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The Literature Review Step by Step: Step 6

Step by step process for writing a literature review.

Writing your Lit Review

You've completed your review of the literature and know the direction of your argument. Now it's time to write using the knowledge and evidence you've learned. This process can take time and a few edits to make your literature review excellent.

Steps to Writing

Review your notes on your topic and make sure you understand them. At this point in the process, you want to check in with yourself that you:

  1. Are Knowledgeable about your topic (what it is, why it is significant)
  2. Can clearly articulate the central thesis
  3. Have a sound argument and supporting evidence
  4. Draw conclusions that are compelling

When you are certain about the above elements, begin outlining, which is the beginning of your composition. 

Outlines 1) transform ideas you know about into analysis and interpretation, 2) help with organization, and 3) clarify the structure of the paper. 

  • Does the outline logically flow from one main idea to next, following the ideas in the thesis?
  • Are the claims strong and supported by strong evidence?
  • Is the conclusion warranted?
  • It avoids repetition?

The first rough draft should provide clear written communication that will increase the reader's understanding.

Remember the important elements to check for:

  1. The thesis is clear and specific. 
  2. The claims and evidence used to support the thesis and conclusions are logical and defendable.
  3. Using the correct style manual (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
  4. Proper grammar, syntax, point of view, verb tenses

It may take a few revisions of the rough draft before it is ready to be viewed by an outside reader. Choose a reviewer with expertise in the field and request constructive feedback. This will help during the revision process of the 2nd, even 3rd, draft.

When you have reached the best version of the literature review, it is time to polish the final product. When considering the final draft, think about the expectation of who is approving the publication and the audience. 

Take a break for a couple days and do a final check:

  1. Correct Style Guide (proper format, titles of tables, etc.)
  2. Proofread for grammar errors
  3. Does the writing flow well?

Your Librarian

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Kathryn Junco
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770-534-6193