How to Write a Thesis Abstract?
Are you finished with your thesis?
Ready to submit it and happily wave it goodbye?
Wait a minute!
Did you forget to write the abstract of your thesis?
Then do not make the grave mistake of submitting your thesis without an abstract.
But you don’t have any idea how to write a perfect abstract for that perfectly written thesis you were about to submit?
No worries! This blog is strictly for that purpose! So let’s go and see how you can become a master at writing your thesis abstract.
What Is An Abstract?
An abstract is the summary of the thesis. It is the short version of the long version (thesis). As much simple as it sounds, the abstract also has a structure and format that needs to be followed. Every main point of the thesis needs to be outlined in the section of the abstract.
If you are looking to outsource your thesis to a master thesis services you can judge how good they are, by viewing a sample of their abstract.
Word Count of the Abstract
Before you start writing pages upon pages for the portion of the abstract, stop! An abstract is the shortest portion of the whole thesis, (of course, apart from the title page). The word count of the abstract fluctuates from 150 words to 300 words. So, no need to work overboard because it will backfire. How? By destroying the first look of your thesis.
The Main Components of the Abstract
There are some components that must be included in the writing of the abstract. Ignoring these points will make your abstract incomplete. Do not think about making this crime and see below all the essentials you need to incorporate to make your abstract perfect!
Aims
The aim you state in the abstract is simply the aim of your study. Remember, you listed the aims of your study in the chapter of the introduction. At the beginning of your abstract, define the purpose (aim) of your thesis. It should be the first thing you write because it will inform the reader about the achievements of your thesis research.
You can briefly define the variables of your study but do not provide a detailed description, that part has been covered in the chapter of the introduction. After providing aims, write the problem statement and objectives of your thesis. Start the abstract while keeping in mind that it should give proper information about the idea behind the thesis.
Methods
Now write the approach used for the purpose of data collection. Do not deeply indulge in explaining the qualitative or quantitative method of data collection. Just write in two sentences how, from where, and from whom the data was collected. In short, define your sample in a line or two.
Refrain from writing strengths and weaknesses, and the validity of your methodological approach.
Results
Report your findings in simple words. The findings of your research will not be written in numbers, graphs, or tables. If there were more than one hypothesis in your thesis research then only state the result of the main hypothesis. No need to make it lengthy, because that is what the chapter of result is for.
Also, write the statistical analysis you applied to interpret the results. This will instantly inform the readers about the authenticity of your results findings.
Conclusion
Time to wrap up the abstract. Write the conclusion you have derived from the findings of the result. Only address the main point of your research. Clearly write it so the reader knows if your hypothesis was proved or not.
You can include recommendations and future implications in the conclusion of the abstract but it is not quite necessary to do so. If you want to avoid this part, no need to sweat. Your abstract will still be complete without it.
Keywords
The heading of keywords is included in the abstract. Right after the conclusion of your abstract, you will put a heading of keywords. In this, the words of main concepts will be singled out. This area is written to make your work appear in the searches for relevant work. If a researcher is searching for some literary work on your topic, the keywords will make your thesis appear on the search.
Dos and Don’ts of Writing an Abstract
You know what should be written in the heading of the abstract. But still, there are some things that can put a negative or a positive impact on your abstract.
| The Dos | The Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Only use formal language. | Do not put casual and layman phrases. |
| Keep the language simple. | Do not write jargon. |
| Use supportive sentences for your work. | Do not write the unaccomplished part of the research. |
| Write the full name of a term or institute once then use abbreviations. | Do not repeat the words. |
| Write in the past tense as the research has already been conducted. | Do not write in the present or future tense. |
| Write in the third person. | Do not use ‘I’ or write in the first person. |
| Use active voice. | Do not use passive voice. |
| Write well-structured sentences. | Do not write incomplete sentences. |
| Revise and check to ensure every point is included. | Do not assume that the abstract is not an important part of your thesis. |
When to Write an Abstract?
You know how you can perfectly write your abstract and all the dos and don’ts that will further increase the authenticity of your thesis abstract. But when is the right time to start working on your thesis abstract? You should only write the abstract after you have finished writing all chapters of your thesis. The common reason for this is, there is no way you will be able to write the abstract if you do not know what your results and thesis conclusion is. In the end, the abstract is the summary of your thesis. A summary cannot be written prior to the body.
Why Is It Important To Write A Good Abstract?
Every part of your thesis is important, especially the abstract. Why? Because in just several minutes it provides complete knowledge to the reader about what you did for the research, why you did it, how you did it, what you found from all of it, and what it means with respect to your thesis statement and aims of the thesis.
Moreover, the abstract is important for the reader to determine if your thesis work is relevant to their research topic.
Pro-Tips for Writing an Abstract
To make the process of writing an abstract more easy, check the tips shared by thesis pros.
Focus On Your Own Research
You can review the abstract of other people’s research to get an idea about how you should also write the abstract. But remember, your research is different than anyone else’s and you should write the abstract accordingly.
Keep It Simple
No need to write complex words or jargon. The simple the language the easier it will be for the reader to understand your thesis main points.
Be Specific
Avoid dragging the words just because you need to reach the word count. Be precise and write to the point.
Abstract Example
Need an example to know whether you have the correct idea of writing an abstract or not? Then see the sample below.
You Have Achieved Mastery!
After reaching the end of this blog, you have become the master of writing the thesis abstract. Now go ahead and write it so you can finally submit your thesis once and for all. Good luck!
Blogging has been my favourite part-time ever since. However, after graduating from high school, I chose to blog, as my career. It has been 5 years and I am here, blogging my heart out. Writing is the best way to creatively mention your thoughts, and I am a creativity expert!.
