The abstract is probably the most important section of your manuscript. It is the first thing readers use in judging the quality of your paper and determining whether to proceed to read it or not. Furthermore, journal editors read the abstract first when deciding whether to send your manuscript for review. While the abstract is the first thing that is read by others, you should write it only after your paper is completed. Here I give some pointers that served me well in the past when evaluating or writing my abstracts.
- The best and most concise advice I have found on writing an effective and impactful abstract is given in this document, which is adapted from A Scrutiny Of The Abstract,II by Kenneth K. Landes of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- The URI’s Graduate Writing Center also has some tips for abstract writing.
- The research.com has a comprehensive article describing the types, tips, and best practices for reserarch paper abstract writing.
