Abstract Writing (论文摘要写作精简版)

Writing: Abstract

WHAT IS AN ABSTRACT

1. The Definition of an Abstract

1 ) the objectives and scope of investigation;

2) the methods used;

3) the most important results;

4) conclusion or recommendation.

2. Features of Abstracts

Brevity Accuracy Specificity Objectivity Informativeness Independency

CLASSIFICATION OF ABSTRACTS

1.Indicative Abstracts

rmative Abstracts

rmative-indicative Abstracts

4.Other Types of Abstracts 1) Critical Abstracts 2) Mini-abstracts

FUNCTIONS OF ABSTRACTS

A Screening Device of Documents: An abstract gives readers the idea of what the article is about.

A Self-contained Text: We’ll know the information it contains, without seeing the article .

A Helpful Preview: It "frames" the article and prepares the reader for the main points to come.

To Facilitate Indexing: It will improve the chances of having it read by the right people.

STYLISTIC FEATURES OF ABSTRACTS

1. The Length of Abstracts

1) In general, there is a 100-300 word limit to the number of words in an abstract.

2) Do not confuse an abstract with a review. There should be no comment or evaluation.

3) Give information only once.

4) Do not repeat the information given in the title.

5) Do not include any facts or ideas that are not in the text.

6) For informative abstracts, include enough data to support the conclusions.

7) If reference to procedure is essential, try to restrict it to identification of method or process.

8) State results, conclusions, or findings in clear concise fashion.

9) Organize the information in the way that is most useful to the reader. (a thesis-first abstract)

2. Verbs and Tenses Used in Abstracts

1) Active verbs: use active verbs rather than passive verbs.

2) Present tense: background information, existing facts, what is in the paper and conclusion.

3) Past tense /present perfect tense: completed research, methodology or major activities results.

3. Words Used in Abstracts

1) Avoid use of highly specialized words or abbreviations. Define unfamiliar words.

2) Synthesize or rephrase the information into clear, concise statements.

3) Avoid using jargon.

4. Sentence Structures of Abstracts

1) Use third person sentences.

2) Use short sentences, but vary sentence structure.

3) Use complete sentences.

4) The first sentence should present the subject and scope of the report. The thesis or the writer's focus should be presented in the second sentence. The balance of the article is a summary of the important points of each section, including methods, procedures, results and conclusions.

5) Good abstracts are sure to include a variety of pat phrases:

a. Background Information (Research has shown... It has been proposed... Another proposed property... The search is on for... One of the promising new...)

b. Statement of the Problem (The objective of the research is to prove / verify... The experiment was designed to determine...)

e. Statement of Procedure (To investigate this .... A group of 10 specimens / subjects ... Measurements