Abstracts vary some by discipline, but within a discipline, they often follow predictable patterns. Some general observations can be made. Abstracts are usually 100 to 300 words long. They use cited references sparingly. They are meant to standalone and be understood without the larger work. Each sentence has a particular job or function.

Hyland (2007) introduces a five-part model he observed across academic articles. Abstracts commonly have these parts: introduction, purpose, method, result, and conclusion. Each part has a different communicative goal or specific function. Most abstracts examined had purpose, method, and result with about half including a clear introduction and conclusion.