely understanding but also speed up the process.
Before you write the research paper or the abstract, make sure that you read some examples carefully.
Abstract: This paper examines how silent movies were a way for people in the United States to share experiences during the early twentieth century. At this time, there were a lot of immigrants in the country. These immigrants faced many challenges, like not being able to go to public places or participate in the news. This study used reviews, personal correspondence, and diaries to show that silent films were an affordable and inclusive source of entertainment. The study argues that early cinema was accessible economically and represented the views of a diverse audience. |
Below mentioned are some well-written examples of abstracts.
Undergraduate students are also assigned research paper writing assignments in which they have to write abstracts for the paper. Following is an example of an abstract written for an undergrad research paper.
Check out this video below for more in-depth information on writing an abstract.
When it comes to writing a winning abstract, there are several key tips to keep in mind. Here are some of them to consider:
Clearly state the purpose of your research and what you aim to achieve. This helps readers understand the significance of your study.
Tailor your abstract to the specific audience you are targeting. Consider their level of expertise and use appropriate terminology and language.
Abstracts are typically limited in word count, so make every word count. Focus on the most important aspects of your research and avoid unnecessary details.
Use a structured approach, including distinct sections such as background, methods, results, and conclusion. This provides a logical flow to your abstract and makes it easier to read and understand.
Emphasize the most significant results or outcomes of your research. This helps readers quickly grasp the main contributions of your study.
Ensure your abstract is written in clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse readers. Use plain language to convey your ideas effectively.
If you are submitting your abstract to a specific conference or journal, carefully review their guidelines and formatting requirements. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates professionalism and increases your chances of acceptance.
Take the time to thoroughly proofread your abstract and revise it for clarity and coherence. Eliminate any grammatical errors or inconsistencies that may detract from the overall quality of your abstract.
While writing an abstract, it is important to be mindful of certain pitfalls that can diminish the effectiveness of your summary. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
In conclusion, writing a winning abstract is a crucial skill for any academic or scientific writer.
Remember to start with a clear objective, tailor your language and follow formatting guidelines. Most importantly, take the time to thoroughly proofread and revise your abstract to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful.
By getting help from our essay writer AI, you can create an abstract that effectively summarizes your research.
At CollegeEssay.org, we understand the importance of crafting high-quality academic writing, including abstracts.
Our expert writers have years of experience writing abstracts. They can help you create a compelling abstract that captures the essence of your research.
So, if you need assistance with your academic writing, hire our paper writing service today.
The five parts of an abstract are:
An abstract should be six sentences long.
The main four qualities of a good abstract are;
The result section is the most important part of an abstract.
The last sentences of an abstract should be committed to the overall take-home message of your study.
Keywords are important words that can be found in your abstract and chapters. They can also be used as search terms to find content. Abstracts and keywords together help researchers find what they are looking for.
No, you cannot add references in an abstract. Since the abstract should be original and not the work of others.
WRITTEN BY
Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)
As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
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