Evaluate the current “state of the art” or state of the topic that represents your research question by pointing out gaps in the literature, inconsistencies and issues
a. define or identify the general topic, issue or area of concern
b. point out overall trends in what has already been published
c. establish your point of view for reviewing the literature Include your research
question!
d. indicate the organization of the review
II. Body
In the body you should:
a. group research studies and other relevant literature according to a common
theme for example, you may find prevailing theories and/or practices involved with
your research; you can use these as thematic sections for the body of your literature
review
b. summarize each item of the literature appropriately according to its significance
c. compare and evaluate each item of the literature
1
d. provide topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs and summary sentences
at the end of sections to help the reader understand what the main issues are
III. Conclusion
In the conclusion you should:
a. summarize the literature maintaining the focus presented in the introduction
b. evaluate the current “state of the art” or state of the topic that represents your
research question by pointing out gaps in the literature, inconsistencies and issues
that are important for future study
c. conclude by giving some insight into the relationship between your topic and a
larger area of study or area of professional practice
