Workshop - Writing abstracts

Writing and presenting abstracts!

Welcome to this workshop!

Start

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Go beyond the superficial things!

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

IT'S TIME TO BE CREATIVE!

What is an abstract?

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

Example!

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

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.

Try to organize this abstract!

Challenge yourself...

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.

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 1

Number 2

Number 3

Which could be the correct order?

Example of an abstract!

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.

Did you organize it correctly?

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

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

Results and conclusions are summarized and presented.

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

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

What is missing in this abstract?

Let's practice

Title: Healthy Eating Habits in ChildrenThis 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.

A better example!

Let's practice

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

Find here some useful tips...

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

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

Write clearly and concisely. Avoid detailed descriptions.

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

Read other abstracts and use them as a framework

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

Writing and presenting abstracts!

Welcome to this workshop!

Start

Second meeting...

Let's have some fun!

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

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.

Is it a good or bad abstract?

Now, it's time to review...

You will read the following abstract, and you will try to identify if it is a good or a bad summary and explain why.

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's a good example of an abstract!

Now, it's time to review...

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...

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

Benefits of a bilingual brain...

Our first step... the topic!

Children: More emotional in different contextsAdults: They are more rationalBoth are able to learn.

The human brain

Right hemisphere: Emotion and social part - ChildrenLeft hemisphere: Analytical and logical - Adults

Learning and age

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

Advantages

Let's clarify your doubts

Main ideas from the video!

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.

Let's start writing...

Time to practice

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.

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

What should it include?

Step 1 - Introduction

• 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.

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.

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

Useful vocabulary!

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.