ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we will explore what goes into a thesis abstract and how to
organize it. First, we will talk about the purpose of an abstract. Then, we will focus
on the typical content found in a thesis abstract and how to present it well. We will
look at an abstract written by a Master's student and compare it to one written by a
Doctoral student, providing detailed analysis to give you a clear understanding of
our approach. This will help you understand the rest of the book. We will also
discuss an important language feature of thesis abstracts. The chapter will end with
answers to common questions, additional activities, and a list of readings related to
the chapter's content.
THE FUNCTIONS OF A THESIS ABSTRACT
The key aim of a thesis abstract is to introduce the reader to the main considerations of the thesis
so most often include the functions presented below
Functions of a thesis abstract
1. The aims of the study
2. The background and context of the study
3. The methodology and methods used in the study
4. The key findings of the study
5. The contribution of the study to the field of knowledge
To some extent, it also has a persuasive function, namely, to con- vince readers that the main text
has something new and important to offer. In the next section, we will look at the type of content
that may be presented in an abstract and of ways of effectively struc- turing it. In doing so, you
will see how both the content and its organization are determined by the functions of an abstract.

THE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE OF A THESIS ABSTRACT

In Chapter 1, we talked about how genre analysis helps writers understand the typical content
and structure of different parts of a thesis. This involves using various "moves" (units of content)

and "sub-moves" (steps or strategies for presenting these units). In this section, we will look at
the different moves and sub-moves you can use when writing a thesis abstract.

Literature Review:
In this chapter, we’ll talk about the purpose and structure of the literature review. It’s usually the
first chapter students work on, starting with a draft during the thesis proposal stage. We’ll guide
you through creating your first draft, focusing on the main body before the introduction and
conclusion. Let’s start by discussing the aims of the literature review chapter.
Function of Literature review:
The literature review in a research article serves to summarize existing knowledge on a topic,
highlight gaps or controversies, and provide context for the study’s objectives and findings.
1. A review of the non-research literature that summarizes and synthesizes background and
contextual information
2. A review of theoretical perspectives that underpin or inform your research project
3. A review of the research literature relevant to your study
4. A critique that
(a) Identifies arguments for and against issues and controversies related to functions 1-3
above and
 (b) Assesses or weighs up the value of theories, ideas, claims, research designs, methods
and conclusions, including an identification of strengths and weaknesses.
5. An identification of gaps or shortcomings in this knowledge and research
6. A rationale justifying why the gap was important and significant enough to be filled
7. An explanation of how the design and execution of your research project was informed by
steps 1-6 above. This is likely to explain how the literature provided
(a) A focus for the research questions or hypotheses that were
Investigated and
(b) Guidelines for an appropriate methodology and design
Content and structure of literature review:
The literature review is structured like a table of contents, with headings and subheadings

covering non-research and research literature relevant to your project. It’s not just a summary; it
also critiques the material, weighing arguments and identifying gaps in knowledge. You’ll need
to explain why you focused on certain gaps in your study. Finally, you’ll discuss how your
research addresses these gaps. The review includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, with
the main decision being how to organize the body.

Methodology
In this chapter, we’ll talk about the purpose and organization of the methodology
chapter. It’s usually straightforward to write because you’ve already planned out
the issues and processes before collecting data. If you’re reading this while
planning your study, it’s important to understand what this chapter does. We’ll
outline its key functions, discuss how to structure it effectively, cover important
language features, answer common questions, and provide further reading
references.
Function of Methodology in Thesis:
In the previous chapter, we talked about the functions of a literature review and how they’re
usually logically ordered. However, there isn’t just one way to structure your argument. In the
methodology chapter, we’ll discuss how to achieve a logical flow by describing and justifying
data collection processes before or after explaining the study’s design and methods.

Unlike the literature review, which has multiple moves and sub-moves, the methodology chapter
is like one big topic with moves presented only once. Occasionally, some sub-moves may be
repeated, especially if there’s more than one method of data collection.
Content and structure of Methodology:
The main moves and sub-moves discussed here are commonly found in empirical theses. Authors
might choose to present their options in a different order, which is something to discuss with
your supervisor. Either way, you can still make a logical argument. You might consider whether
outlining the methodological approach at the beginning of the chapter, rather than after data
collection procedures, is more effective. Also, while the lists of sub-moves are comprehensive,
they’re not exhaustive. You may need to add other sub-moves to fully describe and justify your
methodology.

Result
Introduction:
This chapter is about showing what you found in your study. Some theses put both the results
and the discussion in one chapter. Like in other chapters, we’ll start by explaining what a results
chapter does. Then, we’ll look at different ways you can present your results and organize them
well. After that, we’ll analyze parts of a sample thesis, discuss important features of results
chapters, answer common questions, suggest activities, and give more reading options.
Function:
This chapter is all about showing the results of your investigation in a way that makes it clear
how they relate to your research questions or guesses. Sometimes, you’ll need to mention things
from your methods section again and hint at what you’ll talk about in the discussion part later.
When you share each result, you’ll also need to decide if you should explain what it means.
You’ll use evidence like numbers, examples, tables, or graphs from your data a lot to back up
what you found.
1. A presentation of the results/findings of your study that are relevant to your research
questions/hypotheses
2. An explanation of what the findings mean (without interpretation.
3. A presentation of evidence in support of your findings
4. References back to details of methodology and background/context
5. Refrence forward to discussion of results issues
The content and structure of Thesis result:
The main structure of the results chapter usually follows the research questions or guesses.
Sometimes, authors group their results under themes or topics related to the research questions.
Others mix themes or topics within the structure of each research question. Once you’ve chosen
your main structure, you’ll need to decide the order to present your specific findings. When
introducing each new finding, think about what extra details will help explain it. There are
different ways you can organize your findings, as shown in Box 6b.