How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation? 8 Steps to Follow!

05 Apr 2021 1451 share it:

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Working on an abstraction for a dissertation really blew off your mind? Do not worry any more; in this blog, you will get an answer to questions that can ease all your struggles. Many students search on the internet 'How to write an abstract for a dissertation, research paper or thesis?' and as a result, find lengthy tricks and tips that make the students sicker. But not any more! 

The experts of the Assignment Desk are here with an easy and fast solution- a step-by-step guide. This blog includes helpful tips and various other information; that will take you to the end of your dissertation abstract writing. Let's begin with a short introduction to the abstract and then move forward towards the other aspects connected with it. 

What Is an Abstract?

An abstract is a short version of more extensive work, such as a dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The abstract indicates to the readers what the document is about specifically by concisely reporting the aims and outcomes of your research.

Now, let's know about the different types of abstracts in our next section.

2 Types of Abstracts

There are two main types of dissertation abstracts easily found in various writings that are:

• Descriptive abstracts 
• Informative abstracts 

The abstract that shares a type of information within the article in a short summary of usually 100 words or less is called the descriptive abstract. 

The abstract that presents everything included in a descriptive, the results and conclusions of the research is called the informative abstract. Generally, it's length is equal to 10% of the entire piece.

Now, as we know what is abstract and its types, the question is when should we add it. Is there any document type in which we can skip it? Know the answers in the next section.

When to Write an Abstract?

It is mandatory to provide an abstract with your thesis, dissertation, research paper writing, or an article submission to an academic journal.

Whatever document you are writing, the very last thing you write will be the abstract. It should be a fully autonomous and self-contained text. It should not be an extract copied from your paper or dissertation. Your abstract should also be understandable for the readers who do not have read your entire document or related sources on their own.

It will become easier as soon as you will start thinking of it as a miniature version of your dissertation or research paper and learn to imitate the structure of the larger work. 

Now we know that the abstract is a mandatory part. So, let's know the step-by-step process of how to write an abstract for a dissertation. Here are the 8 steps that will lead you with writing.

Also Read: A Guide on How to Write an Abstract of Any Write-up?

8 Steps to Write an Abstract

Here is the step-by-step guide that will help you write a more effective abstract for your dissertation:

1. Draft Your Dissertation First

The foremost and obvious step is to complete your dissertation writing. You can leave the abstract for the last so that you can summarize the findings described in the paper accurately.

2. Review the Demands

You have to read the university guidelines or the instructions provided by your mentor for drafting an abstract. Jot down all the specific requirements for the length and citation style, which you must maintain in your document.

3. Determine the Type of Abstract

If your mentor provides you with a specific type of abstract, then apply it or choose one according to your writing style. You can choose informative for the lengthy technical research as it is ideal for the same, and for the short paper, you can use the descriptive one. 

4. State Your Aims

Define the purpose of your research at the very beginning itself. What primary topic did you choose to answer? You can use the verbs to mention what you exactly set out to do; for example, investigate, test, analyze or evaluate.

You can not refer to this part of the abstract in the future tense. It will be written in the present or past tense as the research has already been completed.

5. Explain the Problem

Specify the primary issue that you are addressing and trying to solve in your dissertation. You can write about the essential claims, arguments, or the scope of your studies to introduce your writing topic better to the readers, either the problem is something specific or general.

6. Explain Your Methods

In this section, you have to indicate all the methods you have used to solve the research problem. Make this part of the abstract straightforward with one or two sentences description, which will describe what you did in your dissertation. You must write it in the past-simple tense as it refers to completed actions.

Avoid including the validity, obstacles or limitations in this part of the dissertation abstract as it does not aim to provide an account of the methodology's strengths and weaknesses. Its goal is to give a quick insight into the overall approach and procedures used in the research.

7. Describe Your Results

In this segment, you can provide the readers with the general findings and solutions where the result of your study has reached. Make it informative, and do not describe the points here.

8.Give a Conclusion

Finally comes the main conclusion of your research. Here you can describe your answer to the research question. Make it absolutely clear to the readers what your research has proved or argued. They should fill with an understanding of the primary point. You can write the conclusions in the present simple tense.

You must mention the significant research limitations briefly in the abstract if there are any.

For example, the sample size or methods

It helps the reader to assess the credibility of your research accurately. If the aim of your dissertation was to solve a practical issue, including the recommendations for implementation in the conclusions, you must make relevant suggestions for further research briefly. 

If you want a dissertation abstract example to understand the format much better, here are three samples that will guide you create one. 

Examples for an Abstract

Here are two examples of dissertation abstracts that you can use to draft your own:

Study these examples and know what your abstract should look like. This sample will help you to format a better one for your research paper or dissertation. 

But there are some points that you should avoid while writing an abstract. 

What are they?

Let's know in the next section.

What to Avoid When Writing an Abstract?

While writing an abstract for various types of paper, it is required to avoid:

1. Defining any terms
2. Extensively referring to other works within your abstract
3. Adding information that has not received in the lengthy work
4. Detailed laboratory procedure routines
5. Lengthy background information

These are the points that you should avoid and take care of in your dissertation while drafting an abstract. Now, here are some tips from the experts of the Assignment Desk. They wish that you should follow them and achieve an outstanding abstract. 

Tips for Abstract Writing

The five powerful tips from the dissertation writers are as follows:

1. You should make the abstract both dense and concise.
2. You should avoid exceeding more than 200 words.
3. You should maintain a proper structure throughout the writing.
4. You should make focus on your own dissertation while writing an abstract. 
5. You should read others abstract section and learn to format one for your dissertation.

These are the expert's tips that will help you to create an exceptional abstract for your dissertation. Now, as you have the steps, tips, and all required details, draft your abstract and use the following checklist. It will help you make sure that all the parts have added to your work perfectly.

Abstract Checklist

Here is a checklist that will help you remember & not skip any elements in your dissertation abstract or research paper. You should mark all the points as soon as you have completed the writing task.

THINGS TO CHECK

• Length and pages are under the required word count.
• The abstract is between the acknowledgments and the table of contents.
• Stated the research problem and objectives clearly.
• Described the methodology briefly.
• Summarized the essential results
• Stated the main conclusions.
• Mentioned all significant limitations and recommendations
• The abstract is understandable, who doesn't have any prior knowledge of the topic.

It is all that can help you to create the best abstract for your paper without any difficulties. Hope, these points will ease your path towards drafting a compelling dissertation abstract. 

Still, if you are confused about how to write an abstract for a dissertation, reach us and get the solution for your writing problems without any extra charges.  

Where Can I Get Help with Abstract for a Dissertation?

You can get the best help from the experts of the Assignment Desk. We have the exceptional quality of writers who work with dedication and perfection. You will get a lot of benefits by reaching our dissertation writing services like:

1. You will get 3 free topic suggestions. 
2. You will get a free proposal written by our experts.
3. You will get a perfect outline throughout the content. 
4. You will get a free Plagiarism report with our services.
5. You will get free revisions unlimited times as per your requirement.
6. You will get a free bibliography cited as per your instructions and provided guidelines.
7. You will get free editing & proofreading for your document as soon as the experts have completed the paper. 
8. You will get on-time delivery of your research paper without any delay or late.  

So, get an academic task all prepared as per your instructions and requirements today with our experienced and highly-qualified professionals. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an abstract in a dissertation?

An abstract is the first part of a dissertation, journal article or research paper. It works as a summary and provides a brief knowledge about all the sections of a dissertation.

How do you write an abstract for a PhD research paper?

You should create an outline and structure your abstract section following the given steps:

• Explain the primary problem of your study.
• Explain the used materials & research methods.
• Explain the result in comparison to the hypothesis.
• Explain the conclusion, benefits & limitations of your research.
• Explain the significance of the research.

What should be included in the abstract?

The abstract should include:

1. The purpose of your research
2. Basic design of the topic
3. Findings & results of your analysis
4. Interpretations & conclusions summary

Who Can Write an Abstract for Me?

Without any doubt or confusion, the answer to your question is the professionals of the Assignment Desk. They can provide you with an exceptional abstract for your dissertation. Not only abstract or proposal, but they will also help you with complete research paper writing tasks. You can also buy dissertation at an affordable price from Us!

So, read the blog and complete your dissertation abstract without any struggle and reach us whenever you need help.

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