Literature Review

 

“You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.”
—Saul Bellow (1915-2005)
Winner, Nobel Prize for Literature in 1976

Literature reviews can be found as separate exercises in several applications but they are most frequently prepared in the context of an academic thesis or dissertation. The review evaluates and reports on what has already been written by scholarly writers as well as suitably qualified researchers. The report is structured in such as way as to draw attention to any gaps in the available literature that may well be filled by the subject thesis or dissertation.

The preparation of a literature review is a demonstration of the candidate’s ability to recognize, organize and evaluate relevant information to best illustrate a pre-determined thesis.  Some of the objectives of a literature review are to:

  • Establish an intellectual context for your research
  • Identify others working in the same field,
  • Seek out dissenting or opposing views
  • Discover ideas relative to your research
  • Build on the research of others
  • Give a perspective to your research
  • Discern gaps in the available literature
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How WordsRU Helps With Your Literature Review

Whether your editing and proofreading needs relate to an academic thesis, novel, biography, cookbook or any other form of manuscript; a business report, marketing plan, an e-book, academic handbook, feature article, magazine essay, corporate prospectus or a literature review, the combination of professional editors and proofreaders who understand the relevant criteria for your project and your objectives, along with a thorough check for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax and typographical errors will always give your work that winning edge.

WordsRU - Literature Review

 

WordsRU’s writers and editors will ensure your literature review serves the objectives of your research paper, dissertation or thesis. They will point out any ambiguities or anomalies, make comments and offer suggestions, and ensure your discussion is coherent, cohesive and cogent. Their proofing and editing will include a check for compliance with your chosen citation style whether that be APA, MLA, Chicago Style, Turabian, Harvard or one of the other variations. The individual style requirements for submission to your university or journal can also be implemented or checked for compliance.

Our Editors' Tips On Literature Reviews

As mentioned earlier in this resource note, a literature review can be part of a thesis or dissertation or a separate exercise in any one of a number of contexts. The preparation of a literature review follows a general structure than may be tailored to individual requirements. Where the literature review is a separate exercise, the general structural outline given below may be taken as a guide: 

General Structure

  • Cover page
  • Table of contents
  • List of figures and tables (if applicable)
  • Abstract – sometimes called an executive summary
  • Key words
  • Introduction
  • Content – including sections and headings
  • Conclusion
  • Reference list or bibliography

Some Key Elements in the Process

  1. Key words
  2. Research – various sources including databases and catalogues
  3. Keep a detailed and accurate record of all references – you will need them.
  4. Search for a conceptual thread in the literature
  5. Start thinking about your abstract and making notes
  6. Make notes - separate page for each author
  7. Group authors who share similar views
  8. Start to write the body of the literature review
  9. Discuss your progress with your professor or supervisor — verify that your logic is sound and that you are on the right track.
  10. Bring your conceptual threads together into a cohesive whole  
  11. Write your conclusion
  12. Write the introduction
  13. Write and revise the abstract — it should offer a succinct outline of your literature review
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WordsRU have significant experience in the editing and proofreading of literature reviews of all types, and especially in the academic context.
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