University of Algiers 2 2020- 2021

English Department Prof K. Khaldi

Research project Writing (RPW) (M2) kamel.khaldi@univ-alger2.dz

WRITING THE ABSTRACT

1. WHAT IS AN ABSTRACT ? HOW LONG SHOULD IT BE?

A good abstract provides an overview of the research paper itself and is 100 to 150 words long. In
general, a good abstract addresses how and why the research paper was carried out and it summarizes
key findings

There are two main types of abstracts :

 Unstructured abstract
A single paragraph of between 100–250 words containing a very brief
summary of each of the main sections of your paper

 Structured abstract
The same as (1) but divided into several short sections

2. HOW TO STRUCTURE AN ABSTRACT?

An Abstract generally answers at least the first three of the following questions, and
generally in the following order. You can use the answers to these questions to structure
your Abstract.

1. What did I do, ?

2. Why did I carry out this project ? (What questions/problems am I trying to
answer ?)
3. How did I do it ? (State method/procedure followed)
4. What were my findings/results ? (State findings/results)
5. What are the implications of my findings ? What are my conclusions and/or
recommendations?
The typical structure of an Abstract, then, is:

 OVERVIEW of the study;

 AIM of the study;
 REASON for the study
 METHODOLOGY used in the study;
 FINDINGS of the study.

Mag Ling./M2/RPW/ABSTRACT/KH.K
 3. WHAT SHOULD NOT BE MENTIONED IN THE ABSTRACT ?

You should try to avoid:

 lengthy background information that is too generalist for your readers

 claims that are not supported in the paper
 references to other literature
 terms that are too technical or too generic - this will depend on your audience
 abbreviations or terms that may be confusing to readers,
 definitions of key terms
 generic quantifications (e.g. many, several, few, a wide variety) and the overuse or
unjustified use of subjective adjectives (e.g. innovative, interesting, fundamental).
 unnecessary details that would be better located in your Introduction, such as the name of
your institute, place names that readers will not have heard of