Difference between an 'Abstract' and an 'Introduction' in a feature article?
I have to write a feature article for school. However, I'm confused how an abstract [a summary of my points] is different to an intro [Where you outline the points you're going to be elaborating in the body paragraphs]
Original Example:
Title:
Single Mothers, ‘the damaged goods’ of society?
Abstract:
They’re the unrepresented minorities in our society. Victims of social prejudice, these women are marginalised in media as a whole different class of people. They’re irresponsible sluts; ‘the damaged goods’. They’re woefully incapable of raising a baby with morals. They’re dependent; Work-shy-unambitious class of beings who only live off well-fare. Sadly, they’re the Single Mothers of our society.
Introduction: Confused! Shouldn't my 'abstract' text be my introduction paragraph?!
UPDATE: Remember that I am NOT writing a research paper, rather, a persuasive article, when writing your answers please.
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1 answer
An abstract is a quick summary or overview of the entire piece. It's used for search results (manual or computerized) — basically, the reader is saying, "Is this the piece I need as a source for X task?"
The introduction can vary in information and tone. It can be the classic "Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em," it can be a way to guide the reader into the topic with the thesis statement as the last sentence, it can be a teaser, etc.
Abstract:
Single mothers are often disparaged by society. This piece discusses some causes of single motherhood, how single mothers are viewed by various demographic groups, and potential means of raising their influence and societal status.
Introduction:
Single mothers. Who are they? A cluster of teenagers pushing strollers along the boardwalk. Young women barely in their 20s with a toddler on the stoop and another on the way. Professional women in their thirties whose marriages fall apart, and now have to juggle custody alongside Scout meeetings and soccer practice. A fortysomething hearing her biological clock clanging, paging desperately through bios of sperm donors. Different circumstances, different reasons, different lives, but all have one thing in common: each one is a woman with one or more children, and no partner. And all of them are slammed by society.
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