The abstract is a one paragraph description of your research. It tells the reader what they will find in the paper. The abstract immediately follows the title page. By having a clear research question and a solid abstract, you will be able to focus your thoughts as you engage in your research. One of the mistakes that many students make, when they create an abstract is that they use the first person. They will say something like: “In my paper, I will…” This is a big no, no. Do not use the first person. Instead say something like; “This paper will… Instead of saying “my research…, say “this research…” This is just the proper from for doing formal research.