Abstracts (Executive Summaries)

1. Abstracts(Executive Summaries) Reduce quantity without reducing quality

2. Purpose • Condensed version of the report information • Often used as a preview for executives before they read the entire report • Available to those who don’t receive entire original document

3. Characteristics • Includes 5-10 percent of original report • Reflects important report content • Becomes independent document • Must not contain information outside of original document

4. Amtrak's corporate condition, its strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for improvements are presented. Descriptive Abstract

5. Informative Abstract Amtrak's corporate condition, its strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for improvements are presented. Amtrak, a public corporation serving intercity rail transportation needs, has failed to be fully functional and profitable. Four corporate strengths exist: Congressional assistance in the form of legislation and/or appropriations; renovations of rights-of-way, route, and rolling stock; public support of passenger trains, evidenced by increasing riders; a newly reorganized level of top management. Corporation weaknesses also exist: energy-efficient locomotives that reduce on-time performance; dependence on governmental institutions, with legislative time lags and "special laws" Congress creates; an unsound financial condition and rate structure; problems with employee attitude. Amtrak should reduce its present route structure, modernize the remaining system, revise its rate structure, and deal with personnel problems.

6. Analytical Abstract Besides presenting the information, the writer interprets the significance of the information. Conclusions about the effect of the subject matter on other factors may also be given. Recommendations about possible courses of action may be presented.

7. Critical Abstract The information from the original document may or may not be presented. The validity and reliability of the information is emphasized. The purpose is to evaluate the credibility or worth of the original material.

8. Writing the Summary • Read the original—understand it completely • Reread and highlight key points • Draft summary in your own words • Check your version for content • Use transitions for coherence • Edit summary for style and mechanics

9. Summarizing Process • Write clearly using nontechnical language • Prepare a self-contained message to stand alone • Present no new data • Use an introduction, body, and ending • Use transitional words to improve coherence • Be concise—short enough to be economical and long enough to be clear and comprehensive

10. Hints • Use headings from original document as guidance • Write a topic sentence about the subject and scope of the original document • Combine relevant ideas, eliminating unnecessary words • Use parallel structure and emphasis/ deemphasis methods

11. “Abstract writing probably contributes more to the acquisition of sound writing skills than does any other kind.”

12. A Good Abstract . . .* is easy to read* is concise* is clear* avoids contractions* avoids using you* gives the most useful information in the shortest space