How to Write an Abstract

An abstract is a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of an article; it allows readers to survey the contents on an article quickly. An abstract is like an outline of the paper's key points. When writing an abstract of an article or paper it is best to paraphrase rather than quote. Include the author(s) names and the date of the publication.

A good abstract is

Accurate Ensure that an abstract correctly reflects the purpose and content of the article or manuscript. Do not include information that does not appear in the body of the article.

Self contained Do not use abbreviations and acronyms. Spell out all the names and define unique terms.

Concise and specific Make each sentence maximally informative, especially the lead sentence. Be as brief as possible. One hundred and fifty words is the maximum words for an abstract, and this for a complex paper.

Nonevaluative Report rather than evaluate; do not add to or comment on what is in the boy of the manuscript.

Coherent and readable Write in clear and vigorous prose. Use verbs rather than the noun equivalents and the active rather than the passive voice