A research summary is an assignment created to give a short but accurate overview of the study. Usually, it comes as a form of an article in an academic journal. It’s a rather common assignment in high schools and colleges that is given in a wide range of topics and subjects.
A research summary is given to show tutors how well the students are able to work with scientific sources, interpret and structure data, and to convey the main message in a clear way. In this article, we’ll share the steps you need to take to write an A+ research summary. Read them attentively, and you’ll master the task with ease!
Steps to Write a Perfect Research Summary
The majority of mistakes root from not understanding how to start working on the assignment. That is why we have made a list of the things you should do to create a winning research summary:
- Read the article attentively. To get an overall idea of the topic, you need to read the paper once again. Highlight the arguments and elements that deserve maximum attention and make a list of things to discuss in summary;
- Analyze the topic. It’s impossible to write a powerful research summary without understanding key concepts, models, and definitions. In addition, you need to understand the main questions and hypotheses discussed in the research. You will be able to summarize the research effectively only if having a deep understanding of the content;
- Always make notes. It is a great idea to write a brief summary of every paragraph that should contain main ideas. However, don’t dive into writing too much. There will always be less or more important paragraphs, so you should only stick to those which have key evidence and arguments;
- Write the summary draft. Bring the key evidence and notes together and make sure that all the main issues are covered;
- Find supportive sources. To form a critical view, it’s important to collect judgments or contradictory facts on the topic.
Structure of a Research Summary
The format of a research summary follows the same format as in the original research. It is simply a brief version of the original paper, so there’s no common structure. However, there are still key elements that any research summary should contain:
- A title which indicates the topic and area of analysis;
- Abstract. It is a clear and brief description of the research up to 100 words;
- Introduction. This part of your summary should provide a clear context to help readers understand the subject, current state, and key definitions. Here you may also write about the topic’s significance and make a list of hypotheses and questions that are discussed in the research;
- Methodology. This paragraph should indicate what analysis methods were used. For example, sampling, statistical analysis, experiments, surveys, etc.;
- Results. Here you should list the evidence that you have obtained from experiments. Don’t forget to briefly summarize primary observations and interpretations. Usually, Results is the biggest part of your research, so it should be rewritten with maximum attention;
- Discussion. In this section, you need to discuss research results. It is the right place to interpret the results and apply models for explaining the information you have obtained throughout the research;
- Conclusion. Usually, a research paper doesn’t have a separate conclusion, or it is merged with the Discussion. However, the research summary may require this part. It is the paragraph where you revise hypotheses and say whether they are accepted or denied. Don’t forget to mention whether the evidence is convincing or not;
- References. In this part, you need to mention works that were cited in summary. Make sure you apply all the formatting rules of the required style. Supporting your findings with thoughts and results of someone else’s works always adds value to your paper.
Tips on Writing a Research Summary
Our experts have been writing research summaries for years, so they have made a list of the main tips to keep in mind when working on the assignment:
1. Always be aware of the general picture
When working on the research summary, you should keep in mind the full picture of your original article. We recommend rereading it and reminding yourself of the arguments, questions, and hypotheses that you have made. This will give you a feeling of a particular direction and will help to make the summary coherent. Return to the original paper each time when starting a new section and check whether you are on the same track.
2. Start with writing an outline
Outline or plan is always a good idea when structuring the research summary. Such a template will help you to remember the main elements of the original paper. The outline is especially important for the conclusion because this section has a wide range of goals: to validate or disprove the hypothesis, to summarize key findings and evidence, to remind the topic’s importance, and discuss the future of the research. Not to miss anything out, writing down key elements is a good idea.
3. Introduction and discussion should be written in the last turn
We are all used to starting with an introduction, but it’s more productive to discuss the key findings and hypotheses and only then write the introduction or discussion. Thus, you’ll stick to a single flow and will be able to meet the word count requirement.
4. Use visual materials
If the tutor and subject allow, include graphs, charts, and pictures to your summary. They will significantly improve readability and will make texts smooth and clear.
5. Avoid plagiarism
There is nothing worse than being accused of plagiarism. This may harm not only your grades but also the reputation and future career. Yes, it may be tempting to copy parts of someone else’s works, but it is extremely risky. Thus, it’s better summarizing your original paper without using side sources;
6. Stick to the word count
The majority of assignments come with strict word count requirements, and the research summary is not an exception. Tutors don’t like it when the summary is as long as the initial paper. Thus, you should be attentive when working on sections. The best idea is to understand how many words each paragraph should consist of and only then start writing.
7. Always proofread your summary
Your summary should be free from spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes. It shouldn’t be wordy either. Luckily, there are multiple online sources and tools which may help.
8. Stick to the writing style
The research summary should be academic, impersonal, and based on evidence. Thus, personal opinion and attitude should be indicated elsewhere.
9. Ask someone to read the draft
Finally, when your summary is written, and the mistakes are eliminated, we recommend asking someone to read your summary. Make sure they find it easy to understand everything you are winning to say. If not, paraphrase sentences, make them less complicated, or more precise.
Have Trouble with Research Summary Writing? Hire an Experienced Author!
We understand how difficult it may be to complete all the tasks at once. Especially if you don’t like the subject or not sure how to write it within the deadlines. In the article above, we have shared everything you need to know to summarize research, but if you still have problems, it’s better to contact our experts.
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