Definition:
Abstracts, like all summaries, cover the main points of a document.
Generally, abstracts use a style with the same level of difficulty
and terminology as the article. Abstracts are typically 150 to 250
words and follow set patterns.
Purposes:
To help readers decide if they want to read the full article
To help readers remember key findings on a topic
To help readers understand a text by acting as an outline of key points
Types of Abstracts:
Descriptive Abstract
Outlines the topics covered in a piece of writing. It is like a
table of contents in paragraph form. The descriptive abstract
does not capture the content of the original work.
Informative Abstract
Provides detail about the article’s content, including methods used and
results found. Some readers rely on the informative abstract as a
substitute for reading the original work. Informative abstracts
typically follow this format:
1.Identifying information (usually the bibliographic citation)
2.Restatement of the main point, including the initial problem or background
3.Method used (for experimental work) and key findings
4. Major conclusions
More Details on Abstracts:
An abstract includes a title (this is
optional), and a body. Most scholarly or peer-reviewed articles
begin with an abstract. For undergraduate student work, the
abstract should be a single double-spaced paragraph on a separate
sheet of paper. The word “Abstract” should be centered, followed
by a double or triple space before the body of the abstract.
Writing the Abstract:
In the original article, highlight or copy sentences that summarize the entire
piece or individual points of the main argument. Make a rough
outline of the paper.
Write a sentence that summarizes the main point.
Add sentences that summarize major points. If you are writing a
descriptive abstract, you are now ready to begin revising your
abstract for clarity.
If you are writing an informative abstract, add statements that
explain key methods, arguments, and findings. Now revise your
writing for consistency and length. Do not repeat any points.
Example of an abstract from a scholarly article:
This research attempts to shed some light on an
unintended consequence of the term limit movement—its likely
impact on the representation of women and minorities in state
legislatures. The retention rates of female and minority members
are traced over 6- and 12-year periods in order to estimate the
effect of term limits. The findings indicate that the retention
rate for women in the lower house is slightly less than that for
men, but is substantially higher than for men in the upper house.
The retention rate for African Americans in the lower house is
slightly higher than that for white females and comparable to that
for white males. The results for Hispanics representatives are
similar to those for African Americans. The findings also
indicate that the retention rates for all groups are influenced by
legislative professionalism.
Thompson, J. A. & Moncrief, G. F. (1993). The implications of term limits for women and
minorities: Some evidence from the states.
Social Science Quarterly, 74, 300.
