Tips for creating abstracts

• May be used for indexing; therefore, it should contain all key words.

• Should be self contained (it can stand alone); therefore, it must represent ALL parts and KEY IDEAS, including specific results discussed in the report and should follow the organization of report.

• States what was done in past tense, what it means in present tense.

• Should be about 5% of the length of the report.

• Begins with a short sentence—a brief, clear statement, in fairly general terms—that identifies importance of the experiment or research.

For example—

"Seismic data reveal a close relationship between basement faulting and the orientation of fractures responsible for oil production in parts of the San Juan Basin."

• Does not contain references.