Workshop - Writing abstracts

Writing and presenting abstracts!

Welcome to this workshop!

Start

IT'S TIME TO BE CREATIVE!

Based on the following images, try to find as many words related as possible!

Go beyond the superficial things!

What is an abstract?

The abstract is a short summary of a written work (Thesis, research paper, etc) It should describe:

• The purpose of your work
• The methods you’ve used
• The conclusions you found

Example!

Challenge yourself...

Try to organize this abstract!

This study uses methods like movie reviews, letters, and diaries to show that silent movies were a good way for everyone, even immigrants, to have fun together.

Number 1

This paper talks about silent movies in the United States a long time ago. Many people from other countries came to the United States at that time and didn't speak English. They had a hard time with money and couldn't do fun things like reading newspapers or going to the theater.

Number 3

It argues that early movies were easy for everyone to enjoy because they didn't cost much to watch, and the actors made big movements that helped people understand the stories, even if they didn't speak the same language.

Number 2

Example of an abstract!

Introduction of the project (Include main topic and background information.)

This paper talks about how silent movies were important in the US a long time ago. Many people from different countries came to the US, but they didn't speak English. They had problems with money and couldn't enjoy regular entertainment like newspapers, theaters, or radio. This study uses methods like movie reviews, letters, and diaries to show that silent movies were a good way for everyone, even immigrants, to have fun together. It argues that early movies were easy for everyone to enjoy because they didn't cost much to watch, and the actors made big movements that helped people understand the stories, even if they didn't speak the same language.

Methods applied during the project. The hypothesis is presented too.

Results and conclusions are summarized and presented.

Did you organize it correctly?

Let's practice

What is missing in this abstract?

Title: Kids and food This paper is about kids and food. We watched kids and asked teachers. We think food is important.

It includes all the aspects we discussed before, but what would you add to it?

Let's practice

A better example!

Title: Healthy Eating Habits in Children This study looks at how kids eat healthy at school. We watched many kids during lunchtime and talked to their teachers. We found that when schools offer tasty and nutritious food, children are more likely to eat it. This means schools should continue to provide yummy and healthy meals to help kids grow strong and learn better.

Is it still a bad example for you? Let's discuss!

Find here some useful tips...

Write clearly and concisely. Avoid detailed descriptions.

Be careful with the word limit (Usually 1´00-250 words)

Use a checklist to verify you are not forgetting something important.

Go through each chapter and draft sentences that summarize the main ideas.

Never add information that you didn't include in the project.

Read other abstracts and use them as a framework

Second meeting...

Writing and presenting abstracts!

Welcome to this workshop!

Start

Let's have some fun!

Spin both wheels and try to create a sentence that include the ideas!

Now, it's time to review...

Is it a good or bad abstract?

The peppermint plant, also called Mentha balsamea Wild, is a special kind of mint that comes from mixing watermint and spearmint. Peppermint can be used for many things, like making you feel better and keeping bugs away. In this study, we tried to make bug repellent using peppermint oil. We tested our spray on mosquitoes called Anopheles juidthae and compared it to a bug spray you can buy. We wanted to see if natural peppermint oil is as good as the store-bought bug spray. This study discovers that peppermint oil can keep bugs away as well as the bug sprays you can find in stores.

Now, it's time to review...

It's a good example of an abstract!

The peppermint plant, also called Mentha balsamea Wild, is a special kind of mint that comes from mixing watermint and spearmint. Peppermint can be used for many things, like making you feel better and keeping bugs away. In this study, we tried to make bug repellent using peppermint oil.. We tested our spray on mosquitoes called Anopheles juidthae and compared it to a bug spray you can buy. We wanted to see if natural peppermint oil is as good as the store-bought bug spray. This study discovers that peppermint oil can keep bugs away as well as the bug sprays you can find in stores.

It includes background information and the main topic is clear.

It includes the methods used and how they were developed.

It includes a short conclusion.

Now, it's time to write...

Our first step... the topic!

Benefits of a bilingual brain...

Watch the following video and take notes of the most important aspects. They could be definitions, examples, and conclusions...

Let's clarify your doubts

Main ideas from the video!

Learning and age

The human brain

Advantages

Children: More emotional in different contexts Adults: They are more rational Both are able to learn.

• Higher density of grey matter
• More activity in certain regions
• Delay on diseases
• Problem solving

Right hemisphere: Emotion and social part - Children Left hemisphere: Analytical and logical - Adults

Time to practice

Let's start writing...

Having clarified the main ideas from the video, try to write an abstract that includes all relevant information from the material. Remember to include the structure learned.

Thanks for attending!

You did an amazing job, keep working hard...

Find here a checklist example.

Step 2 - Methods

• You need to indicate the research methods you used to answer your question.
• You need to give a short description, but avoid giving detailed information. For example, don't mention the validity or obstacles.
• It should be written in past simple tense.

Step 1 - Introduction

What should it include?

• Clearly define the purpose of your research. Which is the problem you identified? What research question did you answer? What is the main objective?
• You can include a brief context and background information, but don't go into details.

• This part should be written in the present or past simple tense. You should never refer to the future.

Step 3 - Results

• You should summarize the main research results from the methods applied. It means, what did you find after applying the instruments.
• You should discuss the main conclusions. What is your answer to the problem or question?
• If it applies to your research project, you should include some suggestions for further research
• This part is usually written in present simple tense.

Useful vocabulary!

• Mint: Menta
• Watermint: Menta actuatica
• Spearmint: Hierbabuena
• Bugs: Insectos
• Oil: Aceite
• Store-bought: Comprado en tienda

Find here some platforms to practice and improve!

• Grammarly: This tool correct different aspects like spelling, accuracy, grammar and sense.

• Hemingway app: In this web page, you can check in detail your text, including if it is easy or not to understand

• Write and improve: In this web page, you can practice your writing skills

Useful connectors to use...

Find here some dictionaries that can facilitate this process.

• Cambridge dictionary: Here you will find definitions, synonyms and examples.

• Linguee: In this platform, you will find examples in different contexts and their equivalence in Spanish.