Six Key Points to Note When Writing a Good Academic Abstract

An abstract, also known as a content summary, is an integral component of an academic paper. According to national standards, an abstract is “a short text that aims to provide an overview of the document’s content, stating the important points of the literature in a concise and precise manner without commentary or supplementary explanation.”

An abstract should possess independence and self-containedness, functioning as a complete short text. Its content should contain the same amount of key information as the paper, allowing readers to grasp the main points without reading the full text. The abstract summarizes the viewpoints of the paper, with emphasis on results and conclusions. It should not include charts, formulas, or other non-textual elements.

Generally speaking, abstracts can be categorized into informative abstracts and indicative abstracts.

An informative abstract provides a concise summary of the topic scope and content outline of the paper. It presents the main information—such as research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions—in a generalized and non-annotated manner. Within a limited word count, it contains information equivalent to the original text, enabling readers to understand the essence without reading the full paper. Typically, social sciences are more suited to informative abstracts.

Example 1: “Research on the Weakening of Higher Education’s Social Mobility Function” (Journal of Educational Development, 2013.9)

Abstract: From the perspectives of human capital theory, screening hypothesis theory, and labor market segmentation theory, the mechanism through which higher education influences social mobility lies in individuals attaining higher economic and occupational status by receiving higher education, thereby moving from the lower social strata to the middle and upper classes. Compared to the elite stage of higher education, the social mobility function of higher education in China currently shows a weakening trend, primarily due to unequal access to higher education, an oversupply of university graduates, and unfair employment practices for graduates. Therefore, effective countermeasures to eliminate the weakening of higher education’s social mobility function involve achieving equal access to higher education, balancing the supply and demand of university graduates, and ensuring fair employment.

An indicative abstract mainly provides a brief introduction to the research premise, purpose, tasks, and involved thematic scope. It is commonly used in natural sciences, though many social sciences such as economics are gradually adopting this type.

Example 2: “Education and Resignation from the Perspective of Human Capital Theory: A Study Based on Urban Residents in China” (Economic Science, 2007.1)

Abstract: Based on a literature overview, this paper proposes two propositions regarding the relationship between education and resignation from the perspective of human capital theory: first, that education is positively correlated with resignation, and second, that individuals with a high school diploma have a higher probability of resigning than those with a vocational secondary education. Using CHIP-2002 data, statistical and econometric analyses were conducted to verify these propositions. Finally, by examining the differences in the relationship between education and resignation in China and abroad, it was found that the cause lies in significant differences in corporate training conditions. The policy implication of this paper is that enterprises should increase their investment in employee training.

Writing Requirements:

1. Completeness: The main content (or viewpoints) elaborated in the paper must not be omitted. The abstract should be written as a complete short text that can stand alone.

2. Emphasis on Key Points: The abstract must highlight the research results (or central argument) of the paper and the conclusive significance, while other elements can be written concisely.

3. Objectivity in Presentation: The abstract should generally only describe the objective circumstances of the research topic. Subjective evaluations of the research process, methods, and results, as well as comparisons with other studies, are not appropriate. The value of a research result will be judged by public opinion; self-promotion is unnecessary. Thus, factual accuracy is also a fundamental principle in writing an abstract. The abstract should not serve as a supplement, annotation, or summary of the main text, nor should it interpret or comment on the paper’s content, much less include self-evaluations.

4. Conciseness in Language: The writing of the abstract must be carefully considered, using refined and summarized language. Each element should not be expanded with explanations or arguments.

5. Use of Third Person: The abstract should be written in the third person.

6. Avoid Repetition of Title Information: The abstract should not simply repeat information already present in the title.

For example, if a paper is titled “On the Concept of Academic Management and the Reform of the Internal Management System in Higher Education Institutions,” the abstract should not begin with “In order to… research was conducted on the concept of academic management and the reform of the internal management system in higher education institutions.” Similarly, content that should appear in the introduction should not be included in the abstract.

Common issues found in many students’ paper abstracts include:

1. Lack of emphasis on key points;
2. Poor logical rigor;
3. Inefficient expression;
4. Incomplete content.