Demystifying the Introduction/Abstract Divide Part 2: The Abstract
Last week’s post discussed writing an introduction, so today we’ll look at another element of
academic writing that goes at the beginning of your paper: the abstract. This post will also provide you with some examples and checklists so that you can compose your abstract
with confidence. And remember, requirements for abstracts differ between programs and type of project—Walden University actually prohibits the use of first-person in capstone project abstracts. Make sure you double check your template and ask your faculty member if an abstract is necessary and what format is appropriate if so.
Generally, the main differences between abstracts and introductions are
that an abstract, unlike an introduction, is a summary, and not a teaser summary, a complete summary. This is because the purpose of the abstract is
very different from an introduction.
When you write an abstract, your reader wants to know if
reading the entire article is worth their time—so they don’t just want an
overview, they want to know specifics. In an abstract you want to concisely hit
the main points, research findings, and conclusions of the paper. You aren’t
trying to persuade your reader— instead, you’re giving everything away. In the course of your introduction, you might cite some of your background information.
Looking back at the sample prompt from last week’s
“Introductions” post, let’s take a look at how abstracts differ from
Introductions. First off, here’s a reminder of the hypothetical paper prompt
we’ll be using as a guide:
“Write a 2 page reflection paper where you discuss what your writing process looks like and how you might want to change or improve your writing process to more fully embrace the practices and tips provided in the course materials.”
And now let’s look at a sample abstract that follows our
guidelines:
Here’s the sample
abstract:
The writing process varies from writer to writer, but for me
personally I struggle with time management in my writing. My writing process
includes drafting and proofreading, currently. After reading some of the Walden
writing webpages, I plan to improve my process to also include brainstorming
and revision in order to reflect on my papers’ scope, focus and clarity both
before and after writing so that my work with be stronger and clearer for my
readers.
And now compare it to
the introduction from last week:
The writing process is a circular
and recursive process that writers go through when composing a piece of text
(Laureate, 2016). When writers take the time to prepare for writing, it can
help to make the process easier (Laureate, 2015). However, sometimes writers
are short on time, and it’s challenging to complete the full writing process.
This has certainly been true for me. In this paper, I will discuss the bad
habits of my writing process and ways that I plan to change this process per
the suggestions on the Walden University Writing Center website. My current writing process is focused solely
on drafting and proofreading and this process could be significantly improved
by embracing the full writing process and focusing on better time management.
Take a look at these two examples side-by-side for easier comparison:
Abstract Introduction
The writing process varies from writer to writer, but for me
personally I struggle with time
management in my writing. My writing process includes drafting and proofreading, currently.
After reading some of the Walden
writing webpages, I plan to improve my process to also include
brainstorming and revision in order to reflect on my papers’ scope, focus and
clarity both before and after writing so that my work with be stronger and
clearer for my readers.
|
The writing
process is a circular and recursive process that writers go through when
composing a piece of text (Laureate, 2016). When writers take the time to
prepare for writing, it can help to make the process easier (Laureate, 2015).
However, sometimes writers are short on time, and it’s challenging to
complete the full writing process. This has certainly been true for me. In
this paper, I will discuss the bad habits of my writing process and ways that
I plan to change this process per the suggestions on the Walden University Writing Center website. My current writing process is focused
solely on drafting and proofreading
and this process could be significantly improved by embracing the full
writing process and focusing on better time
management.
|
See how the sample abstract hit the main points of the
prompt but didn’t evaluate or offer judgement? Instead it restated the facts
and conclusions in much more detail than the introduction—which only hinted at
the main processes the paper would discuss changing. The abstract explained why change would be beneficial and which specific changes would be made
moving forward.
The reason for this complete summary is because when
researchers work they may skim hundreds of articles related to their topic of
choice—and they simply don’t have the time to read articles that 1.) Don’t fully relate to their points
or research or 2.) Repeat
information or sources they already have. That’s why they use the abstract—to
see if reading through the entire paper will be worth their time.
A researcher
may not be sure they want to read your paper, but then discover that your own
conclusions mirror their own and decide to. Or they may see your conclusions
and have enough other articles supporting that idea already—so including your
conclusions and concisely reiterating main points is essential for an abstract.
Because you need to state your conclusions, it’s best to write your abstract after your paper is complete—that way
you can make a list of your main points and conclusions and then be sure to
include them in your abstract.
Now let’s take a look at an abstract checklist—things to ask
yourself as you’re writing and once you’re done. Does your abstract:
- Summarize your main points, arguments and discoveries?
- Offer no judgement?
- Express your points concisely?
- Describe your conclusions?
- Avoid citing source information?
If you’d like more practice, The Writing Center has lots of great in information about abstract basics as well as a page with some examples on our website.
Have any thoughts, comments or abstract-writing tips? Share them below!
By following these guidelines and looking back at this page once you’ve completed your abstract, you can ensure that you’re differentiating between these two important elements of academic writing and completing each successfully
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Claire, I noticed you use first person in the abstract example. When is it acceptable to use first person?
ReplyDeleteHi Daryl! The use of first person in academic writing is a debatable topic. Although the simple answer is to avoid using first person, it really is the best point of view to use when talking about specific actions you will take as the writer. First person is preferable to calling yourself by name or referring to yourself as "the writer" or "this researcher."
DeleteWalden University allows the use of first person in academic writing (read more here: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice/first) However, each program has specific requirements for assignments. It is important to check the requirements for your program/assignment.