A summary is a concise presentation of relevant points of content. The simple summary is a text that does not exceed one page, highlighting the main subjects of the original document. An expanded summary is a longer version, which can be between 4 and 5 pages, with the various aspects of the source content.
| simple summary | expanded summary | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a short text with the main information and ideas of an article or other document. | It should present the main information of the source text in a more in-depth way than the abstract simple, needing to contain bibliographic references and correlations with other works in the area in question. |
| total pages | 1 | Depends on specific specifications for each submission |
| number of words | From 300 to 500 | Depends on specific specifications for each submission |
| Language | Active and in the third person singular, with indirect speech | Active and in the third person singular, with indirect speech |
What is summary?
According to the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), an abstract should highlight the objective, method, results and conclusions of the original text. Each of the subjects must be inserted in paragraphs, it is not possible to make them in topics, as this type of text is not considered a summary.
Whether a simple or extended summary, before starting, it is recommended to include the reference of the original document. It is also important to create a concise text, with affirmative sentences.
At the beginning, it is crucial that the first sentence already explains the main theme of the source article; afterwards, it is necessary to indicate the treatment given to the topic (whether it is a case study, data analysis, etc.).
Another point highlighted by ABNT for a summary is the voice used in the text. It needs to be active and in the third person singular, the text having the expected impartiality for the content.
With this in mind, it is worth noting that objectivity in the language and construction of sentences is extremely important.
It is also necessary to include keywords, which must be separated by periods.
In addition, if it is not extremely important for the text, avoid symbols, formulas, equations, among other details of the genre. And if they are really needed, it is crucial that they are defined the first time they appear on the job.
Simple summary structure
Although some universities and institutions have their own rules for the presentation of abstracts, according to ABNT, a simple abstract must have between 300 and 500 words, and must not exceed this limit. This will ensure that the text does not exceed one page, which is the maximum allowed.
Even with a small word limit, simple abstracts should include the essential elements of the text on which they are based.
Another fundamental point is to follow the order of the document, so the steps are explained in the summary in the same way that the author of the original document sequenced the work.
The most accepted format for a simple abstract is one page in A4, with margins of 3 centimeters (top and left) and 2 centimeters (bottom and right). The title must be in all caps and bold.
The text must be in Times New Roman font and size 12, with single spacing between lines. Arial font size 10 is also generally accepted.
The result should look like this:
- Title
- abstract text
- Key words
Expanded summary structure
As with the simple one, the expanded summary should include everything essential in the source document. However, it is necessary to include bibliographic references and correlations of the main subject with similar works in the research area.
To better understand, see the expanded abstract as a smaller version of the original work, and many texts of this genre are disseminated among academic professionals.
Therefore, it is essential that the reader can understand the general ideas quickly, but without losing crucial elements of the original.
It may not even be necessary, but it is worth remembering: the cohesion and coherence of the text on which the expanded summary is based must be maintained. Therefore, it is of vital importance that the author is aware of the nuances to be absorbed from the details of the work.
But there are also limits: an expanded abstract must be between 4 and 5 pages, and cannot exceed this maximum.
Although the submission rules are different for each type of publication, ABNT recommends that this type of work have the title in capital letters and in bold.
The text must be justified and in Times New Roman font, size 12 and single spacing between the lines. If you prefer Arial font, it is generally accepted in size 10.
It is worth paying attention to the page used, since the most widespread format is A4, with margins of 3 centimeters (top and left) and 2 centimeters (bottom and right).
However, it is good to remember: there are variations of these rules, depending on the institution for which the text is intended.
The information contained in an expanded summary must follow the order:
- Title
- simple summary
- Key words
- Introduction
- Results
- Tables and/or images
- Conclusion
With the key differences between a simple summary and an extended summary in mind, just get your hands dirty and get your work done! Remember to check if the institution to which the text is intended has another model for submission.
Although most Brazilian universities, colleges and scientific publications accept abstracts that follow ABNT rules, other institutions may have their own rules. So always stay tuned!
See also the difference between:
- General and specific objectives
- Page and page
- Search types
- college and university
- Deferred and Rejected
