how to write an abstract - wits university · pdf file([email protected]) research...
TRANSCRIPT
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But where to start?
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Agenda 1. What is an abstract? What is the NRF?
2. What does it consist of?
3. Which comes first?
4. Avoid at all costs
5. In addition to the abstract
6. A practical approach
7. Conclusion
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There are a total of 28 slides – good news is that we are already 11% through the presentation
1. What is an abstract?
5 The Thinker, by Auguste Rodin, ca 1880
The most important facts about ...
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An abstract is:
A short document
Intended to capture the interest of a potential
reader of the related paper
In essence an abstract is ...
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A marketing document for your full paper
So if it is poorly written or if it is boring
Then
It will not encourage a potential reader to spend the
time reading your work
2. What does it consist of?
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It must ...
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Make a clear statement of the topic of your paper
Indicate you research question
State how your research was/is being undertaken. For
example:
Is it empirical or theoretical?
Is it quantitative or qualitative?
Briefly describe the work to be discussed in your paper,
give a concise summary of the findings and to whom will
they be of use?
Writing the abstract
An abstract is essentially a “TRAILER” used to attract attention
Its must TANTALISE, ENTISE and EXCITE the funder
It is a SALES document
A good abstract is
Interesting
Clear
Persuasive
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The writing process
The aim of writing is to express yourself in a simple,
accurate and interesting manner. The content, format,
sentence structure, vocabulary, language, punctuation
and spelling all create a lasting impression on the
reader.
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Persuasive writing
Use short sentences, avoid jargon, think wide, focus
on impact.
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Think of some examples of people who commonly use persuasive
writing or talking. E.g., children, advertisers, sports people,
debaters, politicians.
Examples of persuasive writing
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Do not forget your disciplinary roots. Base your arguments in the
literature – stepping on the shoulders of the great. Keep it real!
BUT
Do all of this in ...
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Not more than 500 words
But not less than 300 words
300 words
A4 page using 12 point Arial font
500 words
3. Which comes first?
The abstract or the paper?
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The paper of course!
But this is often not practical. So...
Guess possible outcomes Predict possible outcomes
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Use language like:
Potential
Maybe
Could possibly
Use language like:
If all goes according to plan
then these will be the
outcomes
3. Avoid at all costs
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Abstracts are often:
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Too short. Some abstracts are less than 50 words
Too long
Do not explain what the proposed paper is about
Spend too long defining the general topic of the paper as
opposed to the particular issues the paper intends to address
Boring
4. In addition to the abstract
Other goodies
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Key words
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Used for search purposes
Offer between 5 and 10 key words
They should most closely reflect the content of the
paper
Biographic details
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A short ‘bio’ may need to accompany your abstract
This is not your CV
Usually needs to be about 50 to 150 words long
Include a passport photo – choose wisely
5. A practical approach
Works for me
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Assuming you have completed the paper
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Copy paper using Word into a new file
Read through the paper deleting all the detail
Left with the skeleton (1st sentence in each paragraph)
Edit this framework – make it interesting
Leave for a day, then re-read
Give it to your mother, does she understand what paper is about?
Does it excite you?
6. Conclusion
A brief recap and check against expectations
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Recap
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Abstract is not a summary, but a marketing tool
Make it stand out
Use short sentences
Focus on impact
Think wide
Better to write paper first, if not possible predict results
Never bore your audience
Test your writings with a non-specialist colleague
26 Thank you, Siyabonga