The benefits of abstracting are in turn mostly applicable to the entire spectrum of writing instruction.

       2 The genres

       In the following we give a detailed overview of two important genres: the abstract and the proposal.

       2.1 Abstracts

       Abstracting is a series of small challenges: no two are alike, yet the writing must be consistent, accurate and finished on time. The abstractor should also enjoy the challenge of reducing the work to its essentials. A creative, detective-like skill is needed to find the main points in a wordy, poorly written article (Neufeld and Cornog 1983, 1().

       Abstracting can be defined as an activity of representing the most important information of a text in a shorter than the original text from a pre-defined viewpoint. The represented (original) text is mainly in a source language different from the target language of the representing text, i.e. the abstract. The abstract has to fulfill the minimal function of allowing its user to decide whether the original text has to be read or not.

       Abstracting is a purposeful understanding of the original text, its interpretation and then a special projection of the information deemed to be worth of abstracting into a new text.

       The first stage of the abstracting process is orientation, followed by the interiorization of the perceived needs, planning, translation (execution) and review.

       An important element of many of these stages is reading, a special technique of which is selective reading, that allows the exploration of the text, searching for useful information, then immerse study of selected segments of the text.

       It is especially important to differentiate between informative abstracts and indicative ones. Indicative abstracts exclusively consist of indicative utterances, informative abstracts consist of informative utterances, while mixed (indicative-informative) abstracts contain a blend of these. Indicative abstracts contain some kind reference to the original that is (often implicitly) the following: “(In) the (abstracted) document…”, etc.

       Abstracting is a professional activity based on abilities and skills that can be and have to be learnt. It is based on summarizing information that can be spontaneous, everyday activity, but can also acquire a semi-professional character.

       The quality of abstracts can be judged using the following criteria:

       • What is the level of abstraction?

       • Is there enough important information of the original text included in the abstract?

       • Are unnecessary details excluded?

       • Are there any misunderstandings of the original text reflected in the abstract?

       • How well is it worded in the target language ? (Koltay 2003)

       2.2 Proposals

       Proposals represent a genre that is highly useful for any writer, including translators. Well-written proposals multiply the chances of being accepted. In many cases proposals have to be prepared in two or more languages. Translators familiar with the genre and the cultural differences between the source and the target language can render a highly useful service. This is true even if we know that proposals differ by their type and conditions of their submission.

       In the most general terms, a written proposal is a document in which the writer offers something beneficial to the reader in exchange for something in return.

       The writer (or writers and the organization they represent) may offer to conduct research, develop systems, design and build equipment, improve services, repair damage, increase profits, etc. In return, the reader (or readers and the organization they represent) will provide funding, payment, equipment, and other support.

       The proposal may reflect a need r

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