ABSTRACT TRAINING (AND OTHER FINAL TID-BITS)

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step #1: Complete your entire paper first, making sure to retrofit your intro and conclusion to your paper.

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step #2: Have an exemplar abstract in your subject area by your side as a model for you.

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step #3: Highlight:• Your research question (intro)

• Sentences that detail the problem (intro)• Key phrases that indicate scope (intro)• Rewrite key sentences of conclusion

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step# 4: Mimic 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.

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step#5: Take a word count. If over 300 words, condense. If under, elaborate following the examples of others.

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step #6: Delete unnecessary background information. This is not an introduction.

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step #7: Eliminate all jargon, abbreviations, direct quotations, or citations.

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step #8: 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 . . .”

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step#9: Get to as close as 300 words as possible, but do not go over. Place the word count at the bottom:

Word Count: 298

TEN EASY STEPS TO WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstract Step#10: Check the rubric:• Paragraph 1: Bolded research question• Paragraph 2: States scope and method• Paragraph 3: Summarizes your conclusion

DO ANY OF THESE SITUATIONS APPLY TO YOU?

I want to note an important background source of information not cited in the paper but listed in the bibliography

I have faulty or incomplete data to support my conclusions in a scientific procedure

My topic/question borders on ethical guidelines for appropriateness.

I have translated a work from another language that I now have cited in my EE

If so, you need to construct an acknowledgment page. See me later.

ESSAYS BASED ON PRACTICAL WORK CARRIED OUT AT A UNIVERSITY OR OTHER RESEARCH INSTITUTION:

You need to include a letter• The current guide makes it very clear that essays

of this type must be accompanied by a covering letter from a qualified person at the external site

• A cover letter should outline the role of the candidate in deciding the research approach as well as the type and extent of guidance provided at the institution.

The experience of this and past sessions has shown that in some cases such essays have not been able to reach the top levels for certain criteria. This applies for example to criterion C where the assessment statement “the investigation has been well planned" is interpreted to mean well planned by the candidate.

TITLE PAGE REQUIREMENTS:

You are to go to the UAIS research site and copy the title page http://www.uaisresearch.com/editingpublishing.html

Type in your personal information

Do not deviate from this format as points can be lost

FINAL CHECKLIST:

Check and sign each portion

If supervisor finds you DID NOT follow steps and requirements they will hand me the pile and you will have earned a level-3 intervention with me

You will have 24 hours to make good on what you lacked

It must be turned in to me – NOT YOUR SUPERVISOR SINCE YOU QUALIFIED YOURSELF AT A LEVEL 3