Features of a Good Abstract
A well-crafted abstract is crucial for summarizing your research effectively:
- Summarizes the entire paper, usually in one paragraph.
- Usually about 150-300 words.
- Typically written in the past tense and mostly in the third person.
- Entirely new text (not cut and pasted from the paper).
- Stands alone—the reader can understand the abstract on its own.
- Includes keywords; only includes critical references; usually does not include graphics.
- Has concise, clear, specific (not vague), carefully edited language.
- Understands the audience: what does the reader know?
- Is not misleading; acknowledges when findings are preliminary.