How to Write an Abstract

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.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Word Processor

1. Review your original article. Outline its main themes and highlights to use for your abstract.

2. Write a rough draft. Summarize the article using new words. Don't copy and paste from the original! This rough draft should be longer than your finished product so you can delete unnecessary words. Let yourself brainstorm while you edit.

3. Re-read your original article and try to pinpoint any concepts you could use as keywords for an Internet search. Headings, titles or table of contents are usually good sources of keywords.

4. Write an introductory sentence. This will be a statement of purpose for your article. It should introduce your central concept.

5. Write the body. This will be a brief description of the subject matter, roughly one or two paragraphs. Embed keywords into the first 20 words of the body. Make them inconspicuous so they don't break the reader's concentration.

6. Write a one or two sentence conclusion. This should entice someone to read more.

7. Edit and revise your abstract as needed. It is best to let a day pass before you return to it with fresh eyes. Edit unnecessary words. Be sure you clearly present your main points.

Tips & Warnings

• Embed keywords into the first 20 words of your abstract. This will make it visible to the major Internet search engines if you publish online.

• Emphasize the information, not the author, unless the author has noteworthy credentials.

• Never introduce new information in the abstract. Reveal what's in the article.

• Read it aloud to yourself or to a friend. Make sure it sounds natural and coherent.

• Keep it short--stick to one or two solid paragraphs.