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Scientific Writing for Beginners (4): Title and Abstract
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How to choose a strong title?
A strong title offers two things:
1) the topic of the research;
2) its unique identity that is different from all other papers in the field.
Test: Does it stand out from a computer search, say using "Web of Science"?
How to find a strong title for a paper?
• Being precise (using the right words and appropriate level of accuracy);
• Using no more than three or four details;
• Avoiding being too long;
• Avoiding unfamiliar abbreviations.
The abstract is to help readers to decide whether or not they need to read this paper.
When you cannot find a concise title to separate your work from others, you can use the abstract to do so.
Rules for using abbreviations in the abstract:
Define only those that you will use in the abstract, not those you will use in the main text. For example:
The sea-surface temperature (SST) in the eastern Pacific Ocean becomes abnormally warm every 3-5 years, known as the El Nino. The authors use SST data derived by satellite to show another El Nino is on the way.
Note that the purpose for defining abbreviations is for speedy writing and reading. Avoid using confusing abbreviations, such as AS (just-in-time definition for Arabian Sea), NC (North China), etc. Just-in-time definition is what I prefer; however, most journals in my fields (oceanography and meteorology) still do not accept just-in-time definition. (It’s time for “evolution.”)
For more information, please visit 任胜利的博客 on
References: The craft of scientific writing by Michael Alley (1987, 1996)
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