Define your topic carefully, outlining its scope and limits.
Explain the criteria by which you will review the literature, and the organization of your review.
Summarize what has been published, focusing on different theories, methods, evidence and conclusions from the previous studies.
Mention new areas of interest for future studies.
The Body
Summarize the articles according to their importance. The more important the study, the more time you should spend on its summary.
Focus on comparisons and analysis of the previous studies and how they relate to your own inquiry. This is a necessary part of a literature review. Be sure to show the relevance of these previous studies to your thesis and research.
The Conclusion
Point out gaps in research, inconsistencies in your findings and areas for further study.
Summarize the significant articles and research studies from the literature, being sure to tie it to your thesis.
