How to Build a Literature Review

Conclusions

• Wrap up evaluations of debates and the overall topic.
• oLike any other conclusion, provide the reader with an overall synthesis of the research, the debates and stances, and the topic in general.
• Bring up your gap again.
• oMake sure you remind the reader of your gap and how it will apply to the current debates. How is it arguable?
• Explain the implications.
• oShow the reader how your gap will affect the research going forward. Is it asking for more research? Is it challenging a former assumption? Is it providing a possible research-based solution?

Additional Notes

• Revise!

• oRevision is essential to a literature review. Any time your argument changes, your sources are updated, or you simply receive feedback, you have to update the literature review. They can always be revised to be clearer and more connected.

• Use examples.

• oIf you need help, sometimes it helps to view templates and examples. These can be found on the internet for any discipline.
• Organize with an annotated bibliography and source locations.
• oTo keep your citations organized and available, create an annotated bibliography that includes links (if available).

• Come to the Writing Center!

• oMake appointments with the Writing Center for any and all help with literature reviews.