abstract writing

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Hello, here are some common Mistakes in writing an Abstract

1. No Abstract. Every paper needs an abstract. You’re no exception!

2. Abstract or an Introduction. An Abstract is not an Introduction. It is a

summary of the whole paper. Often, authors will write an Abstract that is ten

sentences of background information, with no reference to the results or conclusions

of the study. Don’t panic about including enough background – if a reader wants

details, she goes to your introduction.

3. Missing Information. Authors frequently forget to include information like:

What was the purpose of this study? What were the methods used? What were the

major results? What do these results mean? Be sure than your Abstract answers all

those questions.

4. Too Much Information. Some authors include way too much information on

the background, the problem, the methods, or the implications of a study. Usually, 1

- 2 sentences for each of the major sections (Introduction - Methods - Results -

Conclusions) are enough.

The Abstract should be short, snappy, and succinct. When readers want details, they’ll read the actual paper.

kunda