Most regular papers begin with an informative abstract. Unlike an indicative summary, which describes what will be covered in the paper, the abstract gives actual data. It is a mini paper that is understood on its own without reference to the paper proper.

The abstract should provide maximum information with minimum words, covering objective, materials and methods, results, and conclusions. In other words, an abstract should answer why, how, and what. Why did you study it? How did you study it? What did you find and what does it mean?

Why can be omitted if the objective is clear in the title. How should be elaborated on only if it s a paper on methodology; otherwise, it should be very brief or even omitted if well-know. What should selectively include only the important findings and conclusions.

Most journals limit the abstract to 150 to 250 words or even less. Thus, there is no room to waste words.

As rough guideline, you abstract should be confined to within one double-spaced typed page on standard-size paper. Standard paper in United Stated is slightly wider and shorter (8.5 in x 11 in) than paper used in Europe and Asia (210 mm x 297 mm).

Avoid using abbreviations in the abstract unless a term, especially a long one, is used several times. In such cases it is usual to spell out the first occurrence of the term, followed by its abbreviation in parentheses. For instance, The University of California at San Francisco (UCSF).

Where a name is better known by its abbreviation than its full spelling, the abbreviation become the standard and is preferred (example DNA, RNA, and ATP). The full spelling may be added in parentheses, especially if it used elsewhere in the text. For instance, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Avoid citing references in the abstract, which can distract the reader because every citation in the abstract must provide complete bibliographic information, including the authors, publication date, journal, and pages.