How to write a good abstract and introduction

During the last lab meeting, each lab member read a scientific article and analysed the factors that contribute to good abstract and introduction.

Exchanging ideas and experiences in scientific writing. Photo: Hao Ran Lai.

Abstract

1. Broad statement (1 sentence)

• Statement of broad field of research/context
• Introduces the ecological concept/problem
• What we know of the field
• Competing and unresolved explanations

2. Narrow down the problem (1 sentence)

• Significance to the problem
• Consequences of the problem
• What we’re going to do about it
• Brief description of an hypothesis that could resolve the problem
• Indicating the research gap