How to write a strong abstract in five sentences
A simple structure for research abstracts, with a worked example.
Most readers only read your abstract. It has to say what you did, what you found and why it matters, in very few words.
A five-sentence structure
- Context: the problem, in one sentence.
- Gap or aim: what is not yet known, and what you set out to do.
- Method: what you did, briefly.
- Results: what you found, with the key numbers.
- Conclusion: what it means, and for whom.
Example
Checklist
- Within the journal's or university's word limit.
- No citations, and abbreviations only if they are defined.
- Results include numbers, not just "significant differences were found".
- No claims that are not in the paper.
- Uses the keywords people will search for.
Common mistakes
- Too much background. One sentence of context is usually enough.
- No results. "Results are discussed" tells the reader nothing.
- Overclaiming. Keep the conclusion to what your data show.
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