how to start an essay about a project

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:
Expository Essay Introduction Example

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:

Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote.
Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic.
Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay.

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2

Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.
Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.
Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:

Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.
Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.
State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay.
Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis.
Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic.
Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument.

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education:

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation.

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education).

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?”
Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher.
Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.”

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:

Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.”
Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument.
Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.”
Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.”

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:

Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.”
State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention.
Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Examples of essay introduction

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”

Expository Essay Introduction Example

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”

Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic.
Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement.
Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined.
Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay.
Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay.

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3

Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote.
Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific.
Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay.
Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis.
Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors.
Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further.

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.

References

Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills .
West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617.
Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242.

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Similarity Checks: The Author’s Guide to Plagiarism and Responsible Writing

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If you are writing in a new discipline, you should always make sure to ask about conventions and expectations for introductions, just as you would for any other aspect of the essay. For example, while it may be acceptable to write a two-paragraph (or longer) introduction for your papers in some courses, instructors in other disciplines, such as those in some Government courses, may expect a shorter introduction that includes a preview of the argument that will follow.
In some disciplines (Government, Economics, and others), it’s common to offer an overview in the introduction of what points you will make in your essay. In other disciplines, you will not be expected to provide this overview in your introduction.
Avoid writing a very general opening sentence. While it may be true that “Since the dawn of time, people have been telling love stories,” it won’t help you explain what’s interesting about your topic.
Avoid writing a “funnel” introduction in which you begin with a very broad statement about a topic and move to a narrow statement about that topic. Broad generalizations about a topic will not add to your readers’ understanding of your specific essay topic.
Avoid beginning with a dictionary definition of a term or concept you will be writing about. If the concept is complicated or unfamiliar to your readers, you will need to define it in detail later in your essay. If it’s not complicated, you can assume your readers already know the definition.
Avoid offering too much detail in your introduction that a reader could better understand later in the paper.
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How To Write An Essay

How To Start An Essay

Jumpstart Your Writing with These Proven Strategies on How to Start an Essay

Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

How To Start an Essay Introduction

The introduction of your essay is the first opportunity to capture your reader's attention and make a lasting impression. By following these five steps, you can create an introduction that stands out from the start.

1. Hook your reader

To engage your reader from the beginning, consider using an interesting story or anecdote that relates to your topic.

For instance, if you are writing an essay about the importance of environmental conservation, you could begin with a compelling story. The story can be about a community coming together to save a local endangered species.

This not only grabs the reader's attention but also provides a glimpse of what your essay will discuss and why it matters.

Check out these hook examples that you may use!

2. Provide background information

After hooking your reader, it's essential to provide some background information on the topic. This helps your readers understand the context and significance of your essay.

You can offer relevant facts, statistics, or historical context to set the stage for the discussion that follows.

3. Present your thesis statement

A well-crafted thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It conveys the main point or argument you will make throughout the paper. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and impactful, providing a roadmap for the reader to follow.

4. Outline your essay's structure

To enhance the organization and coherence of your essay, it's helpful to create an outline of the main points you will be discussing. This not only assists you in structuring your thoughts but also helps the reader anticipate the flow and content of your essay.

Read our detailed guide to learning to create a perfect essay outline !

5. Check and revise

Once you have drafted your introduction, it is crucial to carefully review it for any grammar or spelling errors that may have been missed.

Take the time to refine your language, ensure clarity, and confirm that your introduction effectively sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

By following these steps, you can create an engaging and well-structured introduction that sets the tone for your essay and captivates your

How To Start an Essay Writing - 8 Best Ways

Writing an essay can be a daunting task, but here are the 8 best ways to start your essay that will help you create a strong introduction and body.

Introduce your topic

Start your essay by introducing your topic and giving the reader some context. Make sure to include relevant background information so that readers understand how the topic relates to their own lives.

For example, if you are writing about the effects of social media on modern society, you could introduce your topic with something like:

âSocial media has drastically transformed our lives over the past decade. From connecting us with friends and family to influencing political views, it is undeniable that social media has had an immense effect on our day-to-day lives.â

Start Your Essay With a Quote

Begin your essay with a thought-provoking quote that relates to the topic of your essay. This will engage the reader and give them an idea of what to expect in your essay.

For example, if you are writing about the importance of education, you could start with a quote such as:

âEducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.â ? Nelson Mandela

Set Up a Mystery

Start your essay with a mysterious scenario that will draw the reader in. You can create a sense of intrigue by leaving out important details so that readers are curious to learn more.

For example, if you are writing about the effects of climate change, you could start with something like:

âThe sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting a mysterious orange glow across the sky. It was hard to ignore the feeling that something ominous was about to happen.â

Use Rhetorical Questions

Start your essay with a rhetorical question that will leave readers thinking and wondering what will come next.

This can be an effective way to draw readers in and make them want to find out more.

For example, if you are writing about the importance of standing up for your beliefs, you could start with a rhetorical question such as:

âWhat would you do if someone told you that you couldnât believe in something? Would you stay quiet, or would you stand up for what you believe in?â

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Provoke Emotion

Start your essay with a vivid description that will evoke emotions in the reader. This is an effective way to grab their attention and set the tone for your essay.

For example, if you are writing about the effects of poverty, you could start with something like:

âThe streets were filled with an eerie silence as I walked by rows of dilapidated buildings. Everywhere I looked, I saw people struggling to make a better life for themselves.â

Use An Anecdote

Start your essay with an anecdotal story that will give readers a glimpse into the topic.

This can be an effective way to capture their attention and make them more interested in learning more about your topic.

Check out this video to learn more about using anecdotes in your essays!

For example, if you are writing about the impact of technology on our lives, you could start with something like:

âI remember when I was first introduced to computers. I was amazed at how quickly they could do calculations and complex tasks. Little did I know, this technology would shape my life in so many ways over the years.â

Stamp Of Authority

Start your essay with a statement of authority that will give readers a sense of legitimacy.

This can be an effective way to establish yourself as an expert on the topic and make readers trust you more.

For example, if you are writing about the history of human rights, you could start with something like:

âSince the dawn of civilization, the struggle for human rights has been a defining aspect of our species. From ancient societies to modern democracies, this fight has shaped the world as we know it today.â

Start Your Essay With A âContrary Toâ Or âFill The Gapâ Sentence

Start your essay with a sentence that introduces an idea contrary to popular opinion, or one that âfills the gapâ between two competing theories.

This can be an effective way to make readers think more deeply about the topic and challenge their preconceived notions.

For example, if you are writing about the importance of diversity, you could start with something like:

âContrary to popular belief, diversity isnât just about superficial differences. Itâs also about embracing different perspectives and ideas which can lead to greater understanding and progress.â

Interesting Essay Starting Examples for Students

These examples of how to open your essay are designed to help students craft interesting and attention-grabbing introductions.

With a few tweaks, these ideas can be adapted to any type of essay topic or style.

Use them as inspiration when writing your own introduction and youâll be sure to capture readersâ interest right away.

how to start an essay about yourself

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In conclusion, crafting an effective essay introduction is essential for grabbing your reader's attention and setting the tone for your essay.

We are sure that with the tips outlined, you can create a bold and compelling opening that will leave a lasting impression. Also, you can take help from an AI writing tool to get ideas.

And if you're still struggling, don't hesitate to seek professional help from our top essay writing service .

With our expert assistance, you can be sure that your essay introduction will be the best it can possibly be. Whether you are writing a college essay, an expository essay, or an argumentative essay, we can help you always!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good introduction.

A good introduction should include a few key components:

Identifying the topic
Providing context
Thesis statement

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How to Write an EPQ Essay

Writing an EPQ essay can seem like a daunting task, which is why we’ve written this nine-step guide to help make the whole process easier.

In addition to the A-Levels you’re already doing, you can choose to take an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). An EPQ is an independent research project, and it’s extremely beneficial as it counts towards UCAS tariff points.

Consisting of around 5,000 words, an EPQ essay is an in-depth assignment which takes about 120 hours to complete.

That may seem like a lot of extra work to take on alongside your existing studies, however it can be hugely beneficial when applying to get into university.

Choosing to undertake independent research and reading can prove to future educators that you’re willing to take on extra work to really show what you can do academically, as well as demonstrating that you have interests that go beyond the curriculum. An EPQ sits nicely with a summer school course such as a law summer school , business summer school , engineering summer school and medicine summer school . During your course you have the chance to explore and understand your subject further, demonstrating your commitment to your studies, and develop ideas for your EPQ.

How do you write an EPQ essay?

To write an EPQ essay, you need to: come up with a compelling idea that you’re interested in, write down everything you know about the subject to generate further ideas, find the best essay question to use, reference your sources properly, write a sharp introduction and conclusion, get feedback on your essay, and make sure you double-check your work before submitting it.

The key to writing any extended document is planning, which is why we’ve written this nine-step guide to help you write the best EPQ essay.

Read on for our top tips on how to write an extended project essay.

9 steps to write your EPQ essay

1. come up with an idea.

One of the main reasons students fail their EPQ is because they’ve chosen the wrong subject matter. It’s vital that you choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in, otherwise you won’t have any motivation to work on it. Because of the extra workload, many students choose to start their EPQ over the summer holidays, and with all the distractions that summer brings (trips to the beach, sunbathing in the garden or hanging out with friends in the park) there’s even more reason to pick a subject you don’t find boring, or you’ll just look for any excuse to avoid doing it. Before finalising your topic, you might want to discuss your ideas with your supervisor so they can check you’re on the right track.

2. Write down everything you know about the subject.

Before doing any extra reading, it’s really helpful to write down everything you already know about your chosen subject. This can help to get your thoughts and ideas – which are often jumbled up – out of your head and down onto a piece of paper or computer screen so that you can begin to organise and make sense of them. This is also useful for identifying any gaps in your knowledge. However, if the gaps in your knowledge are vast and your chosen topic isn’t giving you enough inspiration, don’t be afraid to abandon your original idea entirely and come up with something new. It’s better to start again from scratch at this stage, rather than 2,000 words in.

3. Think of a question

Whatever your chosen topic, you’ll need to think of a question to answer. This is an extremely important part of your EPQ and will form the basis of your essay, so it really is worth thinking long and hard about. The way in which you phrase your question or hypothesis will affect the structure and flow of the whole essay. For example, some typical essay question formats include ‘Compare and contrast’, ‘Critically evaluate’ and ‘Analyse and conclude’. The type of question you want to answer will affect whether you need to highlight and critique a number of theories or evaluate how useful a particular concept is. And remember that your extended project essay needs to be approximately 5,000 words long, so you should choose a question that allows for extended research and arguments. It’s also worth bearing in mind that questions without definitive answers are better as there will generally be much more to write about.

4. Research the topic

Next, you should start thinking about the main body of the essay and how you’re going to go about fleshing out your ideas. Ideally, this step should take up half the amount of total time you spend working on your EPQ essay. You should spend a good deal of time reading books, papers and online journals that have been written about your chosen subject. The Internet is an excellent source of information, but anyone can write anything and publish it online, so make sure your sources are credible and recognised by the examining body. Wikipedia, for example, should be avoided as a reliable source of information as anyone can edit the text that’s been written there. While doing your research, you’re going to come across many different opinions and arguments and it’s all going to come from a variety of sources. So now is also a good time to think about how you’re going to organise it all.

5. Remember to reference your sources

As with any piece of academic work, referencing your sources is vital so the examiners can check you’re not plagiarising. It’s also good to demonstrate that your information has come from a range of places so the person marking your essay can see that you’ve researched your topic widely and have considered several different viewpoints. You’ll need to provide a bibliography at the end of your EPQ essay and if you can’t say where your information has come from, you’ll be unable to use it, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of doing this as you go along. Whether you choose to create a spreadsheet on your computer or annotate photocopies and clippings with a pen, it doesn’t matter how you go about doing this as long as you remember to do it. It’ll make your life so much easier in the long-run!

6. Create subsections

Splitting your essay up into sections can help to make sure you’re writing enough and exploring the topic in as much depth as possible. Keep your word count in mind when dividing up your essay and try to split each section equally. But while mini topics are good for breaking the 5,000 words down into more manageable chunks, you have to make sure each one relates back to your original question, otherwise you could risk wasting some of those words on irrelevant information. Don’t sacrifice the important stuff by shoehorning facts and figures into your chosen subsections. It’s worth thinking about the order of these sections too. It’s usually best to write in a ‘news story’ format, with the most important subtitles at the top and the less relevant stuff filtering down to the bottom, however you could consider working chronologically if that works better for your chosen topic.

7. Write an introduction and a conclusion

As strange as it sounds, it can be helpful to write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs once you’ve completed the main body of the essay. This is because your thoughts on the subject matter are more likely to be more organised, therefore it will be easier to summarise the main points clearly and concisely. Your first paragraph should introduce the subject matter, briefly expanding upon your question and how you’re going to go about answering it, while your conclusion should refer back to the title and answer the question you asked at the beginning of your essay. Ensure that both paragraphs are as direct and succinct as possible, in order to show that you have a clear understanding of your topic.

8. Ask for feedback

Whether it’s a friend, a relative or – even better – your course tutor, it’s a good idea to have your work checked over by someone else. Because you’ve spent hour upon hour absorbed in your subject matter, you can lose sight of certain things, so it makes sense to have your EPQ essay looked at from a different viewpoint. A second opinion can ensure that everything you’ve written is concise and accurate and the person checking your work can give you advice on what to leave out or add in; especially if they already have some knowledge on the subject matter.

9. Double-check everything before submitting your work

It’s a good idea to leave it a day or so before coming back to your essay to proofread it so that you’re viewing it with a fresh pair of eyes. We recommend going over it a couple of times – once to check that you’ve covered everything in terms of the subject matter and another for housekeeping. You want to ensure that you don’t lose any marks for basic things like spelling, punctuation and grammar. You should also take this time to make sure footnotes are accurate, as well as checking over any graphs, charts, diagrams and images.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this step-by-step guide and we’re confident that you now have everything you need to go on to successfully write an EPQ essay. Good luck!

9 Examples: How to Write a Purpose Statement

By Status.net Editorial Team on September 30, 2023 — 15 minutes to read

Key Elements of a Purpose Statement Part 1
How to Write a Purpose Statement Step-by-Step Part 2
Identifying Your Goals Part 3
Defining Your Audience Part 4
Outlining Your Methods Part 5
Stating the Expected Outcomes Part 6
Purpose Statement Example for a Research Paper Part 7
Purpose Statement Example For Personal Goals Part 8
Purpose Statement Example For Business Objectives Part 9
Purpose Statement Example For an Essay Part 10
Purpose Statement Example For a Proposal Part 11
Purpose Statement Example For a Report Part 12
Purpose Statement Example For a Project Part 13
Purpose Statement Templates Part 14

A purpose statement is a vital component of any project, as it sets the tone for the entire piece of work. It tells the reader what the project is about, why it’s important, and what the writer hopes to achieve.

Part 1 Key Elements of a Purpose Statement

When writing a purpose statement, there are several key elements that you should keep in mind. These elements will help you to create a clear, concise, and effective statement that accurately reflects your goals and objectives.

1. The Problem or Opportunity

The first element of a purpose statement is the problem or opportunity that you are addressing. This should be a clear and specific description of the issue that you are trying to solve or the opportunity that you are pursuing.

2. The Target Audience

The second element is the target audience for your purpose statement. This should be a clear and specific description of the group of people who will benefit from your work.

3. The Solution

The third element is the solution that you are proposing. This should be a clear and specific description of the action that you will take to address the problem or pursue the opportunity.

4. The Benefits

The fourth element is the benefits that your solution will provide. This should be a clear and specific description of the positive outcomes that your work will achieve.

5. The Action Plan

The fifth element is the action plan that you will follow to implement your solution. This should be a clear and specific description of the steps that you will take to achieve your goals.

Part 2 How to Write a Purpose Statement Step-by-Step

Writing a purpose statement is an essential part of any research project. It helps to clarify the purpose of your study and provides direction for your research. Here are some steps to follow when writing a purpose statement:

Start with a clear research question: The first step in writing a purpose statement is to have a clear research question. This question should be specific and focused on the topic you want to research.
Identify the scope of your study: Once you have a clear research question, you need to identify the scope of your study. This involves determining what you will and will not include in your research.
Define your research objectives: Your research objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be aligned with your research question and the scope of your study.
Determine your research design: Your research design will depend on the nature of your research question and the scope of your study. You may choose to use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach.
Write your purpose statement: Your purpose statement should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes the purpose of your study. It should include your research question, the scope of your study, your research objectives, and your research design.

Research question: What are the effects of social media on teenage mental health?

Scope of study: This study will focus on teenagers aged 13-18 in the United States.

Research objectives: To determine the prevalence of social media use among teenagers, to identify the types of social media used by teenagers, to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health, and to provide recommendations for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

Research design: This study will use a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and interviews with teenagers and mental health professionals.

Purpose statement: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social media on teenage mental health among teenagers aged 13-18 in the United States. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and interviews with teenagers and mental health professionals. The research objectives are to determine the prevalence of social media use among teenagers, to identify the types of social media used by teenagers, to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health, and to provide recommendations for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

Part 3 Section 1: Identifying Your Goals

Before you start writing your purpose statement, it’s important to identify your goals. To do this, ask yourself the following questions:

What do I want to achieve?
What problem do I want to solve?
What impact do I want to make?

Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can start crafting your purpose statement. Your purpose statement should be a clear and concise statement that outlines the purpose of your work.

For example, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a business, your statement might look something like this:

“Our purpose is to provide high-quality products and services that improve the lives of our customers and contribute to the growth and success of our company.”

If you’re writing a purpose statement for a non-profit organization, your statement might look something like this:

“Our purpose is to improve the lives of underserved communities by providing access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.”

Remember, your purpose statement should be specific, measurable, and achievable. It should also be aligned with your values and goals, and it should inspire and motivate you to take action.

Part 4 Section 2: Defining Your Audience

Once you have established the purpose of your statement, it’s important to consider who your audience is. The audience for your purpose statement will depend on the context in which it will be used. For example, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a research paper, your audience will likely be your professor or academic peers. If you’re writing a purpose statement for a business proposal, your audience may be potential investors or clients.

Defining your audience is important because it will help you tailor your purpose statement to the specific needs and interests of your readers. You want to make sure that your statement is clear, concise, and relevant to your audience.

To define your audience, consider the following questions:

Who will be reading your purpose statement?
What is their level of knowledge or expertise on the topic?
What are their needs and interests?
What do they hope to gain from reading your purpose statement?

Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, you can begin to craft your purpose statement with their needs and interests in mind. This will help ensure that your statement is effective in communicating your goals and objectives to your readers.

For example, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a research paper on the effects of climate change on agriculture, your audience may be fellow researchers in the field of environmental science. In this case, you would want to make sure that your purpose statement is written in a way that is clear and concise, using technical language that is familiar to your audience.

Or, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a business proposal to potential investors, your audience may be less familiar with the technical aspects of your project. In this case, you would want to make sure that your purpose statement is written in a way that is easy to understand, using clear and concise language that highlights the benefits of your proposal.

The key to defining your audience is to put yourself in their shoes and consider what they need and want from your purpose statement.

Part 5 Section 3: Outlining Your Methods

After you have identified the purpose of your statement, it is time to outline your methods. This section should describe how you plan to achieve your goal and the steps you will take to get there. Here are a few tips to help you outline your methods effectively:

Start with a general overview: Begin by providing a brief overview of the methods you plan to use. This will give your readers a sense of what to expect in the following paragraphs.
Break down your methods: Break your methods down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it easier for you to stay organized and for your readers to follow along.
Use bullet points: Bullet points can help you organize your ideas and make your methods easier to read. Use them to list the steps you will take to achieve your goal.
Be specific: Make sure you are specific about the methods you plan to use. This will help your readers understand exactly what you are doing and why.
Provide examples: Use examples to illustrate your methods. This will make it easier for your readers to understand what you are trying to accomplish.

Part 6 Section 4: Stating the Expected Outcomes

After defining the problem and the purpose of your research, it’s time to state the expected outcomes. This is where you describe what you hope to achieve by conducting your research. The expected outcomes should be specific and measurable, so you can determine if you have achieved your goals.

It’s important to be realistic when stating your expected outcomes. Don’t make exaggerated or false claims, and don’t promise something that you can’t deliver. Your expected outcomes should be based on your research question and the purpose of your study.

Here are some examples of expected outcomes:

To identify the factors that contribute to employee turnover in the company.
To develop a new marketing strategy that will increase sales by 20% within the next year.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a new training program for improving customer service.
To determine the impact of social media on consumer behavior.

When stating your expected outcomes, make sure they align with your research question and purpose statement. This will help you stay focused on your goals and ensure that your research is relevant and meaningful.

In addition to stating your expected outcomes, you should also describe how you will measure them. This could involve collecting data through surveys, interviews, or experiments, or analyzing existing data from sources such as government reports or industry publications.

Part 7 Purpose Statement Example for a Research Paper

If you are writing a research paper, your purpose statement should clearly state the objective of your study. Here is an example of a purpose statement for a research paper:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of social media on the mental health of teenagers in the United States.

This purpose statement clearly states the objective of the study and provides a specific focus for the research.

Part 8 Purpose Statement Example For Personal Goals

When writing a purpose statement for your personal goals, it’s important to clearly define what you want to achieve and why. Here’s a template that can help you get started:

“I want to [goal] so that [reason]. I will achieve this by [action].”

Example: “I want to lose 10 pounds so that I can feel more confident in my body. I will achieve this by going to the gym three times a week and cutting out sugary snacks.”

Remember to be specific and realistic when setting your goals and actions, and to regularly review and adjust your purpose statement as needed.

Part 9 Purpose Statement Example For Business Objectives

If you’re writing a purpose statement for a business objective, this template can help you get started:

[Objective] [Action verb] [Target audience] [Outcome or benefit]

Here’s an example using this template:

Increase online sales by creating a more user-friendly website for millennial shoppers.

This purpose statement is clear and concise. It identifies the objective (increase online sales), the action verb (creating), the target audience (millennial shoppers), and the outcome or benefit (a more user-friendly website).

Part 10 Purpose Statement Example For an Essay

“The purpose of this essay is to examine the causes and consequences of climate change, with a focus on the role of human activities, and to propose solutions that can mitigate its impact on the environment and future generations.”

This purpose statement clearly states the subject of the essay (climate change), what aspects will be explored (causes, consequences, human activities), and the intended outcome (proposing solutions). It provides a clear roadmap for the reader and sets the direction for the essay.

Part 11 Purpose Statement Example For a Proposal

“The purpose of this proposal is to secure funding and support for the establishment of a community garden in [Location], aimed at promoting sustainable urban agriculture, fostering community engagement, and improving local access to fresh, healthy produce.”

Why this purpose statement is effective:

The subject of the proposal is clear: the establishment of a community garden.
The specific goals of the project are outlined: promoting sustainable urban agriculture, fostering community engagement, and improving local access to fresh produce.
The overall objective of the proposal is evident: securing funding and support.

Part 12 Purpose Statement Example For a Report

“The purpose of this report is to analyze current market trends in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, assess consumer preferences and buying behaviors, and provide strategic recommendations to guide [Company Name] in entering this growing market segment.”

The subject of the report is provided: market trends in the electric vehicle industry.
The specific goals of the report are analysis of market trends, assessment of consumer preferences, and strategic recommendations.
The overall objective of the report is clear: providing guidance for the company’s entry into the EV market.

Part 13 Purpose Statement Example For a Project

“The purpose of this project is to design and implement a new employee wellness program that promotes physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace.”

This purpose statement clearly outlines the objective of the project, which is to create a new employee wellness program. The program is designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace, which is a key concern for many employers. By implementing this program, the company aims to improve employee health, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity. The purpose statement is concise and specific, providing a clear direction for the project team to follow. It highlights the importance of the project and its potential benefits for the company and its employees.

Part 14 Purpose Statement Templates

When writing a purpose statement, it can be helpful to use a template to ensure that you cover all the necessary components:

Template 1: To [action] [target audience] in order to [outcome]

This template is a straightforward way to outline your purpose statement. Simply fill in the blanks with the appropriate information:

The purpose of […] is
To [action]: What action do you want to take?
[Target audience]: Who is your target audience?
In order to [outcome]: What outcome do you hope to achieve?

For example:

The purpose of our marketing campaign is to increase brand awareness among young adults in urban areas, in order to drive sales and revenue growth.
The purpose of our employee training program is to improve customer service skills among our frontline staff, in order to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The purpose of our new product launch is to expand our market share in the healthcare industry, by offering a unique solution to the needs of elderly patients with chronic conditions.

Template 2: This [project/product] is designed to [action] [target audience] by [method] in order to [outcome].

This template is useful for purpose statements that involve a specific project or product. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate information:

This [project/product]: What is your project or product?
Is designed to [action]: What action do you want to take?
By [method]: What method will you use to achieve your goal?
This app is designed to provide personalized nutrition advice to athletes by analyzing their training data in order to optimize performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements of a purpose statement.

A purpose statement should clearly communicate the main goal or objective of your writing. It should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your work. The key elements of a purpose statement include the topic or subject matter, the intended audience, and the overall goal or objective of your writing.

How can a purpose statement benefit your writing?

A purpose statement can help you stay focused and on track when writing. It can also help you to avoid going off-topic or getting bogged down in unnecessary details. By clearly identifying the main goal or objective of your writing, a purpose statement can help you to stay organized and ensure that your writing is effective and impactful.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a purpose statement?

One common mistake is being too vague or general in your purpose statement. Another mistake is making your purpose statement too long or complex, which can make it difficult to understand. Additionally, it’s important to avoid including unnecessary information or details that are not directly relevant to your main goal or objective.

How can you tailor your purpose statement to your audience?

When writing a purpose statement, it’s important to consider your audience and their needs. You should tailor your purpose statement to your audience by using language and terminology that they will understand. You should also consider their level of knowledge or expertise on the subject matter and adjust your purpose statement accordingly.

What are some effective templates for writing a purpose statement?

There are many effective templates for writing a purpose statement, but one common approach is to use the following structure: “The purpose of this writing is to [insert goal or objective] for [insert audience] regarding [insert topic or subject matter].”

Can you provide examples of successful purpose statements?

“The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the current market trends and make recommendations for future growth strategies for our company.”
“The purpose of this essay is to explore the impact of social media on modern communication and its implications for society.”
“The purpose of this proposal is to secure funding for a new community center that will provide educational and recreational opportunities for local residents.”
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How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

ThoughtCo / Hugo Lin

Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

There are countless ways to start an essay effectively. A solid introductory paragraph both informs and motivates. It lets readers know what your piece is about and it encourages them to keep reading.

For folks new to learning how to start an essay, here are 13 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

One straightforward way to begin is to get right to the point. But avoid making your thesis a bald announcement, such as "This essay is about...".

"It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Thanksgiving, and the truth is this. Thanksgiving is really not such a terrific holiday...." (Michael J. Arlen, "Ode to Thanksgiving." The Camera Age: Essays on Television . Penguin, 1982)

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

A thought-provoking way to start an essay is by asking a relevant question that needs to be unpacked. Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.

"What is the charm of necklaces? Why would anyone put something extra around their neck and then invest it with special significance? A necklace doesn't afford warmth in cold weather, like a scarf, or protection in combat, like chain mail; it only decorates. We might say, it borrows meaning from what it surrounds and sets off, the head with its supremely important material contents, and the face, that register of the soul. When photographers discuss the way in which a photograph reduces the reality it represents, they mention not only the passage from three dimensions to two, but also the selection of a point de vue that favors the top of the body rather than the bottom, and the front rather than the back. The face is the jewel in the crown of the body, and so we give it a setting." (Emily R. Grosholz, "On Necklaces." Prairie Schooner , Summer 2007)

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

Leading with a fact that draws readers in immediately can grab their attention effectively.

" The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine falcon mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If you cannot buy this, Google it. Female falcons had grown dangerously scarce. A few wistful males nevertheless maintained a sort of sexual loitering ground. The hat was imagined, constructed, and then forthrightly worn by the ornithologist as he patrolled this loitering ground, singing, Chee-up! Chee-up! and bowing like an overpolite Japanese Buddhist trying to tell somebody goodbye...." (David James Duncan, "Cherish This Ecstasy." The Sun , July 2008)

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

"I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell . Morning Owl Press, 1983)

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

"It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard. We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages. Each cell measured about ten feet by ten and was quite bare within except for a plank bed and a pot of drinking water. In some of them brown silent men were squatting at the inner bars, with their blankets draped round them. These were the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two." (George Orwell, "A Hanging," 1931)

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

Sharing an incident from your life or history in general is an impactful way to start an essay.

"One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked." (Katy Butler, "What Broke My Father's Heart." The New York Times Magazine , June 18, 2010)

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

The narrative strategy of delay allows you to put off identifying your subject just long enough to pique your readers' interest without frustrating them.

"They woof. Though I have photographed them before, I have never heard them speak, for they are mostly silent birds. Lacking a syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human larynx, they are incapable of song. According to field guides the only sounds they make are grunts and hisses, though the Hawk Conservancy in the United Kingdom reports that adults may utter a croaking coo and that young black vultures, when annoyed, emit a kind of immature snarl...." (Lee Zacharias, "Buzzards." Southern Humanities Review , 2007)

Use the Historical Present Tense

An effective way to start an essay is to use historical present tense to relate an incident from the past as if it were happening now.

"Ben and I are sitting side by side in the very back of his mother’s station wagon. We face glowing white headlights of cars following us, our sneakers pressed against the back hatch door. This is our joy—his and mine—to sit turned away from our moms and dads in this place that feels like a secret, as though they are not even in the car with us. They have just taken us out to dinner, and now we are driving home. Years from this evening, I won’t actually be sure that this boy sitting beside me is named Ben. But that doesn’t matter tonight. What I know for certain right now is that I love him, and I need to tell him this fact before we return to our separate houses, next door to each other. We are both five." (Ryan Van Meter, "First." The Gettysburg Review , Winter 2008)

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

"I like to take my time when I pronounce someone dead. The bare-minimum requirement is one minute with a stethoscope pressed to someone’s chest, listening for a sound that is not there; with my fingers bearing down on the side of someone’s neck, feeling for an absent pulse; with a flashlight beamed into someone’s fixed and dilated pupils, waiting for the constriction that will not come. If I’m in a hurry, I can do all of these in sixty seconds, but when I have the time, I like to take a minute with each task." (Jane Churchon, "The Dead Book." The Sun , February 2009)

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

"I spy on my patients. Ought not a doctor to observe his patients by any means and from any stance, that he might the more fully assemble evidence? So I stand in doorways of hospital rooms and gaze. Oh, it is not all that furtive an act. Those in bed need only look up to discover me. But they never do." ( Richard Selzer , "The Discus Thrower." Confessions of a Knife . Simon & Schuster, 1979)

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

A fun way to start an essay is to use a riddle , joke, or humorous quotation that reveals something about your subject.

" Q: What did Eve say to Adam on being expelled from the Garden of Eden? A: 'I think we're in a time of transition.' The irony of this joke is not lost as we begin a new century and anxieties about social change seem rife. The implication of this message, covering the first of many periods of transition, is that change is normal; there is, in fact, no era or society in which change is not a permanent feature of the social landscape...." (Betty G. Farrell, Family: The Making of an Idea, an Institution, and a Controversy in American Culture . Westview Press, 1999)

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

"As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don't care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke." (Garrison Keillor, "Walking Down The Canyon." Time , July 31, 2000)

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

A compelling way to start an essay is with a contrast between a common misconception and the opposing truth.

"They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than your average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile of Jell-O. Your beloved’s eyes may pierce your heart, but in all likelihood they closely resemble the eyes of every other person on the planet. At least I hope they do, for otherwise he or she suffers from severe myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or worse...." (John Gamel, "The Elegant Eye." Alaska Quarterly Review , 2009)

Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
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What Is Expository Writing?
An Essay Revision Checklist
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How to Outline and Organize an Essay
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Writing an Opinion Essay

Project Management Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Why study project management? This essay gives an answer to the question. It explains the importance and benefits of planning as a business process and a research topic. Write an A+ essay on product management with this example!

Introduction

Project management phases.

Strategic Management

Project management is a discipline of planning, controlling, securing and organizing resources to attain specific objectives. A project can be perceived as an impermanent endeavour with a defined starting and end, undertaken to convene unique objectives and goals, normally to bring about useful change.

The impermanent nature of projects differs from business to business. In some cases it can be permanent, or semi permanent, repetitive functional actions to produce services or products. “A project is a unique endeavour to produce a set of deliverables within clearly specified time, cost and quality constraints” (Westland 2).

All projects can be thought of as a series of phases that have specific beginnings and defined endpoints. Project management life cycle has mostly four phases namely project initiation, project planning, project execution and project closure. All of the phases of the project life cycle have lot of activities to play. These are described in the following segment.

Project Initiation:

This is the initial phase of the project life cycle, which, in turn, has a group of activities which are to be carried out prior to the planning stage. In this phase, the scope and purpose for initiating it and the solution to be found are described.

Project Planning:

In the project planning step, all the project management planning tasks, which are required to complete the project on time and within budget are explained.

Project Execution:

The next phase of project life cycle is project execution. In this phase, the physical deliverables are presented for the consumer. It is the most significant phase in the project life cycle and it utilizes a set of energy and resources.

Project Closure:

Project closure is the final phase of the project life cycle, which properly concludes the project and reports the whole achievement in terms of pre-defined objectives.

The job of the Project Manager is to prepare, execute and decide projects according to the given parameters and within financial plan. This includes obtaining resources and managing the plans of group and third-party consultants so as to distribute projects according to the plan.

The Project Manager will also describe the project’s aim and manage quality control all through its life cycle. McGraw-Hill and Irwin, in their book, “Project Management: The Managerial Process,” claim that “Project Management strikes a balance between the technical and human aspects of managing projects. It is suitable for a course in project management and for professionals who seek a project management handbook” (Gray & Larson).

The Role of Strategic Management in a Project

Strategic Management method contains the process of selecting, directing and calculating project outcomes to ensure best value for a business. Every project undertaken by a business has to meet certain criteria set up by the company’s management. This is intended to ensure alignment with the planned vision of the business.

The four important Strategic Management Processes are: ensure that every project is strategically associated, make a Project Management centred culture, apply Strategic Project Management best practices and to evolve a strategic project measurement scheme.

Project Scope Management, on the other hand, contains the procedures necessary to ensure that the project encompasses all the work required, but only the works necessary to complete the project effectively. Managing the project scope mainly concerns with controlling and defining what is and is not contained in the project.

Project management must be viewed as a technique that enables the organisations to successfully execute selected projects efficiently and effectively. However, the use of this technique alone does not automatically guarantee project achievement.

Gray, Clifford F. & Larson, Erik W. Project Management . McGraw-Hill Publishing Limited. 2000. Web.

Westland, Jason. The Project Management Life Cycle: A Complete Step-by-Step Methodology for Initiating, Planning, Executing & Closing a Project Successfully . Kogan Page Limited. 2006. Web.

Project Management Essay FAQ

Why is project management important? Project management aims to plan and lead a project to successfully complete it. It involves several phases, each of which brings direction to a project, be it in the sphere of business, charity, or art.
Why study project management? Project management is an exciting job that might lead to a fulfilling career in many spheres. Project management skills that imply the ability to successfully lead a project from its beginning to the conclusion, are always in demand in any company.
What is scope in project management? Project scope means a common understanding between the project stakeholders about its boundaries, goals, and essential milestones. It is crucial to define the project scope and its key elements before you start working.
What is crashing in project management? Crashing is a method in project management used to speed up the project’s timeline without changing its overall scope. Project crashing implies adding more resources to reach the highest possible efficiency level.
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Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, October 31). Project Management Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/project-management-4/

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Bibliography

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Student sat writing at a table. Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels

Essay and dissertation writing skills

Planning your essay

Writing your introduction

Structuring your essay

Writing essays in science subjects
Brief video guides to support essay planning and writing
Writing extended essays and dissertations
Planning your dissertation writing time

Structuring your dissertation

Top tips for writing longer pieces of work

Advice on planning and writing essays and dissertations

University essays differ from school essays in that they are less concerned with what you know and more concerned with how you construct an argument to answer the question. This means that the starting point for writing a strong essay is to first unpick the question and to then use this to plan your essay before you start putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

A really good starting point for you are these short, downloadable Tips for Successful Essay Writing and Answering the Question resources. Both resources will help you to plan your essay, as well as giving you guidance on how to distinguish between different sorts of essay questions.

You may find it helpful to watch this seven-minute video on six tips for essay writing which outlines how to interpret essay questions, as well as giving advice on planning and structuring your writing:

Different disciplines will have different expectations for essay structure and you should always refer to your Faculty or Department student handbook or course Canvas site for more specific guidance.

However, broadly speaking, all essays share the following features:

Essays need an introduction to establish and focus the parameters of the discussion that will follow. You may find it helpful to divide the introduction into areas to demonstrate your breadth and engagement with the essay question. You might define specific terms in the introduction to show your engagement with the essay question; for example, ‘This is a large topic which has been variously discussed by many scientists and commentators. The principal tension is between the views of X and Y who define the main issues as…’ Breadth might be demonstrated by showing the range of viewpoints from which the essay question could be considered; for example, ‘A variety of factors including economic, social and political, influence A and B. This essay will focus on the social and economic aspects, with particular emphasis on…..’

Watch this two-minute video to learn more about how to plan and structure an introduction:

The main body of the essay should elaborate on the issues raised in the introduction and develop an argument(s) that answers the question. It should consist of a number of self-contained paragraphs each of which makes a specific point and provides some form of evidence to support the argument being made. Remember that a clear argument requires that each paragraph explicitly relates back to the essay question or the developing argument.

Conclusion: An essay should end with a conclusion that reiterates the argument in light of the evidence you have provided; you shouldn’t use the conclusion to introduce new information.
References: You need to include references to the materials you’ve used to write your essay. These might be in the form of footnotes, in-text citations, or a bibliography at the end. Different systems exist for citing references and different disciplines will use various approaches to citation. Ask your tutor which method(s) you should be using for your essay and also consult your Department or Faculty webpages for specific guidance in your discipline.

Essay writing in science subjects

If you are writing an essay for a science subject you may need to consider additional areas, such as how to present data or diagrams. This five-minute video gives you some advice on how to approach your reading list, planning which information to include in your answer and how to write for your scientific audience – the video is available here:

A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.

Short videos to support your essay writing skills

There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing, including:

Approaching different types of essay questions
Structuring your essay
Writing an introduction
Making use of evidence in your essay writing
Writing your conclusion

Extended essays and dissertations

Longer pieces of writing like extended essays and dissertations may seem like quite a challenge from your regular essay writing. The important point is to start with a plan and to focus on what the question is asking. A PDF providing further guidance on planning Humanities and Social Science dissertations is available to download.

Planning your time effectively

Try not to leave the writing until close to your deadline, instead start as soon as you have some ideas to put down onto paper. Your early drafts may never end up in the final work, but the work of committing your ideas to paper helps to formulate not only your ideas, but the method of structuring your writing to read well and conclude firmly.

Although many students and tutors will say that the introduction is often written last, it is a good idea to begin to think about what will go into it early on. For example, the first draft of your introduction should set out your argument, the information you have, and your methods, and it should give a structure to the chapters and sections you will write. Your introduction will probably change as time goes on but it will stand as a guide to your entire extended essay or dissertation and it will help you to keep focused.

The structure of extended essays or dissertations will vary depending on the question and discipline, but may include some or all of the following:

The background information to - and context for - your research. This often takes the form of a literature review.
Explanation of the focus of your work.
Explanation of the value of this work to scholarship on the topic.
List of the aims and objectives of the work and also the issues which will not be covered because they are outside its scope.

The main body of your extended essay or dissertation will probably include your methodology, the results of research, and your argument(s) based on your findings.

The conclusion is to summarise the value your research has added to the topic, and any further lines of research you would undertake given more time or resources.

Tips on writing longer pieces of work

Approaching each chapter of a dissertation as a shorter essay can make the task of writing a dissertation seem less overwhelming. Each chapter will have an introduction, a main body where the argument is developed and substantiated with evidence, and a conclusion to tie things together. Unlike in a regular essay, chapter conclusions may also introduce the chapter that will follow, indicating how the chapters are connected to one another and how the argument will develop through your dissertation.

For further guidance, watch this two-minute video on writing longer pieces of work .

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Education and Communications
Writing Techniques
Planning Your Writing

How to Write an Outline

Last Updated: August 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Sample Outlines

Planning your outline, structuring your outline, organizing your ideas, finalizing your outline, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,961,353 times.

An outline is a great way to organize ideas and information for a speech, an essay, a novel, or a study guide based on your class notes. At first, writing an outline might seem complicated, but learning how to do it will give you an essential organizational skill! Start by planning your outline and choosing a structure for it. Then, you can organize your ideas into an easy to understand outline.

How to Create an Outline

Choose your topic and thesis.
Pick a format for your outline (e.g., alphanumerical vs. decimal).
Cluster any similar ideas together.
Start your outline with an introduction heading and follow with body headings.
Include 2 subpoints for every main idea, and 2 supporting details for each subpoint.
Add extra details and layers if you need them.
Outline your conclusion.

Quick Outline Slideshow

Some people process their ideas better when they write them down. Additionally, you can easily draw diagrams or examples, which might help you conceptualize the subject. However, it might take longer to write out your outline, and it won't be as neat.
Typing your outline might be easier if your notes are already typed on the computer, as you can just copy and paste them into your outline. Copying and pasting also allows you to easily rearrange your sections, if necessary. Also, it will be easier to copy and paste information from your outline into your paper if you type your outline. On the other hand, it's harder to jot down notes in the margins or draw out organizational diagrams.

If you’re working on a creative project, such as a novel, identify your concept, genre, or premise. Then, allow the outlining process to help you structure your work.
It’s okay if your topic is somewhat broad when you first start, but you should have a direction. For example, your history paper topic could be French life during the German occupation of France in World War II. As you write your outline, you might narrow this down to the resistance fighters called maquisards .

Step 3 Identify the purpose of your outline, such as inform, entertain or reflect.

For a school assignment, review the assignment sheet or talk to your instructor. If the outline is for work, use an existing outline as a model for yours.
If you are the only person who will see the outline, you can choose formatting that works for you. For example, you might write your outline in shorthand.

Step 5 Assemble your notes, research or supporting materials, if applicable.

Paraphrased ideas
Historical facts

Step 6 Brainstorm to identify your argument or main ideas.

Freewrite as ideas come to you.
Create a mind map .
Write your thoughts on index cards.

For example, you may be writing a paper about policy change. Your thesis might read, “Policy makers should take an incremental approach when making policy changes to reduce conflict, allow adjustments, and foster compromise.” Each of the 3 reasons listed in your thesis will become its own main point in your outline.

Step 1 Write an alphanumeric outline for the easy approach.

Roman Numerals - I, II, III, IV, V
Capitalized Letters - A, B, C
Arabic Numerals - 1, 2, 3
Lowercase Letters - a, b, c
Arabic Numerals in Parentheses - (1), (2), (3)

Step 2 Make a decimal outline to highlight the relationship between ideas.

1.1.1 - Each side presents a case before the vote
1.1.2 - Citizens voice their opinion
1.2 - Neither side gets everything they want

Step 3 Decide if you want to write full sentences or short phrases.

You might use short phrases to quickly organize your ideas, to outline a speech, or to create an outline that’s just for you.
You might use full sentences to make it easier to write a final paper, to make a good study guide, or to fulfill the requirements of an assignment.

If you jotted down your ideas or made a mind map, use different colored highlighters to identify ideas that belong in the same group.
Sort your index cards, if you used them to brainstorm. Put cards with related ideas together. For example, you can put them in stacks, or you can line your cards out in rows to make them easier to read.

Step 2 Put each group in order from broad ideas to specific details.

For example, your main point might be that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein champions emotion over reason. Your subpoints might be that Victor Frankenstein is restored by nature and that his scientific efforts create a monster. As supporting details, you might include quotes from the book.
If you're writing a story or presenting a historical argument, a chronological order makes sense. For an essay or speech, pick the subtopic with the most supporting materials, and lead with this argument. From there, order your major subtopics so each one naturally flows into the next.
Your broad ideas should connect back to your thesis or controlling idea. If they don’t, rewrite your thesis to reflect the main ideas you’re putting into your outline.

Step 3 Outline your introduction as the first main point for a speech or essay.

Hook to grab the audience
1-2 general statements about your topic

Step 4 Create your body headings, if you haven’t already.

Phrase outline: II. Frankenstein champions emotion over reason
Full sentence outline: II. In Frankenstein , Mary Shelley champions the use of emotion over reason.

Step 5 Write at least 2 subpoints for each main idea.

Depending on the purpose of your outline, you might have more subpoints. For example, a novel may have many subpoints. Similarly, a study guide will likely have several subpoints, as well.

Step 6 Add at least 2 supporting details for each subpoint.

In an essay, this is often where you “prove” your argument.
For a creative work, you might include essential details you must include in that scene, such as an internal conflict in your main character.
Similar to subpoints, you may have more supporting details, depending on your purpose. A novel or study guide will likely have more supporting details.

Step 7 Include more layers of your outline, if necessary.

Roman Numeral
Capital Letter
Arabic Numeral
Lowercase Letter
Arabic Numeral in Parentheses

Step 8 Outline your conclusion, if you’re writing an essay or speech.

Restate your thesis.
1-2 summarizing sentences.
Write a concluding statement.

Step 1 Read over your outline to make sure you’ve achieved your purpose.

This also gives you a chance to look for missing parts or ideas that aren’t fully fleshed. If you see areas that leave questions unanswered, it’s best to fill in those gaps in information.

Step 2 Revise your outline if ideas are missing or not fleshed out.

If you are making an outline for yourself, you might not worry about this.

Step 3 Edit your outline if you’re turning it in for an assignment.

It’s a good idea to have someone else check it for errors, as it’s often hard to recognize errors in your own work.
While you edit your outline, refer back to your assignment sheet or rubric to make sure you've completely fulfilled the assignment. If not, go back and correct the areas that are lacking.

You can use more layers if you want to include more information.
You might also include additional layers for a long creative work or a detailed study guide.

Be concise and straightforward in your outline. This doesn't have to be perfectly polished writing; it just has to get your point across. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don't be afraid to eliminate irrelevant information as you conduct more research about your topic and narrow your focus. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You can use outlines as a memorization tool . Choose concise words to trigger a concept. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

Only add the most important details to your outline; otherwise, your paper may be too long.

Generally, you should avoid only having one point or sub-point on any outline level. If there is an A, either come up with a B or fold A's idea into the next level up. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
Your outline should not be your essay in a different form. Only write down the major assertions, not every single detail. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

↑ https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/organization-and-structure/creating-an-outline.html
↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
↑ https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~cinichol/271/OutlinesHowTo.htm
↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/02/
↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/7-steps-to-creating-a-flexible-outline-for-any-story
↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/03/

About This Article

The easiest way to write an outline is to gather all of your supporting materials, like quotes, statistics, or ideas, before getting started. Next, go over your materials and take notes, grouping similar ideas together. Then, organize your ideas into subtopics and use your materials to provide at least two supporting points per subtopic. Be sure to keep your outline concise and clear, since you’ll have to refer to it later! For more help on how to plan and organize your outline, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Project initiation: The first step to successful project management

Project initiation ensures that you lay a strong foundation for a new project. It’s the first of five project management phases, when you outline why you’re doing the project and what business value it will deliver. Then, you can use that information to secure buy-in from key stakeholders. In this article, we describe why project initiation matters and outline four key steps to start your project off on the right foot.

“Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.”

What is project initiation?

Project initiation is the first step in starting a new project. During the project initiation phase, you establish why you’re doing the project and what business value it will deliver—then use that information to secure buy-in from key stakeholders.

The term “project initiation” comes from a five-phase model created by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI outlines this model in their Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, also known as the PMBOK® Guide . The model divides a project’s lifecycle into these five stages:

Project initiation : Broadly define your project and secure buy-in.

Project planning : Create detailed goals and a project roadmap.

Project execution : Launch your project using information from the first two steps.

Project performance : Measure effectiveness using key performance indicators (KPIs) .

Project closure : Debrief with stakeholders.

Project initiation vs. project planning

During the project initiation phase, you define your project at a high level in order to demonstrate its business value. Once you secure buy-in from key stakeholders and prove that your project is feasible, you then move on to the project planning phase. That’s when you define your specific objectives , deliverables , and project roadmap in more detail. Think of it this way—you want to provide enough information to secure approval during the initiation phase, then spend time ironing out project planning details after you get the green light.

Why does the project initiation phase matter?

Starting a new project is exciting, but it’s important to make sure your initiative will actually add value before jumping into the planning phase. That’s where project initiation comes in—it offers a structured approach to demonstrate your project’s business case and prove that the work you’ll do is feasible. Project initiation also ensures that you loop in stakeholders early on, so you can secure essential resources, gain visibility for your project, and prevent costly roadblocks down the road.

The project initiation process: 4 steps to get started

So you’ve come up with an enticing new project idea—now what? Here’s how to approach this first phase of project management and lay a solid foundation for your new project.

1. Create a project charter or business case

In this first step, you demonstrate why your project is necessary and what benefit it will bring. You can do this with either a project charter or a business case . These two documents follow the same fundamental idea, since they’re both used to outline key project details and pitch your initiative to stakeholders. The main difference between them is scope—you can use a project charter for smaller initiatives, and a business case for larger projects that require significant resources. For example, you might create a project charter for a redesign of your company homepage, and a business case for a company-wide rebrand.

Regardless of whether you use a project charter or a business case, this is your chance to demonstrate how your project will add business value and why you need specific resources like budget, equipment, or team members. Here’s a rough template of what these two documents typically include:

Project charter

A project charter demonstrates why your project is important, what it will entail, and who will work on it—all through the following elements:

Why : The project’s goals and purpose

What : The scope of the project , including an outline of your project budget

Who : Key stakeholders, project sponsors, and project team members

Business case

A business case includes all the components of a project charter, along with these additional elements:

A comprehensive financial analysis, including an estimate of the return on investment (ROI) your project will bring

An analysis of project risks and a risk management plan

An action plan that includes how decisions will be made (such as a RACI chart ), a communication plan , and next steps you’ll take if your business case is approved

2. Identify key stakeholders and pitch your project

Next up, determine who needs to sign off on your project charter or business case. This includes key stakeholders who have a say in the outcome of your project—for example, executive leaders, project sponsors, or cross-functional teams that you’re requesting budget or resources from. If you’re not sure who your key stakeholders are, ask yourself the following questions:

Who needs to approve my project?

Who will provide resources for my project?

Who can influence my project?

You can also create a project stakeholder analysis to ensure you’re not overlooking any important players. This methodology involves dividing stakeholders into four main groups: those with high influence and high interest, high influence and low interest, low influence and high interest, and low influence and low interest. Anyone in the first bucket (high influence and high interest) is likely a key stakeholder that should approve your project during the initiation phase.

Aside from key stakeholders, now is also a good time to identify other individuals who may be impacted by or interested in your project. While these people don’t need to officially approve your initiative, it might be helpful to give them an early heads-up, especially if this project will impact their work. They may also be able to provide additional support in the form of insight or resources.

Getting stakeholder buy-in during the initiation phase not only helps you secure approval, support, and resources—it also increases project visibility and prevents costly roadblocks later on in the project life cycle.

3. Run a feasibility study

At this point you’ve pitched your project, demonstrating that it adds value and fits with your company’s overall strategic plan . Now, it’s time to run a feasibility study to confirm your project is possible with the resources you have at your disposal.

Simply put, a feasibility study evaluates whether your project could be successful. It answers the following questions:

Does my team have the required resources to complete this project?

Will there be enough return on investment (ROI) to make this project worth pursuing?

If you can answer yes to both questions, you have a solid rationale to move forward with your project. If your feasibility study concludes that you don’t have enough budget or resources, you’ve created a strong case to go back to stakeholders and request more. And if your project’s ROI isn’t up to snuff, you can use that data to tweak your project plan —or pursue a different opportunity entirely.

Does every project need a feasibility study?

Feasibility studies are typically used for larger projects that require significant company resources. You might not need to run a feasibility study for smaller projects with minimal long-term impact. You can also skip this step if you’ve managed a similar project in the past, your competitors are already succeeding with a similar initiative, or you’ve run a similar feasibility study within the past three years. Keep in mind that a feasibility study takes time and resources to complete, so make sure it’s really necessary before you dive in.

4. Assemble your team and tools

Now that your project is approved and its feasibility proven, you can finally start to assemble your team, workspace, and tools. Here are some pointers to get you started:

A good team can go a long way in making your project a success, and it can take time to find people with the right experiences and skills. It’s a good idea to start this process as soon as possible once your project is confirmed—especially if you need to hire new employees or onboard contractors. And depending on your company’s procedures, you may need to file a request in advance to reassign existing employees to your project.

Consider how you want to organize your team structure . For example, do you want a simple hierarchical structure with team members reporting into single team leads—or does it make more sense to divide your team by geographical region?

Where you work can influence how you work. If you’re planning to manage your project remotely, make sure you have the right infrastructure set up to manage a virtual team . And if your team will work onsite, keep in mind that you may need to request office space well in advance of your project kick-off meeting .

Choose the right tools. Consider how your team will work together on daily tasks—for example, will you use email, Google docs, or more robust project management software ? You may want to consider a tool like Asana , which allows you to centralize team communication in one place, assign tasks with clear owners and due dates, and easily organize projects in a way that's tailor-made for your team.

Next up: Project planning

The project initiation phase empowers you to lay a strong foundation for your project. It ensures that you prove the business need for your project, secure necessary approvals, confirm the feasibility of your work, and start to assemble your team.

With that done, you’re free to finalize the details of your project plan and determine your specific objectives, deliverables, milestones, and project roadmap. So happy planning, and here’s to many great project beginnings (and project successes) to come.

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How to Write an Abstract (With Examples)

By Sarah Oakley

What is an abstract in a paper, how long should an abstract be, 5 steps for writing an abstract, examples of an abstract, how prowritingaid can help you write an abstract.

If you are writing a scientific research paper or a book proposal, you need to know how to write an abstract, which summarizes the contents of the paper or book.

When researchers are looking for peer-reviewed papers to use in their studies, the first place they will check is the abstract to see if it applies to their work. Therefore, your abstract is one of the most important parts of your entire paper.

In this article, we’ll explain what an abstract is, what it should include, and how to write one.

An abstract is a concise summary of the details within a report. Some abstracts give more details than others, but the main things you’ll be talking about are why you conducted the research, what you did, and what the results show.

When a reader is deciding whether to read your paper completely, they will first look at the abstract. You need to be concise in your abstract and give the reader the most important information so they can determine if they want to read the whole paper.

Remember that an abstract is the last thing you’ll want to write for the research paper because it directly references parts of the report. If you haven’t written the report, you won’t know what to include in your abstract.

If you are writing a paper for a journal or an assignment, the publication or academic institution might have specific formatting rules for how long your abstract should be. However, if they don’t, most abstracts are between 150 and 300 words long.

A short word count means your writing has to be precise and without filler words or phrases. Once you’ve written a first draft, you can always use an editing tool, such as ProWritingAid, to identify areas where you can reduce words and increase readability.

If your abstract is over the word limit, and you’ve edited it but still can’t figure out how to reduce it further, your abstract might include some things that aren’t needed. Here’s a list of three elements you can remove from your abstract:

Discussion : You don’t need to go into detail about the findings of your research because your reader will find your discussion within the paper.

Definition of terms : Your readers are interested the field you are writing about, so they are likely to understand the terms you are using. If not, they can always look them up. Your readers do not expect you to give a definition of terms in your abstract.

References and citations : You can mention there have been studies that support or have inspired your research, but you do not need to give details as the reader will find them in your bibliography.

Good writing = better grades

ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.

If you’ve never written an abstract before, and you’re wondering how to write an abstract, we’ve got some steps for you to follow. It’s best to start with planning your abstract, so we’ve outlined the details you need to include in your plan before you write.

Remember to consider your audience when you’re planning and writing your abstract. They are likely to skim read your abstract, so you want to be sure your abstract delivers all the information they’re expecting to see at key points.

1. What Should an Abstract Include?

Abstracts have a lot of information to cover in a short number of words, so it’s important to know what to include. There are three elements that need to be present in your abstract:

Your context is the background for where your research sits within your field of study. You should briefly mention any previous scientific papers or experiments that have led to your hypothesis and how research develops in those studies.

Your hypothesis is your prediction of what your study will show. As you are writing your abstract after you have conducted your research, you should still include your hypothesis in your abstract because it shows the motivation for your paper.

Throughout your abstract, you also need to include keywords and phrases that will help researchers to find your article in the databases they’re searching. Make sure the keywords are specific to your field of study and the subject you’re reporting on, otherwise your article might not reach the relevant audience.

2. Can You Use First Person in an Abstract?

You might think that first person is too informal for a research paper, but it’s not. Historically, writers of academic reports avoided writing in first person to uphold the formality standards of the time. However, first person is more accepted in research papers in modern times.

If you’re still unsure whether to write in first person for your abstract, refer to any style guide rules imposed by the journal you’re writing for or your teachers if you are writing an assignment.

3. Abstract Structure

Some scientific journals have strict rules on how to structure an abstract, so it’s best to check those first. If you don’t have any style rules to follow, try using the IMRaD structure, which stands for Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Discussion.

Following the IMRaD structure, start with an introduction. The amount of background information you should include depends on your specific research area. Adding a broad overview gives you less room to include other details. Remember to include your hypothesis in this section.

The next part of your abstract should cover your methodology. Try to include the following details if they apply to your study:

What type of research was conducted?

How were the test subjects sampled?

What were the sample sizes?

What was done to each group?

How long was the experiment?

How was data recorded and interpreted?

Following the methodology, include a sentence or two about the results, which is where your reader will determine if your research supports or contradicts their own investigations.

The results are also where most people will want to find out what your outcomes were, even if they are just mildly interested in your research area. You should be specific about all the details but as concise as possible.

The last few sentences are your conclusion. It needs to explain how your findings affect the context and whether your hypothesis was correct. Include the primary take-home message, additional findings of importance, and perspective. Also explain whether there is scope for further research into the subject of your report.

Your conclusion should be honest and give the reader the ultimate message that your research shows. Readers trust the conclusion, so make sure you’re not fabricating the results of your research. Some readers won’t read your entire paper, but this section will tell them if it’s worth them referencing it in their own study.

4. How to Start an Abstract

The first line of your abstract should give your reader the context of your report by providing background information. You can use this sentence to imply the motivation for your research.

You don’t need to use a hook phrase or device in your first sentence to grab the reader’s attention. Your reader will look to establish relevance quickly, so readability and clarity are more important than trying to persuade the reader to read on.

5. How to Format an Abstract

Most abstracts use the same formatting rules, which help the reader identify the abstract so they know where to look for it.

Here’s a list of formatting guidelines for writing an abstract:

Stick to one paragraph

Use block formatting with no indentation at the beginning

Put your abstract straight after the title and acknowledgements pages

Use present or past tense, not future tense

There are two primary types of abstract you could write for your paper—descriptive and informative.

An informative abstract is the most common, and they follow the structure mentioned previously. They are longer than descriptive abstracts because they cover more details.

Descriptive abstracts differ from informative abstracts, as they don’t include as much discussion or detail. The word count for a descriptive abstract is between 50 and 150 words.

Here is an example of an informative abstract:

A growing trend exists for authors to employ a more informal writing style that uses “we” in academic writing to acknowledge one’s stance and engagement. However, few studies have compared the ways in which the first-person pronoun “we” is used in the abstracts and conclusions of empirical papers. To address this lacuna in the literature, this study conducted a systematic corpus analysis of the use of “we” in the abstracts and conclusions of 400 articles collected from eight leading electrical and electronic (EE) engineering journals. The abstracts and conclusions were extracted to form two subcorpora, and an integrated framework was applied to analyze and seek to explain how we-clusters and we-collocations were employed. Results revealed whether authors’ use of first-person pronouns partially depends on a journal policy. The trend of using “we” showed that a yearly increase occurred in the frequency of “we” in EE journal papers, as well as the existence of three “we-use” types in the article conclusions and abstracts: exclusive, inclusive, and ambiguous. Other possible “we-use” alternatives such as “I” and other personal pronouns were used very rarely—if at all—in either section. These findings also suggest that the present tense was used more in article abstracts, but the present perfect tense was the most preferred tense in article conclusions. Both research and pedagogical implications are proffered and critically discussed.

Wang, S., Tseng, W.-T., & Johanson, R. (2021). To We or Not to We: Corpus-Based Research on First-Person Pronoun Use in Abstracts and Conclusions. SAGE Open, 11(2).

Here is an example of a descriptive abstract:

From the 1850s to the present, considerable criminological attention has focused on the development of theoretically-significant systems for classifying crime. This article reviews and attempts to evaluate a number of these efforts, and we conclude that further work on this basic task is needed. The latter part of the article explicates a conceptual foundation for a crime pattern classification system, and offers a preliminary taxonomy of crime.

Farr, K. A., & Gibbons, D. C. (1990). Observations on the Development of Crime Categories. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 34(3), 223–237.

If you want to ensure your abstract is grammatically correct and easy to read, you can use ProWritingAid to edit it. The software integrates with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and most web browsers, so you can make the most of it wherever you’re writing your paper.

Before you edit with ProWritingAid, make sure the suggestions you are seeing are relevant for your document by changing the document type to “Abstract” within the Academic writing style section.

You can use the Readability report to check your abstract for places to improve the clarity of your writing. Some suggestions might show you where to remove words, which is great if you’re over your word count.

We hope the five steps and examples we’ve provided help you write a great abstract for your research paper.

Sarah Oakley

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หน้าแรก > บล็อก > รูปแบบเรียงความ APA: ภาพรวม

รูปแบบเรียงความ APA: ภาพรวม

ทีมบรรณาธิการ Smodin
Updated: สิงหาคม 21, 2024
คำแนะนำทีละขั้นตอนสำหรับการเขียน

คุณจำเป็นต้องเขียนเรียงความ APA แต่ไม่มีความรู้เกี่ยวกับกฎการจัดรูปแบบหรือไม่ คุณไม่ได้อยู่คนเดียว เนื่องจากนักเรียนหลายคนมีคำถามเดียวกันเมื่อเริ่มต้น เราจะแชร์รายละเอียดทั้งหมดของรูปแบบเรียงความ APA เพื่อช่วยให้คุณเข้าใจกฎเกณฑ์ เพื่อให้คุณสามารถเขียนเรียงความที่มีระยะห่างระหว่างบรรทัด การอ้างอิง APA และหน้าบทคัดย่อที่ถูกต้อง

นอกจากนี้ เราจะแชร์ตัวอย่างยอดนิยมของสิ่งที่ควรหลีกเลี่ยงเมื่อเขียนในรูปแบบ APA เพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าคุณจะไม่ทำผิดพลาดใหญ่ๆ ที่อาจส่งผลต่อเกรดปลายภาคของคุณ

อ่านต่อเพื่อเรียนรู้เพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับกฎที่คุณต้องปฏิบัติตามเมื่อใช้รูปแบบเรียงความ APA

เรียงความรูปแบบ APA คืออะไร?

รูปแบบ APA เป็นแนวทางที่ใช้กันทั่วไปในสังคมศาสตร์สำหรับการเขียนรายงานทางวิชาการ ที่ สมาคมจิตวิทยาอเมริกัน ซึ่งเป็นองค์กรทางวิทยาศาสตร์และวิชาชีพในสหรัฐฯ ซึ่งเป็นตัวแทนของนักจิตวิทยา ได้พัฒนารูปแบบนี้

ต่อไปนี้เป็นภาพรวมของประเด็นสำคัญที่คุณต้องทราบเมื่อเรียนรู้ว่ารูปแบบเรียงความ APA คืออะไร:

หน้าชื่อเรื่อง: ประกอบด้วยชื่อบทความ ชื่อผู้แต่ง และสังกัดสถาบัน สำหรับเอกสารนักศึกษา จะมีหมายเลขหลักสูตรและชื่อผู้สอนด้วย
บทคัดย่อ: สรุปงานวิจัย. โดยทั่วไปจะมีความยาวประมาณ 150-250 คำ และสรุปประเด็นหลักและข้อสรุป
เนื้อหาหลัก: ประกอบด้วยส่วนคำนำ วิธีการ ผลลัพธ์ และการอภิปราย แต่ละส่วนมีป้ายกำกับและจัดระเบียบอย่างชัดเจนเพื่อนำเสนอผลการวิจัยในลักษณะที่มีกระแสชัดเจน
หัวเรื่องและหัวเรื่องย่อย: ใช้ระดับหัวเรื่องที่เฉพาะเจาะจงเพื่อจัดระเบียบเนื้อหาตามลำดับชั้นและทำให้ง่ายต่อการนำทาง
การอ้างอิงในข้อความ: อ้างอิงแหล่งที่มาภายในข้อความโดยใช้วิธีวันที่ผู้เขียน เช่น “Smith, 2020” ซึ่งลิงก์ไปยังรายการอ้างอิงโดยละเอียดในตอนท้าย
การอ้างอิง: ระบุแหล่งที่มาทั้งหมดที่อ้างถึงในรายงาน จัดรูปแบบด้วยการเยื้อง และจัดเรียงตามตัวอักษรตามนามสกุลของผู้เขียน
การจัดรูปแบบ: แบบอักษร Times New Roman มาตรฐาน 12 จุด บรรทัดเว้นวรรค XNUMX เส้น และระยะขอบ XNUMX นิ้วทุกด้าน

คนกำลังพิมพ์บนแล็ปท็อปที่วางอยู่บนโต๊ะสีขาว

วิธีการเขียนเรียงความในรูปแบบ APA

ตอนนี้เรามาดูวิธีเขียนเรียงความในรูปแบบ APA กันดีกว่า กระบวนการนี้จะนำคุณตั้งแต่ต้นจนจบและให้แน่ใจว่าคุณมีการจัดรูปแบบที่ถูกต้องสำหรับสไตล์ APA ผู้เริ่มต้นสามารถใช้หลักเกณฑ์ APA เหล่านี้เพื่อให้ได้ผลลัพธ์ที่ดีในสภาพแวดล้อมทางวิชาการ

1. หน้าชื่อเรื่อง

คุณจะต้อง เริ่มเรียงความ ด้วยหน้าปกรูปแบบ APA (หรือหน้าชื่อเรื่อง) ซึ่งจะเป็นการเตรียมขั้นตอนสำหรับเรียงความของคุณ จัดกึ่งกลางชื่อบทความของคุณโดยใช้แบบอักษร Times New Roman ตัวหนา 12 พอยต์ ด้านล่าง ให้ระบุชื่อและความเกี่ยวข้องกับสถาบันของคุณไว้ตรงกลาง ที่นี่ คุณสามารถใส่ข้อมูลหลักสูตร ชื่อผู้สอน และวันครบกำหนดได้ หากจำเป็น

นอกจากนี้ ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าชื่อมีความกระชับและสื่อความหมายเพื่อผลลัพธ์ที่ดีที่สุด คุณสามารถดูเอกสารของมืออาชีพเพื่อทำความเข้าใจวิธีการทำเช่นนี้ได้ จากนั้นวางหัววิ่งไว้ในส่วนหัว ซึ่งจะรวมชื่อเรื่องแบบย่อ (50 ตัวอักษรหรือน้อยกว่า) และหมายเลขหน้าจัดชิดขวา

2. บทคัดย่อ

ในหน้าใหม่ ให้รวมบทคัดย่อซึ่งให้ข้อมูลสรุปเรียงความของคุณ ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าคำว่า "นามธรรม" อยู่ตรงกลางที่ด้านบนของหน้าเพื่อให้สอดคล้องกับรูปแบบ APA บทคัดย่อควรเป็นย่อหน้าเดียว ความยาวระหว่าง 150-250 คำ นอกจากนี้ ยังต้องสรุปประเด็นหลักของปัญหาการวิจัย วิธีการ ผลการวิจัย และข้อสรุปด้วย

หลีกเลี่ยงการอ้างอิงและคำอธิบายโดยละเอียด และมุ่งเน้นไปที่การถ่ายทอดสาระสำคัญของรายงานของคุณแทน บทคัดย่อช่วยให้ผู้อ่านเข้าใจขอบเขตการวิจัยของคุณได้อย่างรวดเร็วโดยไม่ต้องเจาะลึกเข้าไปในรายงาน APA

เริ่มเนื้อหาหลักของเรียงความของคุณในหน้าใหม่ ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าชื่อเต็มของรายงานของคุณอยู่ตรงกลางที่ด้านบนสุดของหน้าด้วยตัวหนา เนื้อหาประกอบด้วยหลายส่วน ซึ่งโดยทั่วไปได้แก่ บทนำ วิธีการ ผลลัพธ์ และการอภิปราย

ในบทนำ ให้สรุปโครงร่าง รายงานการวิจัย คำถามและบริบท จากนั้นในส่วนวิธีการจะอธิบายกระบวนการวิจัยของคุณ คุณจะต้องนำเสนอสิ่งที่คุณค้นพบในส่วนผลลัพธ์และวิเคราะห์ในการสนทนา

ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าใช้รูปแบบส่วนหัวของ APA เพื่อจัดระเบียบเนื้อหาของคุณให้มีความชัดเจนและลื่นไหล สุดท้าย อย่าลืมทำให้ข้อความเว้นระยะห่างสองเท่าและกำหนดระยะขอบไว้ที่ 1 นิ้วในทุกด้าน ส่วนหัวในรูปแบบ APA มีความสำคัญและเป็นสิ่งที่นักเรียนมักมองข้าม

หลังจากเนื้อหาหลัก ให้เริ่มหน้าใหม่สำหรับข้อมูลอ้างอิง เริ่มต้นการจัดรูปแบบ APA ของส่วนนี้โดยทำให้คำว่า "ข้อมูลอ้างอิง" อยู่ตรงกลางและทำให้เป็นตัวหนาที่ด้านบนของหน้า ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าได้ระบุแหล่งที่มาทั้งหมดที่อ้างถึงในเรียงความของคุณตามลำดับตัวอักษรตามนามสกุลของผู้แต่ง คุณสามารถใช้การเยื้องแบบลอยเพื่อให้สไตล์ APA ถูกต้อง ซึ่งหมายความว่าคุณล้างบรรทัดแรกไปทางซ้ายและเยื้องบรรทัดถัดไป 0.5 นิ้ว

นอกจากนี้ รายการอ้างอิงแต่ละรายการควรมีชื่อผู้แต่ง ปีที่พิมพ์ ชื่อเรื่อง และรายละเอียดแหล่งที่มา เพื่อให้ได้รับสิทธินี้ ให้ปฏิบัติตามกฎรูปแบบการอ้างอิง APA อย่างรอบคอบเพื่อให้ข้อมูลแหล่งที่มาที่ครบถ้วนและถูกต้อง วิธีนี้ช่วยให้แน่ใจว่าคุณให้เครดิตที่เหมาะสมและช่วยให้ผู้อ่านสามารถค้นหาแหล่งที่มาของคุณได้

5. การอ้างอิงในข้อความ

ตลอดทั้งเรียงความของคุณ ให้ใช้การอ้างอิงในข้อความกับแหล่งเครดิต รูปแบบ APA ใช้ระบบวันที่ผู้เขียน ดังนั้นให้ใส่นามสกุลของผู้แต่งและปีที่พิมพ์ในวงเล็บหลังข้อมูลที่อ้างถึง

สำหรับเครื่องหมายคำพูดโดยตรง ให้เพิ่มหมายเลขหน้าเหมือนในตัวอย่างต่อไปนี้: Smith, 2020, p. 15. ถ้าชื่อผู้แต่งเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของประโยค ให้ใส่เฉพาะปีในวงเล็บ ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าการอ้างอิงในข้อความทุกรายการตรงกับข้อมูลอ้างอิงที่เกี่ยวข้องในหน้าข้อมูลอ้างอิง สิ่งสำคัญคือต้องรักษาความซื่อสัตย์ทางวิชาการโดยอนุญาตให้ผู้อ่านตรวจสอบแหล่งที่มาของคุณสำหรับเอกสารทางวิชาชีพและนักศึกษา

หากเรียงความของคุณมีเนื้อหาเสริม ให้เพิ่มภาคผนวกในหน้าใหม่ต่อจากข้อมูลอ้างอิง ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าได้ตั้งชื่อภาคผนวกแต่ละภาคด้วยคำว่า “ภาคผนวก” ตามด้วยตัวอักษร (เช่น ภาคผนวก A) หากมีภาคผนวกหลายรายการ นอกจากนี้ คุณจะต้องจัดกึ่งกลางและตั้งชื่อหัวข้อของแต่ละภาคผนวกด้วยตัวหนา

ใส่ตาราง รูปภาพ หรือข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมโดยละเอียดในภาคผนวกเพื่อสนับสนุนสิ่งที่คุณค้นพบโดยไม่ทำให้เนื้อหาหลักมากเกินไป นี่จะทำให้เรียงความหรือรายงานวิชาชีพของคุณ การเขียนลื่นไหลดีขึ้น .

สุดท้าย โปรดดูแต่ละภาคผนวกในข้อความ คุณสามารถใช้ฟังก์ชันการค้นหาในซอฟต์แวร์ประมวลผลคำเพื่อค้นหาการอ้างอิงข้อความที่ต้องการได้

คนที่ใช้ Google บนแล็ปท็อปที่อยู่ติดกับโรงงานและสมาร์ทโฟน

วิธีอ้างอิงเรียงความในรูปแบบ APA

ในส่วนนี้ เราจะพูดถึงกระบวนการที่คุณต้องปฏิบัติตามเมื่อเรียนรู้วิธีอ้างอิงเรียงความในรูปแบบ APA สมาคมจิตวิทยาอเมริกันได้เพิ่มกฎเหล่านี้เพื่อทำให้รูปแบบการเขียน APA มีโครงสร้างที่ดีขึ้น นอกจากนี้ยังช่วยให้ผู้อ่านระบุแหล่งข้อมูลได้อย่างรวดเร็วในขณะที่สลับไปมาระหว่างวารสารวิชาชีพ

ข้อมูลพื้นฐานเกี่ยวกับ

ในรายงานสไตล์ APA ให้ใช้ประโยคในข้อความสั้นๆ เพื่ออ้างอิงแหล่งที่มาและแนะนำผู้อ่าน โดยทั่วไปคุณจะรวมไว้ในข้อความ การอ้างอิง สำหรับกระดาษรูปแบบ APA พร้อมทุกเครื่องหมายคำพูด เพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าไม่มีการลอกเลียนแบบ

นอกจากนี้ กฎการจัดรูปแบบทั่วไประบุว่าคุณจะต้องใช้นามสกุลของผู้เขียนและปีที่พิมพ์ สิ่งนี้เรียกอีกอย่างว่าระบบวันที่ผู้เขียน นอกจากนี้ หากคุณต้องการอ้างอิงส่วนใดส่วนหนึ่ง คุณสามารถใช้การประทับเวลาหรือหมายเลขหน้าได้

การอ้างอิงแบบวงเล็บกับแบบบรรยาย

การอ้างอิงในข้อความของคุณสามารถใช้รูปแบบหลักๆ ได้สองรูปแบบ: แบบสอดใส่หรือแบบเล่าเรื่อง นี่คือตัวอย่างความแตกต่างระหว่างพวกเขา:

การอ้างอิงในวงเล็บ: ตามแนวโน้มอุตสาหกรรมล่าสุด... (Jones, 2024)
การอ้างอิงคำบรรยาย: Jones (2024) ระบุว่าแนวโน้มอุตสาหกรรมล่าสุด...

ผู้แต่งหลายคนและผู้แต่งองค์กร

คุณอาจต้องอ้างอิงผู้เขียนหลายคนหรือหลายคน ขึ้นอยู่กับลักษณะของเอกสารของนักเรียนที่คุณกำลังทำอยู่ ต่อไปนี้คือรูปแบบสำหรับการอ้างอิงแบบวงเล็บ:

ผู้เขียนคนหนึ่ง: (โจนส์, 2024)
ผู้เขียนสองคน: (Jones & Adams, 2024)
ผู้เขียน 3 คนขึ้นไป: (Jones et al., 2024)
องค์กร: (ชื่อแบรนด์ 2024)

ตอนนี้เรามาดูเวอร์ชันการอ้างอิงเชิงบรรยาย:

ผู้เขียนคนหนึ่ง: โจนส์ (2024)
ผู้เขียนสองคน: Jones & Adams (2024)
ผู้แต่ง 3+ คน: Smith และคณะ (2024)
องค์กร: ชื่อแบรนด์ (2024)

ชายคนหนึ่งกุมหัวด้วยความหงุดหงิดขณะมองแล็ปท็อปของตัวเอง

ตัวอย่างเรียงความรูปแบบ APA: สิ่งที่ควรหลีกเลี่ยง

ตอนนี้เราจะมาสำรวจตัวอย่างเรียงความรูปแบบ APA ของข้อผิดพลาดที่คุณไม่ควรทำ สิ่งนี้ทำให้แน่ใจได้ว่าคุณจะได้เริ่มต้นกับโครงการของคุณและได้เกรดสูงสุด

ต่อไปนี้เป็นข้อผิดพลาดในการเขียนที่ควรหลีกเลี่ยงเมื่อใช้รูปแบบ APA:

การอ้างอิงที่ไม่เหมาะสม: การไม่อ้างอิงแหล่งที่มาอย่างถูกต้องอาจนำไปสู่การกล่าวหาว่าลอกเลียนแบบได้ ดังนั้น ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าทุกแหล่งข้อมูลมีการอ้างอิงอย่างถูกต้องทั้งในการอ้างอิงในข้อความและรายการอ้างอิง ดังนั้นควรหลีกเลี่ยงการใช้รูปแบบที่ไม่ถูกต้องหรือรายละเอียดที่ไม่สมบูรณ์ ตัวอย่างเช่น การไม่รวมหมายเลขหน้าสำหรับการอ้างอิงโดยตรงหรือการละเว้นปีที่ตีพิมพ์อาจส่งผลต่อความสมบูรณ์ของงานของคุณได้
การจัดรูปแบบที่ไม่สอดคล้องกัน: ความไม่สอดคล้องกันในการจัดรูปแบบจะบ่อนทำลายความเป็นมืออาชีพของเรียงความของคุณ ดังนั้น ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าคุณมีระยะขอบ ประเภทแบบอักษร และขนาด (เช่น ตัวพิมพ์ใหญ่และตัวพิมพ์ใหญ่และตัวพิมพ์เล็ก) ที่สม่ำเสมอตลอดทั้งเล่ม นอกจากนี้ ส่วนหัวควรเป็นไปตามรูปแบบ APA อย่างชัดเจน และควรมีความสม่ำเสมอในการเว้นวรรคบรรทัดและการเยื้อง การเบี่ยงเบนไปจากหลักเกณฑ์เหล่านี้อาจทำให้ผู้อ่านเสียสมาธิและทำให้ความน่าเชื่อถือของเรียงความลดลง
การละเลยข้อกำหนดหน้าชื่อเรื่อง: หน้าชื่อเรื่องมีความสำคัญในรูปแบบ APA ดังนั้น ควรหลีกเลี่ยงการละเว้นองค์ประกอบที่จำเป็น เช่น ชื่อเรื่อง ชื่อผู้แต่ง และสังกัดสถาบัน นอกจากนี้ ควรมีส่วนหัวที่กำลังรันและหมายเลขหน้าอยู่ด้วย การขาดองค์ประกอบเหล่านี้อาจทำให้เกิดความสับสนและทำให้เกิดความประมาทเลินเล่อในการจัดรูปแบบของคุณ
การใช้เครื่องหมายคำพูดโดยตรงมากเกินไป: การใช้คำพูดโดยตรงที่ระบุด้วยเครื่องหมายคำพูดมากเกินไปอาจเบี่ยงเบนไปจากการวิเคราะห์และข้อมูลเชิงลึกดั้งเดิมของคุณ แทน, ถอดความ และสรุปเท่าที่เป็นไปได้ และใช้คำพูดโดยตรงเท่าที่จำเป็นเพื่อสนับสนุนประเด็นของคุณ การใช้มากเกินไปอาจทำให้เรียงความของคุณดูไม่แปลกใหม่และพึ่งพางานของผู้อื่นมากขึ้น
การจัดรูปแบบรายการอ้างอิงไม่ถูกต้อง: จัดรูปแบบแต่ละรายการในรายการอ้างอิงตามหลักเกณฑ์ APA เพื่อหลีกเลี่ยงการจัดรูปแบบที่ไม่ถูกต้อง คุณจะต้องหลีกเลี่ยงข้อผิดพลาดทั่วไป เช่น การเยื้องไม่ถูกต้อง การใช้ตัวเอียงไม่ถูกต้อง หรือองค์ประกอบที่ขาดหายไป ตัวอย่างเช่น ทำชื่อหนังสือให้เป็นตัวเอียงและปล่อยให้ชื่อบทความเป็นข้อความธรรมดา

คำถามที่พบบ่อย

ฉันจะจัดรูปแบบหน้าชื่อเรื่องใน apa ได้อย่างไร.

หน้าชื่อเรื่องของ APA ประกอบด้วยชื่อบทความ ชื่อผู้แต่ง และสังกัดสถาบัน นอกจากนี้ ให้จัดกึ่งกลางและเว้นวรรคสองครั้งในหน้าชื่อเรื่องของรายงาน APA สำหรับเอกสารนักศึกษา ยังรวมถึงหมายเลขหลักสูตร ชื่อผู้สอน และวันครบกำหนดอีกด้วย

นอกจากนี้ หัวเรื่องที่มีชื่อเรื่องแบบสั้นและหมายเลขหน้าจะปรากฏในส่วนหัว ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าชื่อเรื่องกระชับและสื่อความหมาย โดยใช้คำหลักเป็นตัวพิมพ์ใหญ่ สิ่งนี้จะนำไปสู่ส่วนหัวของหน้าที่ดีที่สุดสำหรับโครงการของคุณ

วิธีที่เหมาะสมในการจัดรูปแบบรายการอ้างอิงในรูปแบบ APA คืออะไร?

รายการอ้างอิงควรจัดรูปแบบด้วยการเยื้องแบบลอย ซึ่งหมายความว่าบรรทัดแรกของการอ้างอิงแต่ละรายการจะอยู่ทางซ้าย โดยบรรทัดต่อมาจะเยื้อง 0.5 นิ้ว นอกจากนี้ให้จัดเรียงข้อมูลอ้างอิงตามลำดับตัวอักษรตามนามสกุลของผู้เขียน

นอกจากนี้ ให้ใช้ตัวเอียงสำหรับชื่อหนังสือและวารสาร และใช้รูปแบบประโยคที่เหมาะสมสำหรับชื่อบทความและบทต่างๆ ตรวจสอบความสอดคล้องตลอดเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าคุณมีคุณภาพเทียบเท่ากับเอกสารระดับมืออาชีพ

ฉันควรจัดโครงสร้างเนื้อหาหลักของเรียงความ APA อย่างไร

เนื้อหาหลักเริ่มต้นในหน้าใหม่โดยให้ชื่อกระดาษอยู่กึ่งกลางและเป็นตัวหนา ควรประกอบด้วยคำนำ วิธีการ ผลลัพธ์ และส่วนการอภิปราย นอกจากนี้ รูปแบบ APA ต้องมีรูปแบบส่วนหัวด้วย

ข้อความควรเว้นระยะห่างสองเท่าโดยเว้นระยะขอบหนึ่งนิ้ว และใช้ฟอนต์ Times New Roman ขนาด 12 พอยต์ นอกจากนี้ จัดระเบียบเนื้อหาอย่างมีเหตุผลและชัดเจนโดยใช้ส่วนหัวสำหรับส่วนต่างๆ ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่ากระดาษ APA ของคุณไม่มีเนื้อหาอยู่บนหน้าชื่อเรื่อง

ฉันสามารถใช้ตารางและรูปภาพในรูปแบบ APA ได้หรือไม่

ใช่ รูปแบบ APA ช่วยให้สามารถใช้ตารางและรูปภาพเพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลได้อย่างชัดเจน แต่ละตารางหรือรูปภาพควรมีป้ายกำกับและชื่อเรื่อง นอกจากนี้ ให้วางตารางและรูปภาพไว้หลังหน้าอ้างอิง

นอกจากนี้ โปรดดูแต่ละตารางหรือรูปภาพในข้อความและตรวจดูให้แน่ใจว่ามีการจัดรูปแบบตามหลักเกณฑ์ APA ซึ่งรวมถึงการเว้นวรรคและการจัดตำแหน่งที่เหมาะสมเพื่อผลลัพธ์ที่ดีที่สุดกับเนื้อหา

ฉันควรทำอย่างไรหากไม่มีผู้แต่งระบุแหล่งที่มา?

หากไม่มีรายชื่อผู้แต่ง ให้ใช้ชื่อผลงานแทนชื่อผู้แต่ง สำหรับการอ้างอิงในเนื้อหา ให้ใช้คำสองสามคำแรกของรายการอ้างอิงและปีที่พิมพ์

ผู้หญิงกำลังใช้แล็ปท็อปอยู่บนโต๊ะและยิ้ม

เริ่มเขียนเรียงความรูปแบบ APA ของคุณด้วย Smodin AI

ใช้กฎรูปแบบเรียงความ APA ที่คุณได้เรียนรู้ในบทความนี้เพื่อให้ได้เกรดที่สูงขึ้นในรายงานฉบับถัดไปของคุณ ตรวจสอบให้แน่ใจว่าคุณอย่าลืมเกี่ยวกับวิธีใช้การอ้างอิงเพื่อหลีกเลี่ยงการลอกเลียนแบบ นอกจากนี้ อย่าลืมข้อผิดพลาดหลักๆ เพื่อหลีกเลี่ยงเพื่อให้แน่ใจว่าคุณจะไม่ทำลายการทำงานหนักของคุณ

คุณต้องการความช่วยเหลือในการเขียนโครงงานรูปแบบเรียงความ APA ของคุณหรือไม่? จากนั้นใช้ Smodin AI เพื่อเอียงโอกาสที่จะประสบความสำเร็จตามที่คุณต้องการ ซอฟต์แวร์ของเราจะแสดงวิธีใช้การจัดรูปแบบที่ถูกต้องสำหรับงานของคุณ ชุดเครื่องมือของเราจะเร่งกระบวนการเรียนรู้วิธีประดิษฐ์กระดาษสไตล์ APA ที่สมบูรณ์แบบ

ดังนั้นสิ่งที่คุณรอ? ทดลองใช้ Smodin AI วันนี้ แล้วคุณจะรักผลลัพธ์ที่ได้

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How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples

How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples

Published on February 28, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 18, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a thesis , dissertation or research paper ). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research, so that readers know exactly what your paper is about.

Although the structure may vary slightly depending on your discipline, your abstract should describe the purpose of your work, the methods you’ve used, and the conclusions you’ve drawn.

One common way to structure your abstract is to use the IMRaD structure. This stands for:

Introduction

Abstracts are usually around 100–300 words, but there’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check the relevant requirements.

In a dissertation or thesis , include the abstract on a separate page, after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

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Abstract example, when to write an abstract, step 1: introduction, step 2: methods, step 3: results, step 4: discussion, tips for writing an abstract, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about abstracts.

Hover over the different parts of the abstract to see how it is constructed.

This paper examines the role of silent movies as a mode of shared experience in the US during the early twentieth century. At this time, high immigration rates resulted in a significant percentage of non-English-speaking citizens. These immigrants faced numerous economic and social obstacles, including exclusion from public entertainment and modes of discourse (newspapers, theater, radio).

Incorporating evidence from reviews, personal correspondence, and diaries, this study demonstrates that silent films were an affordable and inclusive source of entertainment. It argues for the accessible economic and representational nature of early cinema. These concerns are particularly evident in the low price of admission and in the democratic nature of the actors’ exaggerated gestures, which allowed the plots and action to be easily grasped by a diverse audience despite language barriers.

Keywords: silent movies, immigration, public discourse, entertainment, early cinema, language barriers.

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You will almost always have to include an abstract when:

Completing a thesis or dissertation
Submitting a research paper to an academic journal
Writing a book or research proposal
Applying for research grants

It’s easiest to write your abstract last, right before the proofreading stage, because it’s a summary of the work you’ve already done. Your abstract should:

Be a self-contained text, not an excerpt from your paper
Be fully understandable on its own
Reflect the structure of your larger work

Start by clearly defining the purpose of your research. What practical or theoretical problem does the research respond to, or what research question did you aim to answer?

You can include some brief context on the social or academic relevance of your dissertation topic , but don’t go into detailed background information. If your abstract uses specialized terms that would be unfamiliar to the average academic reader or that have various different meanings, give a concise definition.

After identifying the problem, state the objective of your research. Use verbs like “investigate,” “test,” “analyze,” or “evaluate” to describe exactly what you set out to do.

This part of the abstract can be written in the present or past simple tense but should never refer to the future, as the research is already complete.

This study will investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.
This study investigates the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.

Next, indicate the research methods that you used to answer your question. This part should be a straightforward description of what you did in one or two sentences. It is usually written in the past simple tense, as it refers to completed actions.

Structured interviews will be conducted with 25 participants.
Structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants.

Don’t evaluate validity or obstacles here — the goal is not to give an account of the methodology’s strengths and weaknesses, but to give the reader a quick insight into the overall approach and procedures you used.

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Next, summarize the main research results . This part of the abstract can be in the present or past simple tense.

Our analysis has shown a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
Our analysis shows a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
Our analysis showed a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.

Depending on how long and complex your research is, you may not be able to include all results here. Try to highlight only the most important findings that will allow the reader to understand your conclusions.

Finally, you should discuss the main conclusions of your research : what is your answer to the problem or question? The reader should finish with a clear understanding of the central point that your research has proved or argued. Conclusions are usually written in the present simple tense.

We concluded that coffee consumption increases productivity.
We conclude that coffee consumption increases productivity.

If there are important limitations to your research (for example, related to your sample size or methods), you should mention them briefly in the abstract. This allows the reader to accurately assess the credibility and generalizability of your research.

If your aim was to solve a practical problem, your discussion might include recommendations for implementation. If relevant, you can briefly make suggestions for further research.

If your paper will be published, you might have to add a list of keywords at the end of the abstract. These keywords should reference the most important elements of the research to help potential readers find your paper during their own literature searches.

Be aware that some publication manuals, such as APA Style , have specific formatting requirements for these keywords.

It can be a real challenge to condense your whole work into just a couple of hundred words, but the abstract will be the first (and sometimes only) part that people read, so it’s important to get it right. These strategies can help you get started.

Read other abstracts

The best way to learn the conventions of writing an abstract in your discipline is to read other people’s. You probably already read lots of journal article abstracts while conducting your literature review —try using them as a framework for structure and style.

You can also find lots of dissertation abstract examples in thesis and dissertation databases .

Reverse outline

Not all abstracts will contain precisely the same elements. For longer works, you can write your abstract through a process of reverse outlining.

For each chapter or section, list keywords and draft one to two sentences that summarize the central point or argument. This will give you a framework of your abstract’s structure. Next, revise the sentences to make connections and show how the argument develops.

Write clearly and concisely

A good abstract is short but impactful, so make sure every word counts. Each sentence should clearly communicate one main point.

To keep your abstract or summary short and clear:

Avoid passive sentences: Passive constructions are often unnecessarily long. You can easily make them shorter and clearer by using the active voice.
Avoid long sentences: Substitute longer expressions for concise expressions or single words (e.g., “In order to” for “To”).
Avoid obscure jargon: The abstract should be understandable to readers who are not familiar with your topic.
Avoid repetition and filler words: Replace nouns with pronouns when possible and eliminate unnecessary words.
Avoid detailed descriptions: An abstract is not expected to provide detailed definitions, background information, or discussions of other scholars’ work. Instead, include this information in the body of your thesis or paper.

If you’re struggling to edit down to the required length, you can get help from expert editors with Scribbr’s professional proofreading services or use the paraphrasing tool .

Check your formatting

If you are writing a thesis or dissertation or submitting to a journal, there are often specific formatting requirements for the abstract—make sure to check the guidelines and format your work correctly. For APA research papers you can follow the APA abstract format .

Checklist: Abstract

The word count is within the required length, or a maximum of one page.

The abstract appears after the title page and acknowledgements and before the table of contents .

I have clearly stated my research problem and objectives.

I have briefly described my methodology .

I have summarized the most important results .

I have stated my main conclusions .

I have mentioned any important limitations and recommendations.

The abstract can be understood by someone without prior knowledge of the topic.

You've written a great abstract! Use the other checklists to continue improving your thesis or dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An abstract is a concise summary of an academic text (such as a journal article or dissertation ). It serves two main purposes:

To help potential readers determine the relevance of your paper for their own research.
To communicate your key findings to those who don’t have time to read the whole paper.

Abstracts are often indexed along with keywords on academic databases, so they make your work more easily findable. Since the abstract is the first thing any reader sees, it’s important that it clearly and accurately summarizes the contents of your paper.

An abstract for a thesis or dissertation is usually around 200–300 words. There’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check your university’s requirements.

The abstract is the very last thing you write. You should only write it after your research is complete, so that you can accurately summarize the entirety of your thesis , dissertation or research paper .

Avoid citing sources in your abstract . There are two reasons for this:

The abstract should focus on your original research, not on the work of others.
The abstract should be self-contained and fully understandable without reference to other sources.

There are some circumstances where you might need to mention other sources in an abstract: for example, if your research responds directly to another study or focuses on the work of a single theorist. In general, though, don’t include citations unless absolutely necessary.

The abstract appears on its own page in the thesis or dissertation , after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 18). How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/abstract/

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Examples of essay introduction

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Expository Essay Introduction Example

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Jumpstart Your Writing with These Proven Strategies on How to Start an Essay

How To Start an Essay Introduction

How To Start an Essay Writing - 8 Best Ways

Introduce your topic

Start Your Essay With a Quote

Set Up a Mystery

Use Rhetorical Questions

Provoke Emotion

Use An Anecdote

Stamp Of Authority

Start Your Essay With A âContrary Toâ Or âFill The Gapâ Sentence

Interesting Essay Starting Examples for Students

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep reading

How do you write an EPQ essay?

9 steps to write your EPQ essay

2. Write down everything you know about the subject.

3. Think of a question

4. Research the topic

5. Remember to reference your sources

6. Create subsections

7. Write an introduction and a conclusion

8. Ask for feedback

9. Double-check everything before submitting your work

9 Examples: How to Write a Purpose Statement

Part 1 Key Elements of a Purpose Statement

1. The Problem or Opportunity

2. The Target Audience

3. The Solution

4. The Benefits

5. The Action Plan

Part 2 How to Write a Purpose Statement Step-by-Step

Part 3 Section 1: Identifying Your Goals

Part 4 Section 2: Defining Your Audience

Part 5 Section 3: Outlining Your Methods

Part 6 Section 4: Stating the Expected Outcomes

Part 7 Purpose Statement Example for a Research Paper

Part 8 Purpose Statement Example For Personal Goals

Part 9 Purpose Statement Example For Business Objectives

Part 10 Purpose Statement Example For an Essay

Part 11 Purpose Statement Example For a Proposal

Part 12 Purpose Statement Example For a Report

Part 13 Purpose Statement Example For a Project

Part 14 Purpose Statement Templates

Template 1: To [action] [target audience] in order to [outcome]

Template 2: This [project/product] is designed to [action] [target audience] by [method] in order to [outcome].

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a purpose statement benefit your writing?

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a purpose statement?

How can you tailor your purpose statement to your audience?

What are some effective templates for writing a purpose statement?

Can you provide examples of successful purpose statements?

How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

Use the Historical Present Tense

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

Project Management Essay

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The Role of Strategic Management in a Project

Project Management Essay FAQ

Essay and dissertation writing skills

Advice on planning and writing essays and dissertations

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  

Start Your Essay With A âContrary Toâ Or âFill The Gapâ Sentence