LibGuides: How to Do a Literature Review: Writing the Review

Helpful Resources

Literature Review Handout (The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill)

Writing the Literature Review (ESC Online Writing Center, Suny Empire State College)

Having completed the first 4 preparation steps, it is now time to begin writing your review. Generally, there are 5 parts to a literature review.

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Body
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography

The following are suggestions to help you organize your paper:

1. Abstract

Include a statement about your motivation behind your research topic
Include your thesis statement
Include a descriptive statement about the types of literature covered in the review
Include a summary of your findings
Include the conclusion(s) that can be drawn from your finding

2. Introduction

Define or identify the general topic or issue to provide the reader with context for reviewing the literature.
Describe the overall trends in what has been published about the topic; or conflicts in theory, methodology, evidence and conclusions; or gaps in research and scholarship; or a single problem or new perspective of immediate interest.
Explain any criteria you have used in comparing the literature and the overall organization of the review.
If needed, state why certain literature is not included (scope note).

3. Body

Group items by common factors (theme, school of thought, etc.)
Decide on the organization for your review: chronological; thematic; or methodical.
Provide a summary for each source with as much or as little detail as the item merits.

4. Conclusion

Include a summary of the major contributions from the significant studies in your review
Evaluate the current "state of the art" for the topic you reviewed. Point out any flaws or gaps you found, inconsistencies in theory, and issues that need additional study.
Tie it up by showing how this review is related to a larger area of study, discipline or profession.

5. Bibliography