WRITING RESOURCES | TYPES OF PAPERS
Literature Review
A literature review is the overview and critical evaluation of a body of literature with regards to a research
question. Rather than discussing each source one after another, it analyzes the literature as a whole in
order to present the field of study's major ideas, theories, concepts and debates and to reveal the gaps in
the literature. This analysis helps not only to establish the validity of a research project, but also to formulate
a clear research question. The literature review can be a paper in itself or be part of a larger research
project. Here is the suggested format for this type of paper.
This resource is not exhaustive and does not replace the assignment instructions given in class.
Writing a paper must always be done according to the professor's requirements.
Introduction
•
Context
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Thesis
What is the central idea of the literature review?
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Outline
Body
•
Trends and themes in the literature with regards to the topic
What is known and unknown? How are the sources similar or different? Which sources are the most
convincing? Why? Overall, what does the literature tell you?

Organize the sections of the paper in a logical order so that the reader can easily follow your
literature review. If the paper is long, section headings are a good way to specify its structure.

Use critical thinking to make thought-provoking connections or comparison between ideas.
Conclusion
•
Summary
What have you drawn from the literature?
•
Final thought
What are the gaps in the literature?
© 2014
Academic Writing Help Centre (AWHC)
University of Ottawa
WRITING RESOURCES | TYPES OF PAPERS
GUIDELINES
STEP 1) Following the instructions
• In order to meet the course requirements and the professor's expectations, you must follow the
instructions. Make sure that you understand and respect them.
STEP 2A) Planning the literature review: Evaluating the information
• As you read each source, note recurrent ideas, theories, concepts and debates.
 Possible questions for analysis: What is the argument? Is it well developed and defended? Does the
methodology allow the author to effectively address the topic? Does the theoretical framework allow the
author to draw relevant and convincing conclusions? What are the possible biases? Are they hidden or
openly recognized?
STEP 2B) Planning the literature review: Comparing the sources
• As you compare the sources, identify dominant trends and themes.
 Possible elements for comparison: Arguments, key terms, methodologies, results and conclusions,
theoretical approaches, topics ...
STEP 2C) Planning the literature review: Establishing the thesis
• As you organize the sections of the paper, formulate the central idea of your literature review (like you
would for any other paper).
 Example of a central idea: Although some historians make a correlation between the Ukrainian Catholic
and Orthodox churches and the retention of Ukrainian culture and language by Ukrainian immigrants in
Canada, little has been said of the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the development of Ukrainian
communities in Canada.
 Example of a research question: How has the Roman Catholic Church shaped Ukrainian Canadian
identity?
STEP 3) Writing the literature review
• Follow the outline and keep the thesis in mind.
• If your literature review is part of a larger research project, its thesis must be related to your research
question, as its purpose is to show the gaps in the literature that justify your research project.
STEP 4) Editing the literature review
• Before submitting your literature review, look at content, structure, language and references. Make sure
that you allow enough time for editing—putting the finishing touches to your paper helps to establish
your credibility as a writer.
© 2014
Academic Writing Help Centre (AWHC)
University of Ottawa