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What is an abstract?

An abstract highlights major points of a project's content, and also generally includes the following information:

  • the work's importance and purpose,
  • the methods used,
  • and any key results or conclusions.

It provides sufficient information for a reader to decide if she or he is interested in learning more about the project. 

Successful abstracts may answer some of the following questions:
  • What question is the project attempting to answer?
  • What was the motivation to work on this project?
  • What background information does a reader need to fully understand the work?
  • What points best summarize the research, demonstration, exhibit or performance?
  • What results, conclusions, or final product will the presenter share?
  • What are the larger implications or significance of the project?
  • Who is the intended audience for the project?     

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