Write an article abstract

An abstract is a concise summary that accompanies your journal article and plays a crucial role in helping readers quickly understand your research and decide whether to read the full paper. This guide outlines key elements to include in your abstract, offers tips for clear and accurate writing, and explains formatting expectations.

 

General Guidelines
Before writing your abstract, keep the following points in mind:
• Report only the core facts and contributions of your paper.
• Avoid exaggeration or introducing material not included in the main manuscript.
• Do not rely on abbreviations that are explained only in the main text—your abstract must stand alone.
• Focus on your own work rather than placing too much emphasis on prior literature.
• Write the abstract last, once the rest of the paper is complete, to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Stay within the word limit. Most journals—including UJBATM—set a maximum of 250 words, including keywords and classification.

 

What to Include in Your Abstract
1. Purpose
Explain why the study was undertaken. What problem does it address? If your study builds on previous research, briefly state why it was important to do so. Clarify your main contribution or key finding.

2. Design/Methodology/Approach
Describe how the research was conducted. Mention the methodology used (e.g., surveys, experiments, case studies) and tools or datasets applied.

3. Findings
Summarise what was discovered. Clearly state whether your hypothesis was supported and present exact results or figures where appropriate. Avoid vague statements or exaggeration.

4. Originality/Value
Demonstrate the significance of your work. Why does it matter? What gap does it fill? What value does it add to the field or to practical applications?

5. Additional Elements (If Applicable):
o Research limitations/implications
o Practical implications
o Social implications

Ensure your abstract follows the order of the paper and maintains a logical flow. Use section headlines from your article to guide the structure if needed.

 

Style and Language Tips
• Use active voice, e.g., “We conducted interviews” instead of “Interviews were conducted.”
• Include relevant keywords and technical terms to improve discoverability. Think about what terms someone might search for to find your work.
• Choose the correct paper classification, such as: Research paper, Viewpoint, Technical paper, Conceptual paper, Case study, Literature review, or General review.

 

Final Checklist
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and typographical errors.
• Ensure the abstract accurately reflects the content of your paper.
• Seek feedback from colleagues to confirm clarity, balance, and fairness.

A well-written abstract is often your first—and best—opportunity to capture a reader’s attention. Make it count.