Language.

As the abstract needs to give a lot of information in few words, the language used must be clear, concise and direct. To ensure this, it is important to use powerful content words as far as possible.

Grammar.

Use the present simple to introduce the topic and describe results and conclusions.

- From the research two main findings emerge……

Use the past simple (often in the passive voice) to describe research methodology and results

- …..this paper analyzed 500 abstracts from a range of different academic sources…

Style

The abstract should be short, powerful, but grammatically correct sentences tend to be common.

Good cohesion and linking between sentences is critical. References may be included if relevant.

Audience

You want to encourage people to read your essay, but at the same time to sound professional. You should judge the content and the language you use accordingly.

Format.

Usually abstract are written as one paragraph and appear in a slightly smaller font than the rest of the essay.

Common problems associated with abstracts

Problem 1: The abstract is too long/overly detailed.

Solution:focus on key points; write in more concise way; delete unnecessary words

Problem 2: The abstract is poorly written/not well edited.

Solution: Better time-management skills; include writing the abstract tin your overall planning

Problem3: The abstract sounds like the introduction

Solution: Be clear about the specific purpose/function of each.

Problem 4: The abstract misjudges its audience.

Solution:Write in a style appropriate for the average or”median” reader

Activation

Below are two ‘first drafts’ for the abstract which appears on in part B. In each case identify five problems.

Abstract 1.

An abstract is a short piece of writing which goes at the beginning of an academic essay in order to give an overview of the most points. Two main findings emerge from the study: students need greater exposure to abstracts throughout their studies and they require more training in writing them. This essay analyzed lots of abstracts from many different sources. It discovers that students have problems in understanding the key components of an abstract, and that they require skills development.

Problems with abstract 1

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The formation of the English Nation and the English Language.

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
B. Contextualization	\|	Abstract 2.

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