abstract.

For today's online session we were in charge of giving input about an abstract part of a paper.  What is an abstract part of a paper? Good question. You and I are both completely lost now.

As part of the final research paper we must turn in an abstract paper along with a title page, and the paper.  I however, have never heard of an abstract page so am thoroughly lost.  I know the abstract page is supposed to give the reader exactly what the paper is going to be about - so like a summary right? no. The abstract must be what the paper will cover, without covering it, and without coming across as a summary.  The following is I believe some very helpful guidelines in writing a first abstract. 

1. THESIS!!!! This starts the abstract off and details HOW this topic will be discussed, not just what the

topic is, and states the quantity of categories that will be discussed.

2. States what the first category types is.

3. Defines this category – leaves specifics and examples for the actual body of the paper to reveal.

4. States what the second category types is.

5. Defines this category – leaves specifics and examples for the actual body of the paper to reveal.

6. States what the third category types is.

7. Defines this category – leaves specifics and examples for the actual body of the paper to reveal.

8. States what the last category types is.

9. Defines this category – leaves specifics and examples for the actual body of the paper to reveal.

I completely understand in how this would help while writing a research paper about something scientific, however I wrote mine on the history of something.  It leaves me with a challenge and hope that I make the connections well enough to write a great paper and abstract!!

- miner moments.