An abstract is a brief summary of a longer piece of writing. It is a snapshot of the main argument and main evidence/theory/ideas an author uses to advance his or her point. In this way, an abstract can provide a reader with an opportunity to understand the basics about an issue without having to read a longer work (or it can serve as a good study guide/quick reference for your own work). If a reader of your abstract feels as if they need to “see the data” to believe the argument, then he or she can read the entire article or report about which the abstract was written.

Abstracts require pretty tight writing. The goal here is to be precise and concise. Succinct text requires careful word choices. There is definitely no room in a good abstract for vague or unrevealing words like “thing” or “important” or “clearly.”

Before you can write a good abstract, you as a writer must have a clear understanding of the material. Questions to ask yourself could include, what are the limits of what the author is proposing? Does the author have a clear hypothesis that you can restate? What assumptions are necessary to support a discussion of the author’s hypothesis? How does the evidence support the author’s argument? Does it fall short somewhere?

You might be asking why it is useful to practice writing these dumb old abstracts. Let me give you an explanation: most people have little time to listen to you. For example, officials who run administrative agencies in government are extremely busy. With packed schedules, you might be able to gain audience to her or him for five to ten minutes to explain the important points of a situation. Or you may need to brief someone like your boss or your mom about an important issue. Sometimes you will do this in writing; sometimes you may do it in person. Either way, clear, concise communication is vital. Abstract writing is good practice.