YSP Summer Focus – Writing Course

Abstract, Introduction, and Discussion Worksheet

The Abstract, Introduction, and Discussion sections of a scientific paper are typically
written last to ensure they include all the pertinent information relating to background
material and experimental results. As discussed in class, the abstract summarizes the
major aspects of the paper (introduction, methods, results and discussion) in one
paragraph. The introduction should establish the context of the scientific project while
also explicitly stating a hypothesis, rationale, and approach of the work. Finally, the
discussion should provide a careful analysis and interpretation of the reported results.
Altogether, these three sections will complete the first draft of your scientific paper!
For next week, read the provided paper and answer the questions below on whether the
authors constructed effective Abstract, Introduction, and Discussion sections.
Did the abstract summarize elements from the introduction, methods, results, and
discussion sections? Summarize the entire paper in 1-2 sentences.

Did the introduction provide enough background information to help you

understand the question(s) being asked? What specific question is being asked?

Did the introduction contain a clearly stated hypothesis, rationale and approach?
State the hypothesis, rationale and approach in 1-2 sentences.

Did the discussion include a thorough interpretation of the reported results? Did
they compare/contrast their findings to others’ findings? Summarize the major findings
in 2-3 sentences. What’s new and exciting about these results?

Did the discussion provide future directions? Where will the authors go from here?