Writing the Abstract
An abstract concisely highlights the major argument (thesis) and main claims covered in a longer paper.
You can think of it as a précis for your own paper.
An abstract is a useful tool for writers in all content areas to check that they have a clear grasp on their
thesis and argument before writing. If the writer can state the thesis and argument clearly in a few
sentences - and in such a way that someone who doesn't know the subject will still be able to understand
the main idea - then the writer knows she has a good grasp of the ideas she is trying to express. An
abstract says everything of central importance in a way that gives the reader a clear overview of what
will be contained in the essay.
Assignment – On Monday, 2/9, you will turn in a typed abstract (hard copy and turnitin) on your TTTC
paper, roughly 5-8 sentences in length. It should include a creative title, your text and author, your
working thesis, your main arguments/claims on literary elements (character, theme,…), and your ideas on
language elements (structure, diction/tone, figurative language, syntax, point of view). Soon, you will
look at some literary criticism to support your argument, and then reread pertinent portions of TTTC to
think about how O’Brien’s language choices add to the meaning of your chosen literary element(s). The
language piece does not have to be a separate section of the paper. The abstract should be detailed,
thoughtful, and clear. Proofread and revise before printing/uploading. Check your diction/syntax: No
fillers!
Writing the Abstract
An abstract concisely highlights the major argument (thesis) and main claims covered in a longer paper.
You can think of it as a précis for your own paper.
An abstract is a useful tool for writers in all content areas to check that they have a clear grasp on their
thesis and argument before writing. If the writer can state the thesis and argument clearly in a few
sentences - and in such a way that someone who doesn't know the subject will still be able to understand
the main idea - then the writer knows she has a good grasp of the ideas she is trying to express. An
abstract says everything of central importance in a way that gives the reader a clear overview of what
will be contained in the essay.
Assignment – On Monday, 2/9, you will turn in a typed abstract (hard copy and turnitin) on your TTTC
paper, roughly 5-8 sentences in length. It should include a creative title, your text and author, your
working thesis, your main arguments/claims on literary elements (character, theme,…), and your ideas on
language elements (structure, diction/tone, figurative language, syntax, point of view). Soon, you will
look at some literary criticism to support your argument, and then reread pertinent portions of TTTC to
think about how O’Brien’s language choices add to the meaning of your chosen literary element(s). The
language piece does not have to be a separate section of the paper. The abstract should be detailed,
thoughtful, and clear. Proofread and revise before printing/uploading. Check your diction/syntax: No
fillers!