Abstract
The Abstract is often optional for research papers. Students enrolled in courses at Strayer University should verify with the instructor if an Abstract is required for the paper. The Abstract should be written in block form, which means that the paragraph should not be indented. The Abstract should contain between 150 and 250 words and should not contain in-text citations or references. The Abstract provides a brief summary of the paper and usually contains words such as, "This paper will discuss...", or "The purpose of this paper is to..." The Abstract should not to be confused with the thesis statement. Write the Abstract in short and concise sentences that tell the story of the paper. The Abstract should be written after the entire paper has been completed. The Abstract should be located after the title page, but before the introduction of the paper. Do not write the Abstract in first-person; write the Abstract in third-person.