Literature Review Writing Tips — From Summaries to Real Synthesis
The mistake most students make is describing one paper per paragraph. That is a summary, not a review. Real literature reviews compare, contrast, and identify patterns across sources — then use those patterns to argue for the gap your research fills.
Group by theme, not by author
Ask what the field agrees on, disagrees on, and has not yet answered. Each paragraph covers one theme with 3–8 sources contributing to it. This is what examiners call 'synthesis'.
Argue where you can
'Smith (2020) found X, but Jones (2022) found the opposite — the difference may be explained by sample size.' That single sentence does more analytical work than a paragraph of summary.
Use recent sources
Most reviewers expect 60–80% of sources from the last 5–10 years. Older sources are fine for foundational theory but should not dominate.
End with the gap
The last section makes the case for your research question. It should feel inevitable after everything you just showed.
FAQ
How many sources should I cite?
Rule of thumb: 30–50 for a chapter review, 80–200 for a full-thesis or systematic review.
Can I use secondary sources?
Sparingly. Always try to read and cite the original.
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