ABSTRACT WRITING

Many wonder why abstract comes first in a write-up, even though it’s the last thing that is done. This is because an abstract is a summary to the whole work. With a good title and content of the abstract, it gives the reader a clear cut of your whole work and it will determine if it is worth reading or not. Putting up a good abstract involves thinking outside the box and coming up with something unique, it’s all about discovery. In writing an abstract there are some certain things you must put out into consideration:

a. Write your paper first. Even though an abstract comes at the beginning of a work, it acts as a summary of your entire paper.

b. Review and understand the requirements for writing your abstract. Know whom you are writing for, the style and flow of writing. If there is a particular font for your type of writing; adopt it.

c. Consider your audience. Abstract are written to help readers find your work.

d.  Determine the type of abstract you must write. Information abstract are used for much longer and technical research while descriptive abstract are best for shorter papers.

COMPONENTS OF AN ABSTRACT

a. Identify your purpose. Why did you decide to do this study or project? How did you conduct your research? What did you find? Why is the research and your findings important? Why should someone read your entire essay? 

b. Explain the problem at hand. What problem is your research trying to best understand or solve? What is the scope of your study; Is it a general problem or something specific? What is your main claim or argument?

c. Explain your methods. Discuss your own research including the variables and your approach. Describe the evidence you have to support your claim. Give an overview of your must important sources.

d. Describe your results (informative abstract only). What answer did you reach from your research or study? Was your hypothesis or argument supported? What are the general findings?

e. Give your conclusion. What are the implications of your work? is your result general or very specific?

ABSTRACT ACCEPTABILITY

a. Abstract should speak to the theme of the conference/write-up

b. Submit to the right thematic area

c.  Choose a catchy title to attract reviewers

d. Present strong background to demonstrate understanding of the problem

I will find time and write on some of the reasons why some abstracts are rejected, common problems and unnecessary information we include.