How to Write Your Abstract

Complete your entire paper first

Follow the style of another abstract as you build your three abstract paragraphs. Do not worry about length or language in this draft or stress about diction or sentence structure.

Check the rubric:

• Paragraph 1: Bolded research question

• Paragraph 2: States scope and method

• Paragraph 3: Summarizes your conclusion

Take a word count. If over 300 words, condense. If under, elaborate following the examples of others.

Delete unnecessary background information. This is not an introduction.

Eliminate all jargon, abbreviations, direct quotations, or citations.

Highlight:

• Your research question (intro)

• Sentences that detail the problem (intro)

• Key phrases that indicate scope (intro)

• Rewrite key sentences of conclusion

Avoid first person. Passive voice is preferred:

“This essay discusses the effects of . . . . Specifically, this paper investigates (restate research question) . . .”

“This essay examines how . . . . It attempts to answer the question . . .”

Get to as close as 300 words as possible, but do not go over. Place the word count at the bottom:

Word Count: 298