5 Th e measurements were shown to lead to an accurate determination of the bubble point of the oil. 6 Th is indicates that there is a possibility of obtaining fl uid density from sound speed measurements and suggests that it is possible to measure sound absorption with an ultrasonic cell to determine oil viscosity. In this sentence, the writer: 1________________ 2________________ 3________________ 4________________ 5________________ 6________________ 5.3.2 Key In Sentence 1 'Th e speed of sound in a fl uid is determined by, and therefore an indicator of, the thermodynamic properties of that fl uid.' the writer provides background factual information. How do I know what kind of background information to provide? Th e background information that is found at the start of this type of Abstract is usually derived from the fi rst sentences of the Introduction.
Abstract — Writing Task 207 In this particular Abstract, the information provides a factual background. Other types of background may also be appropriate; for example, if your fi eld of study is wastewater treatment or air pollution, then it may be useful to mention the political background. How much background information should I give? In some journals, this type of Abstract has subtitles, i.e. Background/ Method/Results/Conclusions; if so, the number of words is usually distributed fairly evenly among the diff erent parts, but if not, the distribution is left to the writer and the proportion of the Abstract taken by each part varies considerably. If you feel that a lot of background is necessary to understand the Abstract itself, combine the relevant points and summarise them in as few words as possible. Th e focus of an Abstract is more likely to be on the methodology or the results, so limit background information to one or two sentences. Can I use research references in the Abstract? Research background may be necessary, although it is rare to include actual research references. However, if your article follows directly from an existing published paper or is a major advance or contradiction of a specifi c work or theory, you should cite the relevant paper in the Abstract. In Sentence 2 'Th e aim of this study was to investigate the use of an ultrasonic cell to determine crude oil properties, in particular oil density.' the writer combines the method, the general aim and the specifi c aim of the study in one sentence. Try to combine sentences in a way that shortens the total length of the Abstract. You can reduce the number of words by combining the background information and the aim, or what this paper does and what was found, so that the sentence serves more than one purpose. Sentences such as In order to determine x we did y combine the aim and the method in one sentence.
208 Science Research Writing In Sentences 3 and 4 'An ultrasonic cell was constructed to measure the speed of sound and tested in a crude oil sample. 4 Th e speed of sound was measured at temperatures between 260 and 411 K at pressures up to 75 MPs.' the writer summarises the methodology and provides details. How much detail should I give? It depends on how important the details are. In this case the methodology is the main focus of the study; the aim of the study was to investigate the use of an ultrasonic cell (Sentence 2). If the important contribution of your work really is in the details of the methodology, you can and should provide those details in the Abstract and you can even give those details numerically. It is quite common to fi nd sentences which give temperatures, pressures, times, quantities thicknesses and even light-absorption data. However, in many other cases the focus of the study — and therefore of the Abstract — is not on the methodology, in which case it is given in summary form and details are reserved for the Results. In Sentence 5 'Th e measurements were shown to lead to an accurate determination of the bubble point of the oil.' the writer indicates the achievement of the study. One of the central functions of the Abstract is to emphasise new and important achievements of the study. Almost all Abstracts also include positive language at this point (an accurate determination) to demonstrate the value of the work. In Sentence 6 'Th is indicates that there is a possibility of obtaining fl uid density from sound speed measurements and suggests that it is possible to measure sound absorption with an ultrasonic cell to determine oil viscosity.' the writer presents the implications of the study.
Abstract — Writing Task 209 Another important function of the Abstract is to show how the implications of the study contribute to knowledge and information in this area, and this can be derived from the aim of the study or the gap or problem the study addressed (Th e aim of this study was to investigate the use of an ultrasonic cell to determine crude oil properties, in particular oil density). Many types of implications can be mentioned; for example, there may be implications for associated problems or for previous studies in the light of your fi ndings. Th ese implications seem rather soft — is language like 'possible' really appropriate here? It's certainly true that phrases such as It may therefore be the case that and other phrases that you saw in Section 3.2.4 are not common here. Results, implications and achievements are oft en stated quite strongly, which encourages the reader to read the rest of the article favourably and accept the conclusions. It's also true that qualifi cations and discussions of implications, including possible restrictions and constraints, can be left to the article itself. However, what you report in the Abstract should be consistent with what you report in the paper, and if your work represents an early stage in a breakthrough or the implications of your work are still not fi rm, it is appropriate to communicate this by including modal verbs (could/might/may) or words such as possible. What do I do if there were problems with my study — do I mention those in the Abstract? If they are really important, yes, and if so, you even briefl y say what they were. It is better not to say that something will be discussed. Th e Abstract should provide/summarise the exact details of your fi ndings. Important implications, data and fi ndings are included, NOT left out. Th is includes problems, if (but only if ) they were important, and directions for future work. Both are relatively rare in the Abstract.
210 Science Research Writing MODEL 2 Eff ect of polymer coatings on drug release Abstract