Writing: High-Level Professional & Academic C2 - Lesson 1: Writing an Abstract and Executive Summary

The Distiller

C2

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The Distiller

Abstract vs. Executive Summary

The Abstract

A descriptive summary for researchers. It is objective, passive, and follows the text structure.

Goal: "Here is what we found."

Executive Summary

A persuasive document for decision-makers. It highlights the problem, cost, and solution to prompt action.

Goal: "Here is what you should do."

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Abstract Architect

Build an IMRaD Abstract

1. Background (Context) ...Choose... This paper is about climate change. Climate volatility poses significant risks to global supply chains.

2. Methodology (Process) ...Choose... A quantitative analysis of 500 logistics firms was conducted. We looked at 500 companies.

3. Results (Findings) ...Choose... We found that money was lost. Results indicate a 15% correlation between volatility and revenue loss.

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The Pivot

Academic finding ➔ Business action

Academic Input:

"The data suggests that current software is inefficient."

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Executive Directive: "Recommendation: Allocate immediate funding for software upgrades to mitigate efficiency losses."

Note the shift: "Allocate" (Imperative verb) and "Mitigate" (Problem solving).

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Mission

Dual Wielding

Topic: A study on Remote Work Productivity.

Task 1 (Abstract):
Write one sentence summarizing the Result using passive voice ("It was found that...").

Task 2 (Exec Summary):
Write one sentence giving a Recommendation based on that result using active voice ("Implement a hybrid policy to...").