Read the first two paragraphs of the essay carefully. Highlight the thesis or statement of purpose, which should appear in the first paragraph or at the beginning of the second paragraph. The thesis is the sentence that tells you what the writer will argue; a statement of purpose tells the reader what the essay will discuss if it is not an argument. Once in a while, a sophisticated writer will place the thesis at the end of the essay.
Read the rest of the essay carefully, highlighting the main point of each paragraph or section after finishing it. If you highlight as you read, you may find yourself highlighting everything. Do not highlight examples, explanations and supporting detail.
Write a paragraph that combines and condenses all the main points of each paragraph or long section into two to four concise sentences that accurately convey the main points without including any examples, explanations or supporting detail.
Add a first sentence that accurately paraphrases the thesis or statement of purpose.
Run a word count. The abstract should not be more than 150 words. Purdue University's Online Writing Lab recommends keeping abstracts under 100 words.
Edit the abstract if it is too long by cutting extraneous words and details that may not be necessary. Use grammar check to eliminate passive voice, which will save words and make your writing stronger. Also, combine sentences to eliminate words if necessary.
Print out and proofread aloud to catch grammatical errors, ensure that every sentence makes sense and to ensure that one sentence flows logically into next. Also, evaluate the final product to make sure that you have accurately represented the original essay.
Revise and proofread as many times as necessary.