A literature review focuses on a specifictopic and related thesis statement and gives a detailed report on published scientific literature surrounding the topic.

Tips:

• Look for reputable sources from peer reviewed journals and publications
• Have a clear thesis, not just a summary
• Provide a synthesis of current understanding and analysis for future directions
• Create new figures that address the above points

Resource: Why and How to Write a High-Impact Review Paper: Lessons From Eight Years of Editorial Board Service to Reviews of Geophysics"

Infographic by Amy Foltz

An abstract gives a summary before a scientific article about the purpose, hypothesis, methods and main findings of the journal. A good abstract should highlight the key information of the study and should not include any new information not included in the body.

Tips:

• Declare the objective/thesis of the report
• Establish the methods used
• What were the key results?
• What are the conclusions?
• Keep it concise
• Consider a structured abstract (where it is broken up into scientific process)
• Make sure not to include any new information not included in paper

Resources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136027/
• https://www.editage.com/insights/a-10-step-guide-to-make-your-research-paper-abstract-more-effective

Making a clear title that includes the relevant information or thesis of the paper will make it easier for a reader to know what to expect within the report. Often they have short creative titles followed by a subtitle that more clearly defines the thesis.

TIPS:

• Interesting
• Clearly shows what the research subject is
• Sample type and/or size researched is obvious

Resources:

• https://www.enago.com/academy/write-irresistible-research-paper-title/
• https://www.enago.com/academy/writing-a-good-research-title-things-to-avoid/