Abstract Writing Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

An abstract is a concise summary of your research that helps readers quickly understand your work’s purpose, methods, findings, and significance. This checklist guides you through writing an effective abstract.

Pre-Writing Considerations

• Identify your target journal or publication venue
• Check word count requirements (typically 150-300 words)
• Review examples of abstracts in your target publication
• Understand your audience’s background and expectations
• Identify the key contribution of your research

Structure Checklist

Introduction/Background (1-2 sentences)

• State the research problem or question
• Provide minimal necessary context
• Avoid unnecessary background information
• Make the significance clear

Methods (2-3 sentences)

• Describe your research approach briefly
• Mention key methods or data sources
• Include sample size or scope if relevant
• Avoid excessive methodological detail

Results/Findings (2-3 sentences)

• Present main findings clearly
• Include key quantitative results if applicable
• Highlight most significant discoveries
• Avoid vague statements like “results are discussed”

Conclusion/Implications (1-2 sentences)

• State the main conclusion
• Mention implications or significance
• Connect findings to broader context
• Avoid overstating claims

Writing Quality Checklist

Clarity

• Use clear, direct language
• Avoid unnecessary jargon
• Define essential technical terms briefly
• Write in active voice when possible
• Ensure each sentence adds value

Accuracy

• Abstract accurately represents the full paper
• All claims are supported in the main text
• Numbers and statistics match the paper
• No information appears only in abstract
• Methodology description matches actual methods

Completeness

• All required elements are present
• Key findings are included
• Main conclusion is stated
• Significance is clear
• Nothing essential is missing

Conciseness

• Meets word count requirement
• No redundant information
• Every word serves a purpose
• Removed unnecessary phrases
• Tightened verbose sentences

Language and Style Checklist

• Used present tense for established facts
• Used past tense for completed research actions
• Avoided future tense (except for implications)
• Eliminated filler words and phrases
• Used specific rather than vague language
• Varied sentence structure
• Ensured smooth flow between sentences

Keywords and Discoverability

• Identified 3-5 relevant keywords
• Keywords appear naturally in abstract
• Keywords reflect main concepts
• Considered search terms readers might use
• Avoided overly generic terms

Final Review Checklist

Self-Review

• Read abstract aloud for flow
• Check for typos and grammar errors
• Verify all numbers and statistics
• Ensure consistency with main text
• Test if abstract stands alone

Peer Review

• Ask colleague unfamiliar with research to read
• Can they understand the research?
• Do they know what you found?
• Is the significance clear?
• Would they want to read the full paper?

Formatting

• Meets word count requirement
• Follows journal formatting guidelines
• No citations (unless required)
• No abbreviations (unless standard)
• Proper capitalization and punctuation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t include information not in the paper
• Don’t use citations (unless required)
• Don’t use abbreviations without defining
• Don’t write in first person (check journal preference)
• Don’t include tables or figures
• Don’t use vague phrases (“further research needed”)
• Don’t overstate findings
• Don’t include unnecessary background

Special Considerations

Structured Abstracts

Some journals require structured abstracts with headings:

• Background/Objective
• Methods
• Results
• Conclusions

Conference Abstracts

May have different requirements:

• Check specific conference guidelines
• May allow more flexibility
• Focus on attracting audience

Grant Proposals

Abstracts for funding may emphasize:

• Significance and impact
• Innovation
• Feasibility

Revision Process

1. Write first draft focusing on content
2. Revise for clarity and flow
3. Cut unnecessary words
4. Verify accuracy against full paper
5. Get feedback from colleagues
6. Revise based on feedback
7. Final proofread

Quality Indicators

A strong abstract:

• Makes readers want to read the full paper
• Accurately represents the research
• Is clear to readers outside your specialty
• Highlights the research contribution
• Meets all formatting requirements

Remember: The abstract is often the only part of your paper that many people will read. Make it count!