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Descriptive abstracts

Descriptive abstracts are usually less than 100 words. As a result, only include the most important ideas. These types of abstracts are common in social science and humanities courses. 

They can include:

  • Background information
  • Overview of the main points
  • Purpose
  • The specific topic or focus

Example:

The University of Adelaide (2014) identifies the sections of a descriptive abstract for a humanities paper below.

Abstract (Stevenson, 2004)

The opportunity to design and deliver short programs on referencing and avoiding plagiarism for transnational UniSA students has confirmed the necessity of combating both the ‘all-plagiarism-is-cheating’ reaction and the ‘just-give-them-a-referencing-guide’ response. The notion of referencing is but the tip of a particularly large and intricate iceberg. Consequently, teaching referencing is not adequate in educating students to avoid plagiarism. In this presentation, I will use the transnational teaching experience to highlight what educating to avoid plagiarism entails.

Key parts

Select the key part type for a specific example.

  • Background
    The opportunity to design and deliver short programs on referencing and avoiding plagiarism for transnational UniSA students has confirmed the necessity of combating both the ‘all-plagiarism-is-cheating’ reaction and the ‘just-give-them-a-referencing-guide’ response.
  • Purpose and aim
    The notion of referencing is but the tip of a particularly large and intricate iceberg. Consequently, teaching referencing is not adequate in educating students to avoid plagiarism.
  • Focus of paper
    In this presentation, I will use the transnational teaching experience to highlight what educating to avoid plagiarism entails.