This document provides guidance on writing an abstract for an Extended Essay (EE). It begins by defining an abstract as a summary that allows the reader to understand what the essay is about without reading it. The document then outlines the International Baccalaureate (IB) criteria for abstracts, which state that it must not exceed 300 words and clearly include the research question, scope of the investigation, and conclusions. Tips are provided for writing the abstract, including writing it last, summarizing the three key elements in separate paragraphs, using the third person, and making it accurate, concise and coherent. Examples from past student essays are recommended to help with writing a strong abstract.

1. The Research
Process for EE
TTS Senior Library 2011

2. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
DEFINE
EVALUATE
LOCATE
Writing the
essay!
PRESENT
SELECT
ORGANISE

3. Abstract
Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guypaterson/530388544/sizes/m/in/photostream/
By the end of this
session you should
understand:
• What is an abstract?
• What are the IB
criteria &
assessment?
• Where does the
abstract go?
• How to write an EE
abstract.

4. What is an
abstract?
…a summary of
the content
according to the Oxford Dictionary
(Second Edition 2003)
Source: http://wapedia.mobi/en/Calligraphy?p=1

5. …so any reader
should be able to
read your abstract
and know exactly
what your essay is
about…….
Source: http://contentrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/question.jpg

6. It must make sense
by itself i.e. be a
selfcontained, stand
alone description
of your research.
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nunomurjal/4722754536/

7. What are the IB criteria?
The abstract
should not exceed
300 words

8. What are the IB criteria?
The abstract should state clearly:
the research question
being investigated
the scope of the investigation
the conclusion(s) of the
extended essay
3 elements!

9. How is it assessed?
0
1
All 3 elements included
but not clearly stated
2
Source: http://steveroesler.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/11/17/assess.jpg
No abstract or abstract is
over 300 words or one
or more of the 3 elements
is missing
All 3 elements included
and clearly stated

10. Source: http://timemanagementninja.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Where-Are-You-Productive.jpg
Where does the
abstract go?
immediately after
the title
page 2
page i.e.

11. 5 Tips for writing
an abstract:
1.Write it last!
Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/119/269405569_77a984703f.jpg

12. 5 Tips for writing
an abstract:
2. Re-read your essay
looking specifically for 3
elements:
 What issue/question
does your essay consider
(Why? Might be included
here too.)
 The scope of your research -
How you went about your
project and the extent of
the work
 What
conclusions, recommenda
Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/404298099_c60259d30a_z.jpg?zz=1
tions and implications did you

13. 5 Tips for writing
an abstract:
3. Summarise and
write a separate
paragraph for each
of the three
elements..
Para 1: Research question
Para 2: Scope
Para 3: Conclusion
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wili/214316359/

14. 5 Tips for writing
an abstract
4. Write in the third
person ….
This essay examines to what
extent…
The research question being
investigated was….
The objective of this essay
is…
Rather than…
In my essay I answered the
question…
Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38194498@N06/4640781993/sizes/m/in/photostream/

15. 5 Tips for writing
an abstract
5. Make sure your abstract is…
ACCURATE
Reflects the purpose and
content of your study, with no
new information added.
CONCISE
Make every word count; be
brief but get the maximum
information in that you can
COHERENT
Write clearly using effective
language – remember it is the
first impression a reader will get
of your work.
As advised by Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th
ed., p. 25-27)

16. Further help..
Look at examples
across subjects
from TTS past
students…….

17. Further help..
 tts
Go to TTs libguides
(Extended Essay
for IB to review this
presentation…