Abstract Informative Abstract

Descriptive Abstract Download for print
An abstract is a stand-alone statement that succinctly conveys the essential information of a paper, article, document or book.

There are two general types of abstracts, informative and descriptive, each serving different purposes, addressing different audiences, and containing different kinds of information. Before you begin writing your abstract, determine which kind of abstract you are writing and follow the appropriate link above.

  • Informative abstracts describe original research. This is the type of abstract you will use for your Master's Thesis and Dissertation.

  • Descriptive Abstracts are general descriptions of the subject covered by a longer document. This is the type of abstract you will use for field reports, long papers, business reports, and conference proposals.