What are some examples of effective abstracts for different types of reports?

1 Why write an abstract?

An abstract serves several functions for a report. First, it helps readers to quickly understand the main points and findings of the research without reading the whole report. Second, it helps readers to locate the report in databases and search engines by using relevant keywords and phrases. Third, it helps readers to evaluate the quality and relevance of the report for their own interests and needs. Writing an abstract can also help you to clarify your own research question and objectives, and to organize your report in a logical and coherent way.

3 How to structure an abstract?

An abstract should be written in a clear and concise language, using the past tense and the third person. It should be between 150 and 300 words, depending on the length and complexity of the report. It should follow a logical and chronological order, starting with the purpose, followed by the methods, the results, and the implications. It should avoid unnecessary details, jargon, abbreviations, and citations. It should use keywords and phrases that reflect the main concepts and themes of the report, and that are likely to be searched by the readers.

4 How to write an abstract for a descriptive report?

A descriptive report is a type of report that describes a phenomenon, a situation, or a case, without testing a hypothesis or making a causal inference. For example, a descriptive report can describe the characteristics of a population, the features of a program, or the events of a historical period. An abstract for a descriptive report should focus on the purpose and the methods of the report, and provide a brief overview of the main aspects or categories that the report describes. For example:

This report describes the demographic and socioeconomic profile of the rural population in India, based on the 2011 census data. The report uses descriptive statistics and graphs to analyze the data on population size, distribution, growth, age, sex, literacy, education, occupation, income, and poverty. The report reveals the diversity and disparity of the rural population in India, and discusses the implications for rural development policies and programs.

5 How to write an abstract for an analytical report?

An analytical report is a type of report that analyzes a phenomenon, a situation, or a case, using a hypothesis, a framework, or a model, and making a causal inference or a recommendation. For example, an analytical report can analyze the causes and effects of a problem, the strengths and weaknesses of a solution, or the advantages and disadvantages of a decision. An abstract for an analytical report should focus on the purpose, the methods, the results, and the implications of the report, and provide a clear and concise argument or recommendation. For example:

This report analyzes the impact of social media on the academic performance of college students, using a survey and a regression model. The report tests the hypothesis that social media use has a negative effect on the academic performance of college students, measured by their grade point average (GPA). The report finds that social media use has a significant and negative effect on the GPA of college students, after controlling for other factors such as gender, age, and major. The report recommends that college students limit their social media use and adopt effective study habits to improve their academic performance.