Creating Abstracts 

An abstract is a summary of points (as of a writing) usually presented in skeletal form ; also : something that summarizes or concentrates the essentials of a larger thing or several things. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online)

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An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject or discipline, and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose. When used, an abstract always appears at the beginning of a manuscript, acting as the point-of-entry for any given scientific paper or patent application. Abstraction and indexing services are available for a number of academic disciplines, aimed at compiling a body of literature for that particular subject. (Wikipedia)

While this guide is designed primarily to assist participants in Thinking Matters, it will also serve the greater population of students formulating thesis statements. A brief, concise abstract serves to focus one's research before they actually begin the work through careful use of language to precisely describe the exact purpose, methods and other elements involved in the project.

The tabs located at the top of this page provide a range of tools, text and examples. This guide also supplements any instruction you may have recieved from the library or from individual faculty members.

If you need further assistance don't hesitate to contact us.

Zip Kellogg
Glickman Library
University of Southern Maine
(207) 780-5661
Send Email

Pat Prieto
Glickman Library
University of Southern Maine
207.780.5662
Send Email

Zip and Pat are your library contacts; for Thinking Matters Coordinators or Faculty Directors, go to the Thinking Matters website.