First things first, well done on completing the end of your thesis. You have worked so hard to get to this point, and now you naturally want to summarise your work in the best way possible. There is every chance you don’t know what to cover in this section, or even how to go about writing your abstract. If this is the case, we hope to put your mind completely at ease by the time you have read this article.
The abstract section is usually one paragraph long, but it can be longer depending on how much detail you feel is necessary. You will not be going into any great detail here and your main mission when writing one of these is to be precise and engaging. In other words, let them know what your dissertation is about!
The Abstract should also include who your thesis advisor is and what specific issue or area of research has been studied. You should also include any special research methods or design types you have used to complete the work. It is also common to pay special thanks to a few people who have helped you in the process.
Some Golden Tips for Writing a Strong Abstract
As you write your dissertation, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Be as clear as possible
Make sure that your abstract is written in such a way that it flows well and will capture the attention of readers who are scanning the page for something that interests them. One thing a reader needs to know when they are done reading your abstract is exactly what your thesis is going to be about. They should ideally be left with a desire to read more. It is not an advertisement, but if the reader is interested in the subject, they should be left with the desire to read more.
Include a clear thesis statement
This statement should summarize the main objective of why you decided to write your thesis. Without a thesis, you won’t be able to write a strong abstract—because it’s not clear what you’re going to argue in your paper, it’s hard to create an abstract that makes sense of the rest of your work. To pick a very broad subject you could make an argument that prison is not successful for results of rehabilitation.
Avoid Using Technical Language
Make sure your abstract is simple by using language that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. To be more specific, avoid using technical jargon in your studies, use simple language and stay away from specialized terms or abbreviations. This is because your abstract needs to act as an introduction to the topic and this will include people who are not familiar with the subjects you are talking about. Make your project look accessible.
Most Abstracts Follow a Clear Structure:
Long abstracts can be difficult to read. In order to write a concise abstract, use complete sentences and avoid unnecessary phrases or words. Make sure your abstract is organized in a logical structure that is easy to follow. It should be structured according to the following standard format:
- a) First Sentence: This sentence introduces the reader to your topic, and it should clearly state what your study will investigate.
- b) Second Sentence: This sentence should provide background information on related studies or research performed on a similar subject matter.
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Read several Dissertation Abstracts
You should read quite a few dissertation abstracts online, so you can gain a good understanding of the general tone expected. With abstracts, you are not looking to reinvent the wheel here you are simply trying to get a point across and be engaging. Check out how other writers have done this and take inspiration from them.
Summary
Your abstract is important, but it is wise to not overthink it. If you follow all of the steps mentioned here, you are unlikely to experience any issues. In some ways, you are advertising all of your hard work, so make sure you put a lot of time and effort into making it shine.