Communication Skills (1+0)

11.1.5.STYLES

Style I

Consider nature of original document

Subject

Length

Language 

Author's target audience

Style II

Anticipate the use of the abstract

current awareness (keep short)

retrospective searching (can be longer)

Style III

Start with a key sentence. Summarise content that is not described by document title. This gives the reader a chance to eliminate the document quickly if it is not relevant to his/her search.

Style IV

Keep sentences short. An abstract is not an essay. Sentences (in English) of about 12 words are suitable for an abstract.

Keep to one paragraph.

Style V

All sentences should be complete.

Include verbs and articles i.e. ‘the’.

Sentences can be broken up by numbering the points for clarity.

Make the meaning clear. Use words with only one meaning.

Style VI

Use initials, acronyms, trade names and subject terms if the reader of the abstract will understand them. Using these devices will make the abstract shorter.

Some abstracting services have a standard list of abbreviations that the reader can consult.

Style VII

Be concise. Write the draft then cut out unnecessary words and phrases, e.g. “the authors are of the opinion that…’. This is obvious.

- Prefer active verbs.

- Use simple past tense to report what was done

- Use present tense for facts, properties.

Style VIII

Follow the order of the original document, unless there is a good reasons to change it.

Style IX

The abstract should reflect the intentions of the original author. If the document emphasises one aspect above others, the abstract should do the same.

Style summary

The abstract should include the following:

- purpose and scope of investigation

- methodology used in the study

- results obtained

- conclusions drawn from the study

- other findings