Thesis and Abstract Writing

Novice researchers who begin work on a thesis always have a lot of questions about the writing methodology and rules of its formatting. Sometimes, it is not easy to find the answers because the methodological literature is not enough. Even if you can get it, the information you found may be essentially outdated.

All this adversely affects the scientific activity of learners who are not able to realize their opportunities. The guidelines describe a number of problems that a graduate student may encounter during the entire period of writing a scientific paper (the choice of topic and the preparation of the work). It is very important to research a subject and to have an idea about the methods of a scientific approach to writing a thesis.

The abstract is a summary of the paper, necessary for quick acquaintance with the main purpose of the work. In other words, it provides an opportunity to learn information about the main content of the thesis, the goals, and the methods of solving the problem. The properly compiled abstract will allow the reader to make a clear picture of the study.

The text of the thesis and abstract should be formatted according to some requirements. They include the rules of punctuation and structure. However, due attention should be paid to the grammatical component of the text of your study. Many students are interested in what tense form to choose when writing a work and annotation to it. This information will help you understand the essence of this choice.

The Use of Tense Forms

The Present Tense

Information about general facts should be written in the present tense. If you describe any stage of your research, you should also apply this form. If the mention of your research plays the role of a subject in a sentence, use the present tense too (for example, the study considers a hypothesis, we demonstrate an example, etc.) If you draw conclusions and state the facts, use this tense form. (For example, we have determined that this value significantly exceeds previous calculations).

The Past Tense

Based on the previous paragraph, it can be concluded that all the relevant information that directly relates to your research should be written in the present tense form. When describing background facts and additions, you should use the past tense forms. (For example, if you write about previous discoveries related to your topic).