Undergraduate Thesis Abstract and Literature Translation

By Elite Translation

For many undergraduate students, writing a thesis is the final—and often most significant—academic task of their college life. Among all its components, the English abstract and literature translation are frequently overlooked, yet they carry great weight in demonstrating academic professionalism and language competence.

In this article, we’ll explore why these two sections matter, the common pitfalls students face, and how to improve them through careful translation and review.

What Is an Abstract—and Why Does It Matter?

An abstract is a concise summary of your research, typically including:

• The background and context

• The purpose or research objective

• The methodology used

• Key findings and conclusions

Most universities require both Chinese and English abstracts. A well-written English abstract reflects not only your academic quality, but also your language proficiency and global communication ability.

For students applying for postgraduate programs, submitting to international conferences, or building a bilingual portfolio, the abstract becomes even more critical.

What Is Literature Translation?

In undergraduate theses, "literature translation" usually refers to:

1. Translating foreign references into Chinese — to demonstrate understanding of international research;

2. Translating Chinese references into English — especially when citing domestic sources in an English abstract.

Accurate translation ensures:

• Correct understanding and representation of original sources

• Academic integrity in citation

• A professional and credible tone

Common Problems Students Face

1. Over-reliance on Machine Translation

Many students turn to machine translation tools to generate English abstracts quickly. However, this often leads to:

• Inconsistent tense usage

• Literal translation of terms without context

• Long, awkward sentences with poor logic flow

Tip: Machine translation is a good starting point, but always follow with manual revision and professional proofreading.

2. Misinterpreting or Improvising Literature Translations

Some students guess the meaning of foreign article titles or paraphrase them without checking the original context. This can result in:

• Mistranslation of keywords

• Loss of academic meaning

• Risk of misleading readers or misrepresenting sources

Tip: Always verify official English titles from academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, CNKI, PubMed), and avoid translating citations from memory or approximation.

How to Improve Your Abstract and Literature Translation

1. Follow a Clear Structure
   A recommended abstract structure: background → objective → methods → results/conclusion

2. Use Field-Appropriate Terminology
   Refer to professional glossaries, journals, or previous academic papers in your discipline

3. Vary Sentence Structures
   Avoid repetitive phrasing like “This paper aims to...” at the start of every paragraph

4. Read and Imitate High-Quality Samples
   Learn from well-translated theses or published articles in your field

5. Seek Professional Support
   For students applying abroad or submitting to indexed journals, professional translation and proofreading (like those from Elite Translation) can significantly enhance your academic presentation.

Final Thoughts

The abstract and literature translation are more than just formalities—they are essential parts of your academic voice. Writing them well requires careful thought, accurate language, and attention to detail.

At Elite Translation, we specialize in academic translation, abstract editing, literature review support, and bilingual formatting. Whether you’re preparing for graduation, publication, or further study, we’re here to help you present your work professionally and confidently.

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