How to create an effective abstract that communicates the significance of your research to readers and highlights its contribution to the field? Here are some key tips.

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An abstract is a brief summary of a scholarly article or research paper. It provides readers with a concise overview of the study’s objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions. Abstracts are an essential part of academic articles because they help readers quickly evaluate the relevance and quality of the research. Remember that an interested reader will use the abstract to decide whether to continue reading your article further.

Here are some tips for writing an effective abstract:

1. Keep it concise and focused.    

The abstract should be no more than 250-300 words, so it’s essential to be concise and focused. Your abstract should clearly and succinctly convey the primary purpose, research questions, methodology, and key findings of your work.

2. Highlight the key points.

The abstract should give readers a clear understanding of the main points of your study. Highlight the most important findings and their implications, and be sure to mention any novel or significant contributions to the field. 

3. Be clear and specific.

Your abstract should be clear and specific, avoiding overly technical or jargon-heavy language. Ensure that your language is precise and unambiguous, so readers can quickly understand the significance of your research.  

4. Follow the journal’s guidelines.

Be sure to follow the journal’s guidelines for abstract formatting and length. Different journals may have different requirements, so it’s essential to carefully review the submission guidelines before preparing your abstract.  

5. Write the abstract last.

It’s often helpful to write the abstract last, after you have completed the full article. This allows you to identify the key findings and conclusions of your study, which can then be used to craft a concise and effective summary.  

6. Seek feedback.     

Before submitting your abstract, seek feedback from colleagues or mentors in the field. They may be able to offer valuable suggestions for improving your abstract and ensuring it effectively communicates the significance of your research.   

Summary

 An abstract is an essential component of an academic article, providing readers with a concise overview of the study’s objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions. By following these tips, you can create an effective abstract that communicates the significance of your research to readers and highlights its contribution to the field!

Sources to consult:

Volokh, E., & Kozinski, J. A. (2016). Academic Legal Writing. Foundation Press.

The Writing Center at GULC (2003). Creating a Good Scholarly Paper.

The Writing Center at GULC (2015). Introductions and Conclusions for Scholarly Papers.

Delgado, R. (1985). How to Write a Law Review Article. USFL Rev., 20, 445.