Save your paper as a document file. Open the file, and move your cursor to the top of the first page. Make a new first page for your document that includes only the title of your paper, your name and your school or organization. This will be your title page. The text should be centered on the page and double-spaced.
Press enter, and scroll down to the bottom of your title page to create a new second page for your paper. This is where you will put your abstract. On the first line at the top, type the word "Abstract," and center it. Do not apply any special features to this title, such as underlining or quotation marks.
If you have not already done so, open a new document and write your abstract. If you need help, go back to your thesis and your main points. Remember that your abstract serves as a concise overview of your entire paper. It is not just an introduction. As is the case with all papers, be sure to save your work as you type.
Cut and paste the text in your abstract to insert it onto the second page of your primary document. Select all the text in your abstract document, so that it is highlighted. Press the control key, and while you are pressing down, press the x key. Next, click on your original document, one space below your abstract heading on the second page. Press the control key, and while you are pressing down, press the v key. If you are using a Mac, you will press the apple key instead of the control key for both steps.
Make sure your abstract is formatted correctly. It should begin one space below your title, and it should be a single, double-spaced paragraph without an indent. Additionally, be sure that your entire paper is formatted correctly. Your title page should be your first page, your abstract should be on the second page, and your paper should begin on the third page.
To make your paper more searchable in online databases, put a list of keywords from your paper at the bottom of your abstract. These should be placed on the line below your abstract, centered and italicized.