Research Paper Abstract Outline
To craft a great abstract, follow this outline:
What Is an Abstract?
- A concise, self-contained summary of a larger work.
- Describes key information without analysis or judgment.
- Introduces the aims and outcomes, but no specific results or statistics.
When to Write an Abstract
- Written for research articles, theses, reviews, and conference proceedings.
- Placed at the beginning of the manuscript, but written last.
Steps to Writing an Abstract
- Step 1: Write it last – Draw from the completed work for accuracy.
- Step 2: Set a word count – Typically 150-300 words, concise and focused.
- Step 3: Introduce the topic – Link to the title, but avoid repeating the introduction.
- Step 4: Describe the aims – State your research goals and methods, no discussion.
- Step 5: Mention major outcomes – Briefly outline the key results of your work.
- Step 6: Summarize the conclusion – Provide a brief hint of the conclusion without giving it away.