Key points
- An abstract is a condensed statement of the contents of a paper that precedes the paper (or report or literature review). It stands alone, completely independent of the paper.
- An abstract and a summary are the same. However, an abstract denotes an even shorter summary.
Word count: 50 to 150 words, approximately 1% to 3% of the paper (as a general rule).
Purpose
An abstract helps busy readers keep up-to-date in their fields by giving them an overview of an entire paper. They can then decide whether they need to read it.
It's a useful tool for library research. It helps the researcher decide if the paper abstracted is relevant to the topic they're researching.
The abstract provides an overview of the whole paper, which helps the reader understand a topic.
Length
The length of an abstract varies depending on the length of the paper and where the abstract appears. Each journal, abstracting index and instructor has different requirements. A general rule is the abstract will be 50 to 150 words, approximately 1% to 3% of the paper and seldom more than two-thirds of a page.
Types of abstracts
Descriptive (Indicative)
A descriptive abstract takes the table of contents approach: it cites the topics the paper discusses without providing details. For example, if the paper recommends some course of action, the abstract may only state that the paper makes recommendations for future action.
Informative
An informative abstract summarises the main points and gives the most significant details from each section of the paper. The abstract of a report, for instance, would briefly:
- state the specific purpose of the report
- outline the procedures used, the most significant results and the main conclusions and recommendations.
Style
Write the abstract in complete sentences, which form paragraphs. It's not written in point form and seldom uses the first person (I, we) or the passive voice (It was shown that…).
It should have the same tone, point of view and emphasis as the paper's author.
How to write an abstract
If you're writing an abstract of your own paper, begin writing the abstract only when you're satisfied your paper is well-organised and complete. If you are writing an abstract of someone else's paper, read it carefully, at least twice, to ensure you understand its key points.
Underline keywords and sentences signalled by transitional markers
Carefully examine:
- headings, topic and concluding sentences of paragraphs
- transitional devices, such as 'first', 'second', 'third'
- keywords indicating comparison or contrast. For example, 'best', 'foremost', 'central', 'crucial'.
List your main points
List the main points you've drawn from your close reading of the paper. Take care to maintain the same emphasis as that of the original paper. Check the table of contents (if one exists) or the outline (if you're abstracting your own paper) for the paper's main points.
Summarise each section in a sentence or 2
Draft the abstract
Avoid including opinions, examples, details and explanations, and eliminate all phrases, such as noted in, as shown by, for example.
Let the abstract sit for as long as possible without reading or editing it
Revise the abstract
Try to reduce it by cutting it in half – condense points by combining them and eliminating any repetition.
Use your own words as much as possible
If you quote words, phrases or whole sentences, you will find your abstract will be too long and awkward.
Eliminate all references
Eliminate all references to tables, figures or sources found in the reference list of the original paper. Your abstract must be completely independent of the paper.
Make sure your abstract is readable and useful
Check the final draft to see if it condenses the original paper logically, effectively and accurately.
Example abstract
The Effect of Individualisation of Land Title on Māori Tribal Society
By
Jan Dickson
For
Dr J Dawick
39.107 Applied English
Each traditional right of ownership of ancestral Māori land bears an essential relationship to its occupation. Alienation of tribal land and individualisation of titles have led to difficulties in administering and using the remaining remnant of traditional Māori land. These same ills have also posed serious threats to the viability of tribal communities and hastened the dispersion of hapu members to non-traditional and urban areas.
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