Report Writing: The Abstract

Report Structure

As detailed in the Report Writing Guide, depending upon requirements, the report may include the following sections in the following order:

• Title page – placed on a separate page – may not be required
• Abstract – placed on a separate page – may not be required
• Table of Contents – placed on a separate page – may not be required
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion and Recommendations
• Reference List – placed on a separate page
• Appendix or Appendices – placed on separate pages – may not be required.

This page focuses on the Abstract.

Abstract Purpose

An abstract is a succinct and precise summary of what a report contains and is sometimes referred to as an Executive Summary. This concise overview serves as:

• a substitute for a reader not to read the report unless they require further detail, or
• an invitation to read what looks like an interesting report

However, note that your subject coordinator will read the entire report. 

Do not attempt to write the abstract until you have the final version of your report ready as doing so would likely result in you failing to include essential information in your abstract. An abstract is not usually required at NTI. If in doubt, check with your subject coordinator via the Subject Forum.

Abstract Layout

An abstract is placed on a separate page. It is either the first page of a report or is placed after the title page, if there is one. The page is not numbered and often has wider margins (that is, a narrow page width for the text).

Ideally, an abstract is only placed on one page. The page has a title (usually named Abstract), which is centred. The abstract is written in paragraphs and may also include bullet points. It will not include any citations or tables/figures (graphs).

An abstract should comprise no more than 10% of the report word count. However, 5% of the word count is preferable. Check with your subject coordinator whether the abstract is included in the word count.