Both informative abstracts and executive summaries are brief synopses of reports or other technical papers. Each must address its readers on a level they can understand and accurately represent the content of the original document.

Each must make sense as a standalone document. They differ in some key ways, however.

Informative Abstracts

• Are aimed at a technical or expert audience

• Summarize key information in the report

• Examine data and results

• May briefly touch on methods if pertinent

• Use language appropriate to intended audience

• Contain 150 to 250 words

Executive Summaries

• Are aimed at managers or other non-expert audience

• Supply a context for the report

• Focus on how information can be used

• Emphasize conclusions and recommendations rather than data or methods

• Use semitechnical language, and define technical terms and abbreviations

• Are geared towards quick reading and decision-making: may use headings, subheadings, lists, charts

• Run to roughly 1/10 the length of the original report

Obviously, both forms are extremely space-constrained, and thus writing them requires compression and skill. Above all, avoid "metadiscourse"--statements that set up other statements, or lead-ins that tell readers what they already know, as in "This report on 'Eco-Friendly Methods of Paint Removal,' by the consulting team of Doilette and Tesh, describes various methods for removing paint that do not harm the environment as much as the conventional methods, which use toxic chemicals." Your heading material should have title and authors. Better to jump right in: "Unlike conventional methods of paint removal, which are toxic and harm the environment, eco-friendly alternatives are available: ___, ___, and ___. Option A works __ but has ___. Option B is ___ effective but ____" etc.

For more information, contact the Writing Across the Curriculum program.

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