6/10/2015

How to Write a
Good Abstract
with Byron Haynes, Jr. P.E.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons

Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 International License

Outline
Definition/Purpose
Abstract components
Tips for writing an abstract
Selection criteria
Submission process

Abstract Purpose
Summarize contents of manuscript
Write so paper gets accepted by the
committee

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General Abstract Qualities

Condensed version of the full text
Detailed as possible
Contain as much information on the analyses
Should not present a biased picture, such as only
favorable outcomes
Explains uniqueness of the paper
For majority of readers, paper doesnt exist
beyond its abstract (write it well!)

Components of Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Findings
Conclusions

Introduction
One to two sentence on purpose of study
What is the problem/objectives

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Methods
Review methodology used in the work
What did you do
How did you do it

Findings
Summarize main findings
What did you learn?

Conclusions
Outline what is significant
What do your findings mean?

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Before You Start

Ensure that you have company approval
To write the paper and travel to present
If you are not there to present, your paper
may be pulled from OnePetro!
Survey existing literature
Related papers from OnePetro
Source for references for your paper

Before You Start

Meet your deadlines!
If accepted, be sure you will have time to
write your paper
No paper = No podium
See guidelines:
www.spe.org/authors/conference papers

Tips for Writing an Abstract

Tips:
Your title should avoid words like new and
improved.
Avoid literature overview in your objective.
Answer the what and how in your
method.
Highlight the importance of your findings in
your observations.

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A Good Abstract Has

A good title! It should be short, direct, and
informative
No more than 450 words (check specific
conference details)
Clear paper summary (write clearly!)
State significant new information
Conclusions

Improve Your Chances to

Succeed
Organize your thoughts
Use simple sentences
Use common terminology
Proofread your proposal!!!
Technically sound story
Clearly demonstrate literature contribution

Improve Your Chances to

Succeed
Do not exceed the word count limitation
No spelling or grammar errors
Do not use run-on sentences
No references allowed
No figures or tables (except IPTC)
No commercial sales pitch

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What is the Committee

Looking For?
Be concise yet descriptive, without
trademarks or company names. For the
program committee, being too
commercial is the kiss of death a paper
will be kicked out quickly. Avoid
judgment words like new and
innovative.
Mario Zamora
M-I SWACO
Member of ATCE
Offshore Europe program committees

Selection Criteria
Abstract must demonstrate that your paper
will:
Contribute technical or present relevant and
interesting information to the body of literature
Present technically sound story
Present new knowledge or experience not
previously published

Selection Criteria
No commerciality
not promote specific companies,
products, or
services

Reviewed and ranked on a scale of 1-6.

1 being inferior and
6 being exceptional.
Ranking process takes about a month.

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Submitting your abstract

Changes to the abstract process
Submission form divided into 4 separate
categories. The categories are:
1.

Objectives/Scope

2.

Methods, Procedures, Process

3.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

4.

Novel/Additive Information

Online structure to Abstract

Submission

Submitting Your Abstract

SPE abstract submission process
Follow the instructions
Include names and emails of all co-authors
Indicate for e-poster consideration

Submit online, follow the link from the

event page or email
For more instructions visit
www.spe.org/authors

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Questions?