How to Write a 7-Page Literature Review in One Day
If you need to write a literature review in a short amount of time, follow these steps:
Start with Google Scholar
- Know your topic and search on Google Scholar.
- Limit sources to those published within the last 5-10 years.
Skim Through Summaries
- Quickly read through summaries or abstracts of research papers.
- Pick the top 10 most relevant sources.
Summarize Each Source
- Write a brief 3-5 sentence summary for each source.
- Focus on main points, methodology, or conclusions.
Organize the Sources Logically
- Arrange the sources in a logical order that flows well.
- Ensure there's a smooth progression from one source to the next.
Create Transitions Between Sources
- Write transition sentences between each source to maintain flow.
- Link ideas to show how one study leads to the next.
Write the Introduction and Conclusion
- Craft an introductory paragraph to outline the purpose of your review.
- End with a conclusion summarizing key findings and research gaps.
Put Everything Together
- Combine your summaries into a cohesive draft.
- Ensure your paragraphs flow logically from one to the next.
Final Edits
- Spell check your document and ensure proper formatting.
- Add a complete reference list in the required citation style.