Specify the question / argument that the author(s) ask / make. This should usually take up just the
first two sentences or so. For a hint, begin every abstract with “In this chapter, [Author(s)] argue
Or “In this chapter, [Author(s)] Alternatively, you might write something like, “In this chapter
[Author(s)] use [Theorist / Theory] to
2) With the specific purpose of the chapter clear, now explain the theoretical concepts that the
authors introduce in order to answer the question / make the argument. These will always be from some
specific theorist or body of theory.
3) Show how the authors applied these concepts to explain/interpret the specific phenomena under
question. (Theories are very general and apply to many things. What are the very specific, observable
things that the authors refer to / show in this chapter?)
Note that exactly how you open an abstract can vary and #2 and 3 can often be integrated. Whether they are
or not depends on the best way of organizing the material for clarity. It is a question of writing. There is no
one correct way.
