Writing an effective research summary or profile Content Does the summary give a clear indication of the research problem, question or hypothesis ? or at least a definable topic area? Style Is every sentence - and every word - doing something for the reader? How many words are wasted on phrases like ?this dissertation sets out to show?? How could any parts be rephrased to have more impact? Is the vocabulary generally strong and positive (e.g. ?demonstrates?, ?shows?, ?critiques?), or is it weak and vague (e.g. ?hopes?, ?tries?, ?attempts?)? Is the profile written in the present tense (good) or the future tense (less good)? Are the sentences too long (try reading it aloud ? do you finish breathless?!) or too short (do you sound like Tony Blair)?