Abstract Writing Help

Overview

The abstract will often be the first element of the work that readers will view; therefore, it's crucial to get it effectively. A few well-executed techniques can make abstract writing accessible for readers to comprehend the more extensive work. An abstract is a concise summary of a larger piece of writing, like a thesis, dissertation, or research paper. 

A strong abstract serves as a condensed version of the entire research work. Although there is a stringent word limit, abstracts are typically between 100 and 300 words, so it is crucial to review the pertinent requirements. The abstract must be able to stand on its own and make sense; it should not simply be a rehash of the dissertation writing. The most effective strategy you may employ when writing the dissertation abstract is to attempt to put yourself in the position of a possible reader. Assume that the reader is curious about the research topic but not an expert in the area. In other words, write for the informed layperson rather than the seasoned subject specialist.

Nevertheless, abstract writing for dissertations might be challenging for students without writing experience. This is where our network of academic professionals comes into play. To accomplish your academic assignments with the finest quality and minimal complications, we perform by utilizing our vast experience and human resources.

The Contents of the Abstract

A strong dissertation abstract often includes information about the research's objective, methods, significant findings, and implications. The IMRD structure is a popular choice for abstract writing. This signifies:

Introduction

The opening section of the abstract should be concise while also grabbing the reader's attention. A well-written introduction should make the reader eager to read more. Although not in-depth background information, the introduction should provide insight into the topic's social or academic relevance. Since the research is already complete, this abstract section is written in the present or simple past, but it may never refer to the future.

Methods

This section describes the research methods used to answer the question. This section should contain a concise, one- or two-sentence explanation of the steps taken to get the findings. Instead of telling the methodology's advantages and disadvantages, this section offers the reader a rapid overview of the overall strategy and method adopted. Since it relates to accomplished actions, it is typically written in the simple past tense.

Results

This section summarizes the study's significant findings. The key objective is to highlight the most crucial results so the reader can comprehend the conclusions. The simple present or past tense are both appropriate for this section of the abstract.

Discussion

The main argument or inference that the research has proven or argued should be evident to the reader when they have finished reading. It is possible to describe any significant research constraints in the abstract quickly, enabling the reader to evaluate the research's generalizability and credibility accurately. In conclusion paragraphs, the present simple tense is typically used.

Final Notes

Have your style by straying a little from the norm. Adopt keywords or phrasing that effectively convey the essence of the research since the goal is that the abstract needs to be captivating enough to pique readers' interest and encourage them to read the study, gain knowledge from it, or put it to use. Imagine your dissertation as a book and the abstract as the blurb on the back cover. For better or worse, readers will unquestionably evaluate the book by its cover. Thus a good abstract should be concise but compelling, so make each word count. There should be one key idea expressed concisely in each sentence.

Abstract Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of the dissertation abstract writing?

An abstract is a brief synopsis of a research paper. The abstract should correctly and concisely represent the substance of your dissertation because it is the first thing a reader will see. It accomplishes two primary goals:

• To communicate the main conclusions to individuals who don't have time to read the entire work,
• To assist potential readers in determining the paper's applicability to their research.

2. When should I write my abstract?

The final thing you write is the abstract. To accurately summarize the contents of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, you should only write it when your research is finished.

3. Should we include citations in the abstract?

In your abstract, do not cite any sources. Instead of highlighting the work of others, the abstract should highlight your original research.

4. How should a research paper's abstract be written to give readers the most significance?

A strong abstract should contain all of the vital details of a dissertation work. In general, an informational abstract should summarize a research paper's essential sections—the introduction, the materials and methods utilized, the findings, the discussion, and the conclusions.

5 . What place in the dissertation does the abstract have?

In a thesis or dissertation, the abstract is on a separate page after the acknowledgments and title page but before the table of contents.

Recommended Reading:

• Andrade C. How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or conference presentation. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011 Apr;53(2):172-5. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.82558. PMID: 21772657; PMCID: PMC3136027.
• Duke University Press: Writing Abstract and Keywords