Academic Writer

academic writer: organization: abstracts: present tense

Use of the present tense
This is very common when you describe the contents of your paper. Notice also how the subject progresses from 'This paper...' to 'It...' to 'The paper...'
EXAMPLE

The characteristics of the human decision making process
This paper explores our new understanding that human decision making is a subjective rather than an objective process. It considers how our decision making process is changing the way in which we will be required to be accountable for our decision making. These developments have implications for the medical profession, particularly in light of our claim of professional status within society. How we come to terms with subjectively and the rights of individuals and groups within society to be part of our decision making will have significant impact on where we go as a profession. The paper concludes with some ideas on hoe education might effect the role of the medical profession in the future.

using 'will' to describe the future
using the passive
using bullet points

Academic Writer 2000