WRITING YOUR ABSTRACT

An abstract is a concise summary of your research. Here are essential tips for crafting an effective abstract:

Purpose and Approach

• The primary goal of an abstract is to describe your research, not defend it.

• Write with the intention of informing individuals outside your specific field about your research endeavors.

Key Components

Your abstract should encompass the following elements:

• The purpose of your project.
• The problem that inspired your research.
• The methodology employed in your research.
• The conclusions drawn at the end of your project.
• The broader significance of your results in a larger context.

Clarity and Conciseness

• To create an effective abstract, ensure it encompasses all the critical aspects of your project.
• Strive for clarity, conciseness, and cohesiveness in your writing.
• Avoid using technical jargon that might be unfamiliar to individuals outside your field.
• Aim for a basic understanding of your work to make it accessible to a wider audience.
• This accessibility facilitates questions and discussions during the conference.

Editing and Revision

• Dedicate time to revise and edit your abstract to enhance its readability.
• Prioritize good grammar, proper sentence structure, smooth transitions between sentences, and appropriate vocabulary.

Writing Centers

• We’ve compiled a list of writing centers at Massachusetts public higher education institutions.

• Utilize these free resources to seek assistance in perfecting your research abstract!

• Berkshire Community College Writing Center
• Bridgewater State University Writing Center
• Bristol Community College Writing Center
• Bunker Hill Community College Writing Center
• Cape Cod Community College Writing Center
• Fitchburg State University Writing Center
• Framingham State University Writing Center
• Greenfield Community College Writing Center
• Holyoke Community College Writing Center
• Massachusetts Bay Community College Writing Center
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design Writing Center
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Writing Center
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy Writing Center
• Massasoit Community College Writing Center
• Middlesex Community College Writing Center
• Mount Wachusett Community College Writing Center
• North Shore Community College Writing Center
• Northern Essex Community College Writing Center
• Quinsigamond Community College Writing Center
• Roxbury Community College Writing Center
• Salem State University Writing Center
• Springfield Technical Community College Writing Center
• Westfield State University Writing Center
• Worcester State University Writing Center
• University of Massachusetts Amherst Writing Center
• University of Massachusetts Boston Writing Center
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Writing Center
• University of Massachusetts Lowell Writing Center

Submission Steps

1. Create an account in the MassURC registration system.

   • You must have a Faculty Sponsor in order to register as a presenter. Your faculty sponsor is there to assist you with the abstract writing process and much review and approve your abstract submission.

2. Once registered as a presenter, you may begin to type your abstract into the ‘Abstract Submission’ field.

   • Abstract submissions are subject to a 250-word limit, equating to two to three paragraphs.

   • NOTE: While typing in your abstract, monitor the word count. If it appears in GREEN, you are within the recommended range.

3. To successfully submit your abstract, your Faculty Sponsor needs to approve your abstract submission.

   • If your abstract Is not approved it will be marked as ‘Needs Revision’ and you will have to resubmit your abstract until your Faculty Sponsor approves it.

In the event that your abstract does not receive approval in the MassURC Hub, here’s what to do next:

1. Contact Your Faculty Sponsor: Initiate a conversation with your faculty sponsor. Understand the reasons behind the non-approval and seek their guidance on how to enhance your abstract for acceptance. Identify areas that need refinement and consider their suggestions seriously.

2. Revise and Resubmit: Make the necessary revisions to your abstract based on the feedback received and resubmit through the MassURC Hub using the steps outlined above.