Abstract

A report abstract requires the audience to be expert in the topic, however, reports often have both an
expert and a more generalist or managerial audience. The latter is catered for by an executive
summary, written in less technical language and with the emphasis on implementation. This is often
longer than an abstract, and will summarise the main arguments for each section in the same order as
the full report, as well as give the recommendations, as its aim is to convince the executive or policy
makers of the organisation that the recommendations should be adopted, while recognising that most
managers will not read the full report (although their expert advisers will).
Executive summary
This report presents the design of a temperature measurement and display system that uses the
Motorolla HC11 microcontroller. This design makes use of the HC11 analog-to-digital converter and the
serial subsystems. Temperature measurement and display circuits were built and control software was
written to use the added hardware. In this design, the overall objectives were met. By keeping track of
the measured temperature, the HC11 is able to control a temperature display that uses light emitting
diodes. Also, if the temperature becomes very cold or hot, an alarm message is sent to a host PC
terminal. This design has many potential applications, including temperature control and factory
automation. (M. Alley, ; L. Crowley; J. Donnell, C. Moore, 2002, Writing Guidelines for Engineering and
Science Students)

Conference paper Abstract

Kaplan et al. note the promissory nature of an abstract submitted for a conference program: ie the
paper has not yet been written:

...the author must convince a group of expert readers that the paper represented by the abstract:
falls within the dominant research paradigm in the field;
appears to be/is substantiated by key scholars working in that paradigm;
discusses a significant issue which has not previously been focussed on;
gives promise of an interesting paper which fits the temporal constraints of the conference program;
and
falls within the more general thematic constraints of the conference. (R. B. Kaplan, S. Cantor, C.
Hagstrom, L. D. Kamhi-Stein, Y. Shiotani and C. Boyd Zimmerman, 1994. On abstract writing, Text, 14 (3):
405)

Abstract Conference Paper

Over the past 40 years there has been a great deal of innovation in English Language Teaching (ELT).
The method by which such innovation has been diffused in many parts of the world has been the
project approach. This paper sets out to explore the sustainability and effectiveness of the approach as
a model for the diffusion of ELT innovation. It proposes a change of emphasis in project design,
implementation and evaluation in order to empower the insider and suggests ways in which such
change might be achieved. (J. McGovern, 1995. Changing paradigm: the project approach, in T.

Crooks and G. Crewes (eds), Language and Development, Indonesia-Australia Language Foundation,
Denpassar, Bali: 3)

Synopsis
A synopsis states your main line of argument, and depending on the discipline (compare the Political
Science and History examples below) alludes to the essential reasons for adopting that line of
argument and your main conclusion/s. Usually this kind of synopsis is a stand-alone item, on a
separate page from the main text.
Synopsis - Political Science
In this essay it will be argued that the blame for the political and constitutional crisis of 1975 can be
shared by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition, two non-Labor
Premiers and the Chief Justice of the High Court and, as conventions were broken by all concerned,
some problems have been revealed in the Constitution.
Synopsis - History
A turning point during the period 70BC to 68AD was when Pompey died and Julius Caesar received his
Dictatorship for life. Throughout the late Republican period, powerful men such as Pompey, Crassus,
Cicero, Clodius, Cato and Caesar gained power through wealth, religion military achievements, legal
and oratorical means, political appointments and offices, lineage, marriage and through gaining the
support of a wide range of people. When Caesar became life-Dictator, although the basis of power did
not change, the locus did. Caesar no longer shared or relied on other powerful figures to increase his
power. Caesar was not in power long enough to make a significant difference to Rome, but he paved
the way for Augustus to hold the office of Princeps, therefore setting the scene for change.
There are two other kinds of synopsis. In literature, a synopsis of a novel summarises the plot.
Similarly, in a book review, a synopsis of what the book covers is required at the beginning.

Synoptic essay
Sometimes, in disciplines such as History, you may be required to write a synoptic essay. This is
usually an overview of your understanding of the major themes studied in the unit/subject (and within
the discipline context), often indicating how your understanding of the themes has developed over time.
In the context of History there is often no need to include references/footnotes in a synoptic essay, but
check this with your tutor/lecturer.