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How to Write a

Good Abstractwith Byron Haynes, Jr. P.E.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons

Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 International License

Outline

Definition/Purpose

Abstract components

Tips for writing an abstract

Selection criteria

Submission process

Abstract Purpose

Summarize contents of manuscript

Write so paper gets accepted by the

committee

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General Abstract Qualities

Condensed version of the full text

Detailed as possible

Contain as much information on the analyses

Should not present a biased picture, such as only

favorable outcomes

Explains uniqueness of the paper

For majority of readers, paper doesnt exist

beyond its abstract (write it well!)

Components of Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Findings

Conclusions

Introduction

One to two sentence on purpose of study

What is the problem/objectives

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Methods

Review methodology used in the work

What did you do

How did you do it

Findings

Summarize main findings

What did you learn?

Conclusions

Outline what is significant

What do your findings mean?

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Before You Start

Ensure that you have company approval

To write the paper and travel to present

If you are not there to present, your paper

may be pulled from OnePetro!

Survey existing literature

Related papers from OnePetro

Source for references for your paper

Before You Start

Meet your deadlines!

If accepted, be sure you will have time to

write your paper

No paper = No podium

See guidelines:

www.spe.org/authors/conference papers

Tips for Writing an Abstract

Tips:

Your title should avoid words like new and

improved.

Avoid literature overview in your objective.

Answer the what and how in your

method.

Highlight the importance of your findings in

your observations.

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A Good Abstract Has

A good title! It should be short, direct, and

informative

No more than 450 words (check specific

conference details)

Clear paper summary (write clearly!)

State significant new information

Conclusions

Improve Your Chances to

Succeed

Organize your thoughts

Use simple sentences

Use common terminology

Proofread your proposal!!!

Technically sound story

Clearly demonstrate literature contribution

Improve Your Chances to

Succeed

Do not exceed the word count limitation

No spelling or grammar errors

Do not use run-on sentences

No references allowed

No figures or tables (except IPTC)

No commercial sales pitch

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What is the Committee

Looking For?

Be concise yet descriptive, without

trademarks or company names. For the program committee, being too commercial is the kiss of death a paper

will be kicked out quickly. Avoid judgment words like new and

innovative.

Mario Zamora

M-I SWACOMember of ATCE

Offshore Europe program committees

Selection Criteria

Abstract must demonstrate that your paper

will:

Contribute technical or present relevant and

interesting information to the body of literature

Present technically sound story

Present new knowledge or experience not

previously published

Selection Criteria

No commerciality

not promote specific companies,

products, or

services

Reviewed and ranked on a scale of 1-6.

1 being inferior and

6 being exceptional.

Ranking process takes about a month.

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Submitting your abstract

Changes to the abstract process

Submission form divided into 4 separate categories. The categories are:

1. Objectives/Scope

2. Methods, Procedures, Process

3. Results, Observations, Conclusions

4. Novel/Additive Information

Online structure to Abstract

Submission

Submitting Your Abstract

SPE abstract submission process

Follow the instructions

Include names and emails of all co-authors

Indicate for e-poster consideration

Submit online, follow the link from the event page or email

For more instructions visit

www.spe.org/authors

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Questions?